RED RIBBON WEEK - October 22nd-26th

Dear JES family and friends,

As we begin the second six weeks, October is shaping up to be a busy one! Our character value for this month is INDIVIDUALITY - discovering who you are meant to be so you can make a difference.  I hope you continue to discuss the Core Essentials character traits to spark discussions at home that lead to reinforcing what we are sharing here at school about INDIVIDUALITY. Click on the link to sign up for the C.O.R.E ezine monthly parent communication:   Core Essentials Parent Newsletter

On the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4th of this month all second and fourth grade students will be taking 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 16th-19th both second and fourth grade 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 do their best is make sure they are rested, have a good breakfast, and arrive at school on time each testing day. 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 22nd-26th. This is a district wide drug awareness celebration. At Johnson our theme will be “JES Texans Give Drugs the Boot”. Each day of the week, incentives will be given away through a drawing to help emphasize the benefits of leading a drug free lifestyle. During the week there will be a special video presentation, and other special programs to emphasize the message of respect for yourself and others. Please take advantage of this opportunity to talk with your children about the dangers of drug abuse. It’s never too early to share this important message. Our emphasis at school will be on respect and making good decisions.

I hope that the school year is off to a good start for your family.

If I can assist you in any way, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Ziba Johnston
JES Counselor