We hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend. It was great to see so many of you here at school for Parent/Teacher Conferences during the week that led up to Thanksgiving. The opportunity for parents and teachers to talk about the growth that students are making is always so valuable. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to be here for a conference. We would also like to thank the PTA Staff Appreciation Committee for sponsoring a delicious dinner for all the staff members who were here on Monday night for conferences. The food was excellent and helped everyone make it through the long day!
Inclusive Schools Week
Inclusive Schools Week is a national campaign that recognizes the meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities in academics, athletics, clubs, and all facets of our school community. While we recognize the importance of inclusion across gender, race, ethnicity, and culture, this particular campaign will focus primarily on celebrating the abilities of all students.
To celebrate this campaign at JHES we will be asking students to complete The Pledge to Be Inclusive project. The Pledge to Be Inclusive will be a project for students to complete at home. Students will pledge to stand up for inclusion all year long by answering one way to help ensure that everyone feels included at JHES. Answers are to be written on the inside of the heart, then decorate the hand, and cut it out. Projects are due to Ms. Seale no later than Friday, December 7th.
Click here for sample: https://inclusiveschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ISW-2017-PLEDGE-TO-BE-INCLUSIVE.pdf
Hour of Code
We are preparing for the official Hour of Code, which begins on Monday, December 3 and will last throughout the week.
During technology classes, all students in Grades K-5 will participate in coding activities. Students will interact with online tutorials, games, and coding courses. Students have been engaged in unplugged activities this week to introduce them to basic computer programming skills and help to develop problem-solving skills, algorithmic thinking, pattern recognition, and persistence they will need to use next week during the Hour of Code. If you would like to create a code.org account for your student at home, you are welcome to do so. This will allow students to continue their work at home if they wish.
Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Recess
Exercise outdoors is healthy and is strongly encouraged. It provides a break from the regular school routine, a chance to get some outside air, and an opportunity to run off excess energy.
If conditions preclude the full recess time, even a five-minute break can revitalize children and prepare them for more sitting and academic learning. Children are expected to wear warm clothing to protect them during cold weather when participating in recess or outside activities.
The decision to go out or stay in for recess is the decision of the Administrator at individual schools. However, the following are to be considered in determining whether recess is to be held outside:
Temperature and Windchill
Age of students
Length of time outdoors
Adequacy of the children’s clothing
Condition of the playground
Falling precipitation (more than a sprinkle or mist)
Generally, it is assumed that students will be outside for recess when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Children with certain health conditions may need special accommodations during extremely cold weather. Parents of those children should provide medical documentation and may be consulted to determine if other arrangements are necessary.