May 2017 Panther Press
Dear JCS Families,
I hope that this month’s Panther Press finds you happy and healthy. It was wonderful to see so many families at Open House last week. Your JCS school pride, support, and involvement truly make this school special.
It is hard to believe that the end of the year is approaching so quickly! Please look over the May calendar and the list of important events at the end of this month’s Panther Press to be sure that you do not miss any important events.
Have a wonderful May!
Sincerely,
Melanie Nannizzi
Principal
Registration for 2017-2018
Registration for next school year is happening now. The deadline for the lottery has passed, but you can still turn in registration packets because there may be openings in specific grade levels. The lottery will be held this Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. We will make calls to let families know if they are in JCS for next school year and we will post lists in the front of the school that same day.
If your child currently attends JCS, they are already registered at our school and are guaranteed a spot next year. If you know that your family will not be attending JCS next year, please let the office know so that we are aware of any available spaces for other families who may be interested in attending.
CAASPP Testing
JCS third through eighth grade students will begin taking the California Assessment of Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Test in May. This is a state wide assessment, and it is important that the students do their best and show what they know! The results of this assessment play a large role in guiding our instruction.
Please help support your child in the following ways:
- Make sure that your child is well rested.
- Provided your child with a healthy, protein packed breakfast.
- Make sure that your child is on time for school so that they do not miss any of the instructions or testing time.
Testing Dates by Grade Level
May 8-12: 7th/8th
May 15-19: 3rd/4th
May 22-26: 5th/6th
Discussion Forum for Parents
Helping Your Child Navigate the Internet and Social Media
All parents and care providers are invited to attend this open forum. At this parent facilitated forum, we will discuss questions, concerns, tips and resources related to our children’s use of the internet and social media. Topics will likely include how to establish boundaries around screen time, how to talk about safety and privacy, and how to identify and respond to cyber harassment or bullying.
To capitalize on our time together, email any specific questions you may have in advance of the 23rd to Melinda Pedersen who will be moderating the forum.
HRgoddess.mel@gmail.com Your submissions will drive the agenda. ALSO, if you have an app or website or resource you have found helpful around this topic, please email that, too, and we will share them at the forum.
Tuesday, May 23rd, 5:30-7:00 pm in the Library
Head Lice
Please continue to check your child’s hair for head lice and/or nits regularly. It is very important that you contact the school if you find that your child has lice. Children with head lice must be treated before returning to school. Thank you for your help in managing this situation!
Attendance
Our school’s attendance rate fell quite a bit in the last few months. Regular school attendance is very important for your child’s academic success and for our school’s funding. The school only receives funding for days that students attend school, so when our attendance percentage falls, our funding does too.
Please plan family vacations during regularly scheduled school breaks and, unless your child is ill, please send them to school regularly. Also, for planned absences of five or more days, please plan an Independent Study Contract. Independent Study Contracts allow students to stay up with the work that they miss during an absence and the school still receives funding for the student’s missed days.
2017-2018 School Calendar with all of the scheduled breaks: http://jacobycreekschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2017-2018_calender.pdf
Absences Due to Illness
It is important that parents are aware that JCS School Board Policy requires that after parents have called in 13 absences due to illness, a doctor’s note is required to excuse any further medical related absences.
After School Enrichment Classes
- Session Three of Homework Club and Study Hall: 4/1-6/1
- Session Three of After School Enrichment classes: 5/1-6/5
Jacoby Creek Children’s Education Foundation
Check out the website for more information: http://www.jccef.org/jccef-auction/
Foundation Meeting: The Foundation will begin their regularly scheduled meetings again next school year.
PTO
This month the PTO will be hosting the JCS Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, May 23. A flyer soliciting volunteers and/or donations to cover the cost of the luncheon was sent out last week. Please contact Melanie Nannizzi if you have any questions or are interested in helping with the event. mnannizzi@jcsk8.org
PTO Meeting: Monday, May 15 @ 5:00 in Mrs. Hatchett’s classroom
Athletics Committee
Track & Field is in full swing. Check out the schedule in the Athletics’ Bulletin Board in the front of the school if you are interested in watching a meet and supporting our athletes!
Information about Sports Physicals: Humboldt County is a rural community. There is typically a three month wait for well care visits. Families of student athletes should consider calling their primary care physicians now to schedule their pre-participation physical appointments over the summer. Volleyball and cross country both start at the beginning of the school year. All athletes must be cleared in order to try out or practice. Clearance forms are available in the office.
SPONSORING AN ATHLETICS BANNER is a great way to support JCS athletics. Please contact our Athletic Director, Davita McGoldrick, if you are interested in sponsoring a banner for the gym. dmcgoldrick@jcsk8.org or (707) 616-5964.
School Site Council
The JCS School Site Council is a committee of parents and staff that work to review the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), the School Safety Plan, and the Wellness Plan each year. The School Site Council serves as the LCAP advisory committee.
This year the School Site Council sent three surveys out to families in order to gather stakeholder information for the LCAP. The results of the survey will be shared with parents as an eblast this month. Thank you to all of the families that took the time to take these surveys.
School Site Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 6 @ 3:30 in Room 1.
Important Upcoming Dates
May 1: After School Enrichment Session Three Classes Begin
May 3: Wednesday, WALK AND ROLL to SCHOOL
May 5: Lottery for 2017-2018 School Year Enrollment
May 8: JCS School Board Meeting @ 7:15 in the Library
May 8-12: 7th and 8th Grade CAASPP Testing
May 15: Last PTO Meeting of the Year @ 5:00 in Mrs. Hatchett’s Room
May 15-19: 3rd and 4th Grade CAASPP Testing
May 22: Coffee with the Principal @ 8:30 am in the Library
May 23: Parent Discussion Forum @ 5:30 in the Library
May 22-26: 5th and 6th Grade CAASPP Testing
May 23: Staff Appreciation Luncheon
May 26: Folk Dance Festival @ 8:45 am in the Gym
June 6: Last School Site Council Meeting of the Year @ 3:30 in Room 1