March's Character Value - HONESTY

Dear JES family and friends,

Many thanks to our PTO for “cooking up” a special week of recognition for us last week! We truly feel appreciated! The sweet notes, tasty treats, cookbooks with delicious family recipes, the Friday luncheon and the apron…WOW you out did yourselves! Thank you to all of our parents for your continued support throughout the year.

The “Drive for a SMILE” toothbrush drive was a success! We exceeded our goal of collecting 600 toothbrushes! Thank you to everyone who contributed whether it was by donating a toothbrush or counting them at the end – together we make a difference especially for those children who will receive a toothbrush to promote dental health through Cook Childrens’ Hospital. A special thanks to our nurse Susan Bonczyk for arranging to get the toothbrushes delivered to the hospital. For meeting our goal, the students and staff were rewarded with sugarless bubblegum (or an alternative) and permission to chew it during school!

HONESTY is the character value for the month of March. The definition is choosing to be truthful in whatever you say or do. Watch out George Washington and Abe Lincoln! After this month, our school will be filled with children who will go down in history for their inability to tell a lie, because we are dedicating the whole month of March to the value of HONESTY.

Kindergarten Preview at JES - April the 18^th from 5-6:15. This is an opportunity for prospective kindergartners to visit the Johnson campus. If you have a child who will be five years old by September 1^st, 2013, plan on visiting this fun event. Be sure and tell your neighbors and friends about our Preview, too!

As always, if I can assist you in any way, please contact me.

Kindest regards,

Ziba Johnston-Mrs. J

Counselor 

elizabeth.johnston@southlakecarroll.edu

 

SOUPER BOWL of CARING

Dear JES family and friends,

February is a month dedicated to some pretty incredible people who were brave enough to make a difference in a peaceful way - Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Presidents both past and present. So it’s the perfect time to introduce the value of Peace—proving you care more about each other than winning an argument. Promoting peace through kindness is the basis of what we have implemented over the last few years with our Rachel’s Challenge initiative. Our students continue to promote peace by the practice of school wide acts of kindness. Those little acts of kindness – a smile, a thank you, a helping hand, an invitation to sit by me or come play with us – make a big difference.

What is the challenge? Rachel Scott was a student who showed compassion to everyone especially new students, students with differences, and alienated students. She once wrote that she believed that one’s kindness could start a chain reaction that would lead to more of the same and that it would have no end. Rachel’s challenge is to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. Students have the power to make permanent, positive, cultural change in their schools and communities by accepting this simple challenge. For more information for new parents or a refresher for all, you can visit the Rachel’s Challenge website http://www.rachelschallenge.org/.

Thank you to all who sent in snowflakes for the children at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Snowflakes from JES were sent to help decorate their new school building in a beautiful, peaceful blanket of kind wishes.

This week at JES, Tuesday, January 29^th – Friday, February 1^st, we will be participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring by collecting currently needed items for the food pantry at GRACE (Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange). They have requested sugar and flour in #4 bags, salt and pepper, oatmeal, cooking oil, mayonnaise and ketchup, Ramen noodles, kids cereal, canned meat, tomato sauce and paste, shampoo and conditioner and toothpaste. No glass containers, please. Send the donated item to school with your child. There will be collection boxes at front entrances. For the complete wish list visit their website at: http://www.gracegrapevine.org/documents/PantryNeedsList-1-13.pdf 

As always, if I can assist you in any way, please email or call.

Kindest  regards,

Ziba Johnston

Counselor
817 949 4500

Elizabeth.Johnston@southlakecarroll.edu

SNOWFLAKE PROJECT for Sandy Hook Elementary

Snowflake Project

 Many parents and a few students have asked about some way of expressing encouragement, kindness and compassion to the Sandy Hook Elementary School students and staff who are returning to classes following the tragedy at their Newtown, CT school. Since we are not addressing the incident at our school due to sensitivity of our young students, we will not be participating in any group project during the school hours. However, the faculty and staff at JES will have an opportunity to make snowflakes to send. If you would like to make a snowflake at home with your child and send it to school to be mailed, please send it with you child or drop it off at the school office by 3PM on Wednesday, January 9^th. If you prefer, you can mail it directly to the address below:

This month our character value is
DETERMINATION: Deciding it's worth it to finish what you've started. Also you can remind your children of the values we've talked about this school year – RESPECT, INDIVIDUALITY, COOPERATION, and COMPASSION.

Here's a great way to reference the values  and help the children of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown.

When school resumes for Sandy Hook, it will be in a new building. Parent-volunteers are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as
many unique snowflakes as possible.

Snowflakes to arrive in CT by January 15th can be sent to:
Bonny Marsicano
22 Pine Tree Hill Road
Newtown, CT 06470

Kindest regards for a Happy 2013!

Ziba Johnston
Elizabeth.Johnston@southlakecarroll.edu


 

PROJECT : KINDNESS ~ December 11th-14th

Dear JES family and friends,

What a wonderful time of year to talk about COMPASSION, our character trait for December. The Core Essentials definition of compassion is: caring enough to do something about someone else’s need. In talking with our students, it is evident that they know quite a bit about COMPASSION.  You do not have to look far to see our students showing compassion for others! Our JES Fourth Grade Choir has led us by collecting money earned by our students to give to the Buckner Foundation. Our students have worked hard to earn their dollar and we are proud of how they lead us. Also, thank you to all who have chosen to give through our Angel Tree which serves those around us who can use a little help. Your compassion and generosity continues to be amazing!

During the upcoming weeks before the winter break, our students will be making greeting cards during art classes. The cards will be delivered to  the elderly in our community who are in need of a little holiday cheer.
  
Another way to get involved in showing compassion and kindness is through PROJECT: KINDNESS. December 11^th – 14^th , we will be collecting cash donations toward purchasing food baskets and gift cards for our custodial staff and cafeteria workers. If every child, staff, and faculty member donates at least $1, we will have a generous gift to give to those who give so much to our school family throughout the year.

The winter holiday can be stressful for children as well as their parents. Take time to care for your child’s needs for a healthy diet, rest, and exercise and remember that your love, your time, and undivided attention are the greatest gifts that any child can receive. In the classroom, your children tell me that the best thing that we have to share is love. They are pretty smart, aren’t they?

As always, if I can assist you in any way, please email or call.

Kindest regards,

Ziba Johnston

Counselor
elizabeth.johnston@southlakecarroll.edu
  People will never know how far a little kindness can go.
                                                        ~ Rachel Scott of Rachel's Challenge

A Season of Gratitude

Dear JES family and friends,

 Our Core Essential character value for November is CO-OPERATION which is defined as working together to do more than you can do alone. We will be talking about co-operation in guidance lessons. Co-operation is an important character value that can easily be reinforce at home. When we work together our children make twice the progress.

We will be working on several co-operative projects throughout the year to give our students opportunities to “give back”. Research shows that when children (and adults) give, they get positive feelings that lead to a greater sense of self-worth. Giving promotes cooperation, social connections and gratitude. And research has found that gratitude is integral to happiness and health. Watch for opportunities for our students to get involved in the experience of giving.

All JES students are challenged to “earn” a dollar to donate to the Buckner Foundation which is being collected by the JES Choir. The money will be presented to the foundation during the winter holiday concert.

Our traditional Angel Tree will be decorated in the front office before we leave on Thanksgiving Break. Each year, we have our own Angel Tree to provide for children at Johnson.  If you are able to help, I hope you will choose an angel and make it a family project of showing gratitude and compassion for those families at Johnson who can use our help.

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) was completed for second and fourth grade students. Make ups are complete. The results will be sent home around mid semester.

Thank you to Ashley Stern and PTO for arranging the Southlake Firefighters’ visit for Kindergarten -2^nd grade students. The children heard key information about personal safety and each got an opportunity to climb up into the fire truck. It was an informative day. Has your family designated a location to meet outside of your house in case of fire? Ask your child about the suggestions they heard from the fireman.

As always, if I can assist you in any way, please call.

Kindest regards,

Ziba Johnston - Mrs. J

Counselor
elizabeth.johnston@southlakecarroll.edu

"Giving connects two people, the giver and the receiver, and this connection gives birth to a new sense of belonging.” Deepak Chopra

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 

FINDING OUR GREATNESS at JES 2012-2013

Dear JES families and friends,

Welcome back to both returning and new families! There is exciting activity going on in preparation for the 2012-2013 school year. I hope that you have had a wonderful summer and a great first week of school. Teachers, staff and students are going to be Finding Our Greatness at JES this year!

On Thursday, September 6th, there will be an informal gathering to welcome the newest parent members to the Johnson family. That is new JES families to CISD and kindergarten parents. This will be an opportunity for me share information about programs at JES such as Rachel's Challenge and our Pet Partner program. There will also be time to answer any questions you might have for me. If you are new to Johnson Elementary drop by the JES library from 8 to 9 on Thursday morning and let us welcome you personally.

Our Rachel’s Challenge initiative to promote kindness and compassion will continue to be a focus on our campus. Your children will have an opportunity to accept Rachel’s Challenge and pledge to be kind and compassionate to others. We will be signing a banner to promote unity and commitment. You can find more information about this district wide program at www.rachelschallenge.com .

Through our Core Essentials program we will be emphasizing the Big 3 which are:  

Treat Others Right

Make Smart Decisions

Maximize Your Potential

Our character trait for September is RESPECT defined as showing others they are important by what you say or do. Chik fil A is generously sponsoring our Core Essentials program again this year. If you are interested in more information about our character education program go to www.coreessentials.org   When you discuss these core values at home it reinforces their importance. Invite your child to share what they have learned at school about RESPECT. When we work together at school and at home “great” things are possible.

It is not unusual for students to be tired and “out of sorts” the first few weeks of school. The change in their sleep and meal routines alone may cause stress and then when you add on the expectations of school - it is understandable that most children will react. If problems persist or are more extreme than you feel is typical for your child, talk with your child’s teacher and/or contact me. If we can do anything to help you or your student, please let me know. You can email or call 817 949 4500 to schedule an appointment.

Kindest regards,

Ziba Johnston

Counselor

Elizabeth.Johnston@southlakecarroll.edu