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