WELCOME BACK #GameOnDRAGONS

Dear JES families and friends,

Welcome back to both returning and new families! I hope that you had a relaxing, fun-filled summer and a great first week of school. Teachers, staff and students are Game On here at JES!

 KINDNESS RALLY

On September 8^th, we will be having a Kindness Rally to kick off our year. As always, we will be emphasizing Kindness and treating others like we want to be treated. Look for more information coming soon about how your child can earn Dragon Diamonds!

Our character trait for August is RESPECT defined as showing others they are important by what you say or do. The character trait for September is Friendship. We will be combining the two to talk about expectations here at school. Our JES PTO 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 .  Through our Core Essentials program, we will be emphasizing the Big 3:      

Treat Others Right

Make Smart Decisions

Maximize Your Potential

When you discuss these important 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 child, please let me know. You can email or call to schedule an appointment.

Kindest regards,

Ziba Johnston

Counselor

817 949 4500

elizabeth.johnston@southlakecarroll.edu

Dear JES family and friends,

Thank you for all those who donated shoes for our shoe drive. Although we did not meet our goal of 500 pairs, the ambassadors considered our drive a success! We had nearly 300 pairs that were delivered to the Buckner Foundation. The shoes will be distributed to children locally and some will be shipped to Guatemala.

DETERMINATION

Determination is our character trait for May. The definition is “deciding it’s worth it to finish what you’ve started”.

 On a personal note -

As the school year wraps up, I can’t help but reflect on all that was accomplished this year. Our children learned lots of reading skills. They learned all levels of math facts. They learned how to read maps and about Texas history, civil rights and freedom. They learned about the stars and musical instruments and artists and how to take care of their hearts and so many other valuable lessons too numerous to name.

I hope the children remember about acknowledging their feelings, what it takes to make a friendship and taking care of their emotional needs.  I hope they practice being a good listener. But, most of all, I hope they remember that it is more important to be kind than to be right.

Have a wonderful summer!!!

Kindest regards,

Ziba Johnston

JES Counselor

ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES Shoe Drive April 11th

Dear JES family and friends,

ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES April 11th

How perfect that our character trait for April is HUMILITY! With One Day Without Shoes, we give our children the experience of what it would be like to not have shoes. At the same time they are given the opportunity to give to others in need.

One pair of shoes for a child can gain them entry to school, keep them healthy, protect them from injury, and most of all give them the assurance that someone cares about them. On April 11^th, we will be going shoeless (we will be wearing socks) at school to bring attention to the needs of children around the world who miss opportunities in life because they do not have shoes. Send in a new pair of shoes to donate to Shoes for Orphan Souls on April 11th. For more information about where the shoes will go visit the Shoes for Orphan Souls website at


              http://www.shoesfororphansouls.org/aboutus.shtml

 Our April character trait HUMILTY is defined as “putting others first by giving up with you think you deserve”. Our shoe drive will be a wonderful opportunity to discuss humility at school and at home.

 

FOURTH GRADE PARENTS' MEETING

An Informational Meeting for Fourth Grade Parents is on Wednesday, April 5^th at 8:00 AM in the JES Library. Transition to fifth grade can be a challenge. Attending the orientation meeting can ease some of the anxiety by answering many of your questions about procedures, the schedules, and the “always challenging” lockers!  

            

ORIENTATION for our fourth graders going to Durham Intermediate next fall is on May 16th. All fourth graders will travel to Durham Intermediate School by bus for an informational talk by the DIS administrators and a tour of the campus.

KINDERGARTEN PREVIEW NIGHT

On April 20 at 5PM, all new incoming Kindergartners are invited to come to school for a peek at what is coming in August. This is an informative meeting for the parents and an opportunity for your child to visit the Kindergarten class rooms. We look forward to meeting you and your child!
 

Upcoming STAAR Testing

STAAR testing continues next month. Third and fourth grade students will be testing on May 8th^th and 9^th.  Our students are well prepared. The most important thing that parents can do is make sure your child is rested, well fed, and in attendance on time for testing days. Thank you for your help.

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

Kindest regards,

Ziba Johnston
JES Counselor

COMPASSION CHAMPIONS

 

Johnson Elementary Student Body receiving the Compassion Champions Cup for 2016-2017. GO DRAGONS!

Welcome back to second semester of our 2016 - 2017 school year! I wanted to start it off with this awesome picture that was taken earlier in the year when Johnson Elementary won the Compassion Cup. It was such a great picture of our whole student body and many staff members. The district sponsored a food drive challenge and we won by donating more canned goods than any other campus. Thank you for your support in your incredibly generous donations for GRACE food banks. We are honored for JES to be recognized in this way.
 
Our campus makes a great effort toward showing kindness and compassion to each other, to our community, and internationally. Although we are not always perfect and we are a work in progress, kindness is a theme throughout the year.

CogAT and ITBS Results

To second and fourth grade parents, you should have received the results of the testing that was completed in mid October. If you need help with interpreting the report, I am happy to go over it with you. You can contact me at 817 949 4500 or Elizabeth.johnston@southlakecarroll.edu.

 If I can assist you in any way, please feel free to contact me.
 Kindest regards,

Ziba

Elizabeth Johnston
JES Counselor

THE BIG THANK YOU!

Dear JES family and friends,

Our Core Essential character value for November is HONOR. What an honor for us to show our veterans how much we appreciate their sacrifice. Third grade and Encore teachers, the assembly was inspiring! Thank you for all your hard work!

The BIG THANK YOU!

 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the outreach projects during Red Ribbon Week. We sent over 600 thank you letters to deployed soldiers around the world through the Big Thank You program. The letters were an out pouring of appreciation. It was truly awesome!

 

Our cereal drive for Christ’s Haven was a big success, as well. Thank you to the parents who support our community and give our children visual reminders that there are those in need all around us. We will be working on 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 continuing opportunities for our students to get involved in the experience of giving.

JES ANGEL TREE

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!!!

Thank you to Nancy Lesky and Elle Choi for assisting with the Southlake Firefighters’ visit. The children heard key information about personal safety and each got an opportunity to climb up into the fire truck, see inside an ambulance and a police car. Students also saw a presentation demonstrating how smoke travels inside a house during a fire.  It was an informative day. Has your family designated a location to meet outside of your house in case of fire? Ask your children about suggestions they heard.

A special thank you goes out to the Harding Family for helping decorate the school for Red Ribbon Week. This has become a tradition for them and I appreciate their generous contribution of time! Thank you Courtney and Sean!

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

Kindest regards,

 

Ziba Johnston

Elizabeth.johnston@southlakecarroll.edu

BUSY OCTOBER COMING UP!

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 4^th, 5th, and 6^th 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-21^st 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 24^th-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

Dear JES family and friends,

Welcome back to a new school year! I would like to invite you to come to an informal coffee on Tuesday morning to welcome our newest JES Dragon parents. Newcomers and Kindergarten parents, please join us in the JES cafeteria between 8:30 and 9:30, so we can personally welcome you. Members of the PTO and the JES staff will be available to greet you.

Thank you to the JES PTO for providing the Core Essentials Character Traits program for us again this year. Our character trait for August is Obedience. The definition is trusting those who lead you by doing what you're asked to do.

As a parent of a 1st-4th grader, you have an opportunity to nominate your child to be evaluated for QUEST until September 9th.  If you need more information, let me know.

I hope you have had a great start to the new school year. If I can help in any way, please contact me.
 
Kind regards,
 
Ziba Johnston
JES Counselor
Elizabeth.johnston@southlakecarroll.edu
817 949 4500