The Monroe Messenger

Dear James Monroe Families,

February is always a busy and fast month with the hundredth day of school (I know...we can't believe it either!), Valentine's Day, President's Day, Black History Month and more. There is always so much to learn and accomplish. We feel it is even more critical with the unending sadness in the news, that we slow down and emphasize the social emotional skill of kindness.

We would like to highlight some of the generosity and kindness that is exemplified recently at James Monroe. Congratulations to our Student Council who sold hundreds of candy cane-grams to benefit St. Peter's Children's Hospital. And did you know that every Thursday morning, our students give shout outs during morning announcements to say "Thank You!" to someone at school who they appreciate.

Our February theme will be kindness! Each and every morning, we recite the Monroe Motto which includes these simple but powerful words "Choose Kindness", however we will practice ways to show acts of kindness throughout our day, both at school and at home. We hope you will join us in this mission!

We look forward to seeing you this month at our upcoming PTO Someone Special Dance on February 9th.

Warmly,

Cynthia Tufaro, principal

Maggie Callahan, assistant principal

Our music program thrives at James Monroe with more than 100 students involved in band, orchestra and chorus. On January 18th, Mrs. Sanchez and Ms. Ford showcased their talent at our Winter Concert. In just four short months, the children have learned how to read music and perform songs. We are so proud of our students for the extra time and practice it takes to accomplish this skill! Check out highlights from the concert and view the performance on YouTube.

Our Science Fair for students in grades 3-5 will be held on February 27th from 6:30-8:00pm. Flyers have been sent home and registration was due on January 30th. A trifold board will be given to each student (or partner group) that is registered. Thank you to the PTO for supplying our scientists with their display board!

We are also looking for adult volunteers the night of the event to help review the projects. Please fill out this FORM by February 13th if you are interested in volunteering. Thank you!

Calling All Poets!

The Young American Poetry Society is looking for entries to publish in this year’s digest. If interested, please pick up an entry form from the Library, available starting the week of February 12th. You may return your original poems to the Library and they will be mailed in to be reviewed by their committee. They feature Haiku poetry but all forms of poetry are welcome. Poems must be 80 words or less. Poems are due to the Library by March 25th. For more information please visit www.youngpoets.org We are looking forward to seeing our creative Owls at work!

Our Physical Education teachers are bringing the American Heart Association's “Kids Heart Challenge” back to James Monroe! With your help and support, students can register online and donate towards this program. The program is trying to teach our students to keep their hearts and brains healthy and get moving with fun activities.

All money donated will go to the American Heart Association which supports scientific research and accelerating science, improving quality of medical care, preventing e-cigarette and tobacco use in youth, and improving nutrition. The Kids Heart Challenge will run the week of February 12th -16th during all physical education classes. The students will participate in fun station activities to get their bodies moving and heart pumping regardless of donations.

If you would like to donate, please use the link below to register your child and donate.

James Monroe Elementary School Kids Heart Challenge

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Reif or Mr. Fernandez

Information will be sent home soon about Parent Teacher Conferences.

DATES:

Thursday, February 29th 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Thursday, March 7th 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Please remember that conference days are early dismissal days. Students are released at 1:30 pm.

• DRESS FOR PLAY - Please remember to check the weather for the need for WARM coats, gloves, scarves and hats. We will go outside for recess as long as the "real feel" is above 32 degrees for healthy fresh air and exercise!
  

RSVP by 2/2. Only ONE adult per child and $10 per-person!

Please join us in the cafeteria or virtually at or next PTO meeting on February 6th at 6:00 pm. A link will be shared to join virtually as well before the meeting.

Classrooms incorporate black history year-round, not just in February. We will use February to dig deeper into history to help us make connections with the past and make history relevant to students' lives. Our textbooks are one of many resources, but our teachers will be exploring multiple resources and allow for opportunities to learn along with your students.Consider reading some of these stories with your children.

Happy Lunar New Year to those celebrating! The Township will be hosting its annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Papaianni Park.

The township will be releasing more details about the event in the coming weeks. Information about the event will be posted on the Facebook event page.

We "Just Keep Swimming"...and can't wait to start performing!

The Drama Club is gearing up for their May performance. We are getting into full swing as we rehearse, plan and prepare!

The level of excitement is palpable in the building as our production club is working on set design and prop pieces, and our cast is learning our lines and songs.

For the month of January , we rehearsed on the stage after school each week with our directors, Mrs. Romeo and Mrs. Sanchez, as well as daily lunchtime vocal practice for our ensemble numbers arranged by Mrs. Sanchez. In addition to our lead actors, our ensemble numbers are beginning to work on their songs and choreography! Ensemble actors in grade 3 will play the “Sea Chorus and Jellyfish” in “Just Keep Swimming”. Grade 4 Ensemble were cast as “Sharks and Fish Friends” in “Fish are Friends not Food” , and Grade 5 will portray “The Turtles” in “Prologue” and “Go with the Flow”. We will continue our weekly rehearsals this month!

Information is going home soon for our Kindergarten, First and Second graders who may be interested in performing in the opening number of the show. Break legs everyone!

https://www.smore.com/uxkjz

Throughout the month of February Ms. Davis will be visiting grades K-2 focusing on Kindness and promoting healthy friendships.

Ms. Davis will also be running lunch bunch groups for selected students. If you are interested in hearing more about group sessions that are available, please contact Ms. Davis. Also, as mentioned previously if you would like to schedule a morning appointment to meet with Ms. Davis to discuss student concerns, please visit this link.

Children can purchase snacks after they eat lunch on Tuesday and Thursdays!