Dolphin Digest

At Jefferson, our students are learning and practicing the 7 Habits through our Leader in Me journey. One of the best ways families can support this work is by using the same leadership language at home. When children hear these concepts both at school and at home, it reinforces important life skills such as responsibility, planning, teamwork, communication, and balance.

Consider asking your child questions like, “How were you proactive today?” “What is your plan?” or “How can we work together on this?” These simple conversations help students connect the habits to everyday life and strengthen the partnership between home and school. Together, we can help our Dolphins grow as leaders both in and out of the classroom!

Mission:

Our mission is to cultivate a service-oriented community of learners who strive for personal growth and excellence as communicators, collaborators, creators, and critical thinkers.​

Vision:

To Learn, Serve, and Give as ONE

Dear Families,

The JES Academic Action Team is excited to invite all students in 4K through 4th Grade to participate in our Cereal Box Book Report Literacy Challenge!

This optional, fun, creative project gives students the opportunity to share a favorite book while showcasing their reading comprehension, creativity, and artistic talents. Using an empty cereal box, students will transform it into a book-themed display featuring information about a book they have read or had read to them.

What Makes This Project Special?

This project is designed to be flexible and developmentally appropriate for all students.

• Younger students may choose to share their understanding of the book through drawings, pictures, and simple labels.
• Older students may include more detailed written responses about the story, characters, setting, or favorite parts.
• Students are encouraged to be creative and make the project their own!

Optional Template

An optional template is available to help guide students as they complete their project. Some teachers may choose to send the template home, while others may not. If your child would benefit from using the template and did not receive one, please contact your child's teacher to request a copy.

Project Goal

Our goal is to encourage a love of reading while providing students with an opportunity to share and celebrate books they enjoy.

Thank you for supporting your child as they participate in this exciting literacy challenge. We can't wait to see the amazing cereal box creations!

Happy Reading! 📖✨

Academic Action Team

Families play an important role in helping children become strong readers and writers! Just a few minutes each day can make a big difference.

Talk Together Every Day

· Great readers and writers are great thinkers and talkers!

· Discuss your day during meals or car rides.

· Encourage your child to explain their ideas and tell stories.

· Introduce and use new words in everyday conversations.

Make Literacy Fun!

· Visit the library.

· Play word and storytelling games.

· Let your child choose books that interest them.

· Celebrate reading and writing growth and effort!

K-2 Students

Read together for 15-20 minutes each day.

Practice letter names, sounds, and high-frequency words.

Play rhyming games and "I Spy" with beginning sounds.

Have your child retell a story using the beginning, middle, and end.

Encourage drawing and writing about favorite books, family activities, or daily events.

Help your child write simple notes, lists, labels, or cards.

3-5 Students

Read together or discuss what your child is reading for 20 minutes each day.

Ask questions such as:

What was the main idea?

Why did the character make that choice?

What evidence supports your thinking?

Encourage your child to read a variety of texts, including books, magazines, recipes, and articles.

Have your child keep a journal, write stories, create comics, or make lists.

Challenge your child to use new vocabulary words in their writing.

Write Every Day

· Writing helps children become stronger readers!

· Keep a family journal.

· Write grocery lists, letters, emails, or thank-you notes together.

· Encourage your child to write about their day, a favorite memory, or something they are learning.

· Celebrate their ideas more than perfect spelling.

The most important thing you can do is make reading and writing enjoyable. When literacy is fun, children are more likely to become confident, lifelong learners!

Growing Readers and Writers Every Day at Jefferson Elementary!

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Meeting ID: 232 622 346 082 325 2

Passcode: VA3Fy3ms

Our PTO has been hard at work supporting students and staff at Jefferson Elementary! Here are just a few of the ways they have made an impact this year:

• 📘 Purchased Goal Setting Notebooks for every student to support leadership development and personal growth.
• 🚌 Contributed funds to help support the field trip for Mrs. Lightsey's, Mrs. Talley's, and Mrs. Watson's classes.
• 🎉 Funds staff birthday snacks throughout the year to help celebrate and appreciate our amazing staff members.

We are incredibly grateful for our PTO and their commitment to helping our students, staff, and school community grow and thrive. Thank you for your continued support! 🌱💙💛

Students may purchase items using rewards earned at school or with money brought from home.

Please remember to send an excuse any time your child is absent from school. Excuses should be submitted as soon as possible after the absence so we can keep your child’s attendance record accurate.

Parents may submit a written note or send a message through ParentSquare explaining the reason for the absence. Each student may use up to 10 parent notes per school year to excuse absences.

Please keep in mind that a student is considered truant after 3 consecutive unexcused absences or 5 total unexcused absences. Turning in excuses promptly is very important and can help prevent your child from being flagged for truancy.

Thank you for helping us keep attendance records up to date and for making regular school attendance a priority!

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Please remind your child that if they use a cell phone or other device while riding the bus, they must use headphones or earbuds. Audio should not be played aloud on the bus.

Thank you for helping us keep our buses calm, safe, and respectful for everyone!

If you need to make a request for bus transportation, the timeline for the request to be routed may take 48-72 hours. Any questions, please contact Transportation at 803-684-1952.

Information for 3rd Grade Parents About Read to Succeed Law

Third grade is a critical year for our students as they transition from learning to read to reading to learn. We are committed to supporting your child’s reading development and helping them succeed. Below are key details about the Read to Succeed Act and how it impacts third-grade reading expectations.

Why Third Grade Reading Matters

Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is essential for your child’s academic success. At this stage, students use reading skills to learn other subjects like math, science, and social studies. Developing fluency and comprehension now lays the foundation for future learning and success.

The Read to Succeed Act

The Read to Succeed Act ensures that all students gain the reading skills necessary for college, career, or military readiness. The law requires that third-grade students who do not demonstrate reading proficiency—scoring Does Not Meet Expectations on the SC Ready reading assessment—be retained for additional support.

Good Cause Exemptions

Students who qualify for specific Good Cause Exemptions may still be promoted to fourth grade. These exemptions include:

· Limited English proficiency (fewer than two years of English instruction).

· Disabilities requiring alternative assessments or interventions (as outlined in their IEP).

· Receiving reading interventions for two years and previously being retained.

· Demonstrating reading proficiency on an approved alternative assessment.

Please contact your school if you believe your child may qualify for an exemption.

Summer Reading Camp (SRC)

Students who do not meet the required reading level by the end of third grade will be invited to attend Summer Reading Camp. This program offers intensive, small-group instruction to help students strengthen their reading skills. Successful completion of the camp could lead to promotion to fourth grade.

How We Support Your Child

We are committed to helping every student become a confident, independent reader through:

· Additional instructional time focused on literacy.

· Small-group and individualized reading interventions.

· Specialized teacher training provided by literacy coaches.

We also monitor progress regularly and communicate results to keep you informed.

How You Can Help at Home

Your involvement is key to your child’s reading success. Here’s how you can help:

· Read Together Daily: Encourage your child to read aloud and ask questions like, “What happened in the story?” or “Why do you think that happened?”

· Communicate with Teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s teacher about their progress.

· Use School Resources: We’re here to provide tools and materials to support your child’s reading journey at home.

By working together, we can make this year a success for your child. If you have questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.

Thank you for partnering with us to make third grade a year of growth and learning!

Nov. 10 - PTO/SIC (5:00-6:00 PM)

Nov. 11 - Interim Reports (Elementary)

Nov. 11 - Veterans Day Breakfast (8:15-9:15 AM)

Nov. 11 - Professional Collaboration Day Student Dismiss at 11:30am

Nov. 17- Rezoning Public Information Session #2 6:00pm YCHS Cafeteria

Nov. 20 - Vehicle Career Day

Nov. 25-27 - Thanksgiving Holiday (No School)

Dec. 1- Start of Winter MAP Testing

Dec. 8- PTO/SIC (5:00-6:00 PM)