The Weekly Update #4

Back Row: Terry Harrison (Music) - Alexandra Thompson (Art) - Sabrina Ramey (STEAM)

Front Row: Ch'Loris Clemons (Dream Lab) - Kathy Mathias (Musical Theater) - Alee Smith (PE) Athena Michael (Library)

🎶 Musical Theater & Music Class News! 🎭

Mark your calendars for Thursday, Friday November 19, 2026

Tickets are free, you can request tickets from Mrs. Mathias via talking points or email: mathias@wps.k12.va.us

2nd, 3rd & 4th Grade: Fitness - Fitness Testing (4th) - 5 Health Related Components of Fitness - Foot-Eye Coordination

Pre-K, K, 1st Grade: Chasing and Fleeing (Tag) - Scooters - Foot-Eye Coordination

Dates to Remember:

10/30 - PTO Fundraiser - Fall Pumpkin Run!

*Donate to help support the JKES PTO*

One of our biggest STEAM experiences this quarter is our chicken life cycle project. Students have spent several weeks observing eggs in our classroom incubator, learning how chicks grow and change, and watching the life cycle unfold. As our chicks begin hatching, students will continue observing them over the next few weeks and learning about their growth, needs, and development.

• PreK–Kindergarten: Students will explore the chicken life cycle through songs, stories, models, observations, and simple hands-on activities. They will practice describing what they notice and learning what chicks need as they grow.

• 1st–2nd Grade: Students will continue observing the chicks and learning how living things grow and change over time. They will use pictures, words, and hands-on activities to share what they notice and what they have learned.

• 3rd–4th Grade: Students will take a closer look at chick growth and development through observations, discussions, and projects. They will practice asking questions, recording changes, and explaining what they notice as the chicks continue to grow.

Throughout the second quarter, students will continue using STEAM skills to explore, create, solve problems, and learn from the world around them.

• All students will follow and practice routines and expectations in Dream Lab.

  Pre K: Students will continue learning about using and sharing supplies, building with materials (i.e. blocks, duplos), and taking turns. They will also continue to strengthen their fine motor skills (i.e. play-doh, tweezers).

  K-4 Students will continue building their 21st century skills as: collaborators, communicators, critical thinkers, creators, and problem solvers. Students will focus on learning:

  • Kindergarten: Algorithms, sequencing, debugging, data collection, sorting, and pattern recognition.

  • First grade: Hardware vs. software, loops, color sensor navigation, data representation, and decomposition.

  • Second grade: Loops, conditionals, distance sensors, data structure, variables, and digital footprints

  • Third grade: Looping logic, engineering design process, data encoding, algorithms, and cybersecurity

  • Fourth grade: Analytics, Ozobots, engineering design process, cybersecurity, and binary compression

Grades K-4th have begun recording their books to receive their first free personal pan pizza!

Special Announcement…

Huge Thank You for supporting our annual

JKES/PTO Book Fair!

Just a friendly reminder to have your child bring back their book on their Library Special Day. Please make sure your child takes good care of their book. All grades except K will begin checking out two book second quarter.

Please visit JKES Website to learn more about Library Special!

What Are We Learning in Library?

Reading Tips for Parents

Jungle Adventures in the Art Room!

Grades 3–4: Frida Kahlo
Our 3rd and 4th graders are exploring the jungle through the eyes of Frida Kahlo, while celebrating her during Hispanic Heritage Month. Students are learning how to look closely at and analyze her artwork, then use her techniques as inspiration for their own creations. After working together on collaborative jungle projects in the first quarter, students are now taking the reins and creating artwork that is more independent, personal, and uniquely their own!

Grades 1–2: Henri Rousseau
Our 1st and 2nd graders are venturing into the jungle with Henri Rousseau! We’re studying how he imagined and painted jungle scenes while learning to draw our own wild creatures. Students are moving beyond traditional 2D drawings and experimenting with freeform animals and 3D elements to make their jungle friends come to life!

Pre-K & Kindergarten: Jungle Explorers
Our youngest artists are exploring the colors, patterns, and textures found in the jungle! Through hands-on artmaking, students are experimenting with different materials, processes, and mediums to discover all the ways they can create. We’re getting messy, curious, and creative as we bring the jungle to life!