Dear JES family and friends,
As we begin the second six weeks, October, as always, is shaping up to be a busy one! Our character value for this month is CREATIVITY defined as using your imagination to do something unique. I hope you continue to use the Core Essentials home link attached to spark discussions that lead to reinforcing what the teachers are sharing about CREATIVITY.
On the 4th, 5th, and 6th of this month our second and fourth graders were administered the CogAT. The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) measures students’ learned reasoning abilities in the three areas most linked to academic success in school: Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal. On October 17th-21st both second and fourth grades will be taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills or ITBS. Although the primary goal of the CogAT is to assess students’ reasoning abilities, it can also provide predicted achievement scores when administered with the ITBS. There is no special preparation you need to do at home for these tests. What you can do to help your student is make sure they are rested and present at school on time each testing days. Check your calendar and make sure that you have not scheduled doctor appointments during these days. Testing will take place during the morning when the students are at their best.
RED RIBBON WEEK will be celebrated October 24th-28th. This is a district wide drug awareness celebration. At Johnson our theme will be “Color My World Drug Free”. Each day of the week, incentives will be given away through a drawing to help emphasize the benefits of leading a drug free lifestyle. On Wednesday there will be an assembly featuring the Morris Brothers. The Morris Brothers are “nerds” who will deliver a message of character strength and making good choices. Please take advantage of this opportunity to talk with your children about the dangers of drug abuse. Our emphasis at school will be about making good decisions. It’s never too late or too soon to share this important message.
If I can assist you in any way, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Ziba Johnston
Counselor
elizabeth.johnston@southlakecarroll.edu
