Dear JES
family and friends,
September is
winding to an end and we are into our routines here at school. I hope that you
are feeling back in the swing of things at home.
Courage
October, as always, is shaping up to be a busy one! Our
character value for this month is COURAGE defined as being brave enough to do what you should do
even when you’re afraid. We all need some courage!
CogAT and ITBS
On the 4th, 5th, and 6th
of this month our second and fourth graders 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 18th-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 can do to help your student? Make sure
they are well rested and present at school on time each testing day.
Check your calendar and make sure that you have not scheduled doctor
appointments which might conflict with testing times during these days. Testing
will take place during the morning when the students are at their best!
RED RIBBON WEEK-October 24th-28th
This is a district wide drug awareness celebration. Each day of this week we
will have a fun theme. Be watching for
the daily themes which will be coming soon! Incentives will be given away through
a drawing to help emphasize the benefits of making good decisions which include
leading a drug free lifestyle. 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 soon to share this important
message.
Thank you to the JES PTO for their support in providing the incentives for Red Ribbon Week and many other activities throughout the year!
If I can help you or your child in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Kindest regards,
Ziba Johnston
Counselor
Elizabeth.johnston@southlakecarroll.edu
817 949 4500
