May 2026 Newsletter
May 2026 Newsletter
Jackson R-2 is proud to offer a FREE summer school program for students entering kindergarten through fourth grade in the fall of 2026. The program is designed to provide educational enrichment activities that expand upon what was taught during the school year. Our summer school dates will be May 28- June 18, a total of 16 days, for incoming kindergarten through fourth-grade students.
Any students that attend South Elementary will attend South Elementary Summer School. Please click this South SS Elementary Enrollment form to enroll your child.
Our incoming kindergarten through fourth-grade students will be served breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is $2.00 and lunch is $3.10. If your child received free or reduced lunch prices during the 25/26 school year, they will also receive the free or reduced lunch prices during summer school. Parents may drop students off no earlier than 7:30 in the morning. Incoming kindergarten through fourth-grade classes attend 8:00 a.m. - 3:10 p.m. the full 16 days for Summer School.
Programs are also available for incoming fifth and sixth-grade students. You may call Jackson Middle School 573-243-9543 for information.
The Summer School Kids’ Club (SSKC) program will be available for those families that need additional childcare following the summer school day (May 28-June 18, 3:10 pm-5:45 pm).
Your child’s summer school teacher will walk your child down to the cafeteria every day after summer school. SSKC is available for all Jackson R-2 Summer School Elementary Buildings as well as Jackson Middle School. The tuition for SSKC is $8 per day. Please see our website for enrollment information: https://www.jacksonr2schools.com/parents/kids_club
If you are interested in additional child care that follows the summer school program, we will be hosting July Camp Kids’ Club at South Elementary, June 24-July 31, 2026.
JCKC tuition is $35 per day. Please see our website for enrollment information: https://www.jacksonr2schools.com/parents/kids_club
If you have any questions regarding SSKC or July Camp, please call our Kids’ Club Office 573-243-9576 or email egreenlee@jackson.k12.mo.us, Kids’ Club Assistant, Elizabeth Greenlee.
Dates for Jackson R-2 Summer Program Opportunities:
School Year Ends: May 21 at NOON (no ASKC)
Early Childhood Full Day Kids’ Club: May 26-June 18, 7:30 am-5:45 pm, hosted at Early Childhood (3-4 Year Old Childcare) $150 per week
Full Day Kids’ Club Program: May 26 & May 27, 7:30 am-5:45 pm, for a fee of $30 per day at South Elementary (K-6th Grade)
FREE Summer School: May 28-June 18, 2026
SSKC following Summer School Day: 3:15 pm-5:45 pm, $8 per day
Camp Kids’ Club: June 24-July 31, 7:30 am-5:45 pm, $175 per week
26-27 School Year Starts: August 24, 2026
REMINDER REGARDING CLASSROOM PLACEMENT FOR 26/27:
In an effort to maintain balanced classrooms, we will be using all available resources, including current and previous teachers’ input, to evenly create classes. As a parent, should you have any specific educational information you feel we will need to ensure a good placement, please contact Mrs. Birk to schedule a meeting to discuss information during the month of May. During the summer months, all principals will be collating all class lists.
In early August, students’ placement will be considered finalized and class lists will be sent by email to parents on August 14.
The fun from our PTO Auction is still going strong, and the excitement hasn’t slowed down. From staff experiences to class parties, it has been wonderful seeing our students enjoy the special moments made possible by your support. Thank you for helping create these memorable experiences.
As we head into testing season, PTO was happy to provide breakfast items for our 3rd and 4th grade students during MAP testing. A full belly can make a big difference, and we know our students are going to do amazing.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
We are looking forward to celebrating the incredible teachers and staff at South Elementary next week. We have a full week of appreciation planned and would love your help to make it a success.
Click here to view the signup and see how you can contribute: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45AEA72CAAFAC07-63828472-south
Schedule of events:
- Monday: Teachers receive a Loaded Tea from G&G (thank you to G&G for partnering with us)
- Tuesday: Apps and snacks in the break room
- Wednesday: Staff lunch from Mac’s Food Wagon
- Thursday: Relaxation room available for all staff
- Friday: Relaxation room continues and teachers will have the opportunity to build their own flower bouquet
Teacher appreciation is about more than gifts. A note of gratitude or encouragement can make a meaningful impact. We encourage families to take a moment to share their appreciation.
Play Day and PTO Carnival
Play Day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20. We are preparing for a fun-filled PTO Carnival and have many volunteer opportunities available.
Follow this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/KdSMhgwDY2Da66vBA
Please note that in the event of inclement weather, adjustments to the schedule may be necessary. If that occurs, only those who have signed up to volunteer will be able to attend. We are hopeful for a beautiful day but want families to be aware of this possibility.
PTO Appreciation and Leadership Update
PTO would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Kati Knaup and Melinda Arends for their years of dedicated service as President and Vice President of the South Elementary PTO. Their leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on our school community.
We are pleased to share the PTO Executive Board for the 2026–2027 school year:
President: Casey Kuehn
Vice President: Whitney Gorton
Treasurer: Kandra Gregory
Secretary: Lauren Mayes
As we wrap up another wonderful school year, we wish all of our South Elementary families a safe, fun, and relaxing summer. Thank you for your continued support of the PTO and for helping make this year such a success. We look forward to seeing everyone again in the fall.
The 25-26 South Elementary yearbooks have been distributed to those who have purchased them. We still have a few left. If you did not order a yearbook, you may purchase one in the the office here at school. They are $18 each. You may bring cash or check made out to South Elementary. It's first come, first serve.
Thank you for helping us keep our South family safe and healthy! Have a wonderful summer!
Nurse Charlotte
Our Lost and Found is piling up. Please be sure to remind your child to to look for any of their items. if you come to school for an event, that would be the perfect opportunity to look through the lost and found. We will be donating all left items after school is out.
Enjoy the summer break! It has been my pleasure working with you and your children this year!
Benefits of Summer Break
Research from “Shaping Summer Time Experiences” shows that summer break can positively impact student mental health. Their data shows fewer mental health-related emergency visits in the summer than in other seasons. Specifically, data from more than 20,000 children under age 17 document decreased presentations to emergency departments in urban and rural areas for mental illness, substance use, or self-harm in the summer. Visits for neurotic/stress-related disorders, mood disorders, self-harm, substance abuse, and behavioral/emotional disorders also decreased from May to July and then increased in August, September, and October.
Moreover, a retrospective study from a hospital examining psychiatric emergency department visits for children and youth aged 5-18 further confirmed this seasonal trend. The study observed fewer visits during the summer months of June, July, and August.
The summer break offers a respite from various stressors, including academic pressures, the daily grind of classroom activities, extracurricular demands, and certain social pressures. These elements often contribute to a stressful school climate, which can exacerbate stress and anxiety among students. The absence of these pressures during the summer provides a necessary break from such environments, potentially improving students’ overall mental well-being.
Moreover, it’s common for children to engage in positive activities in the summertime that can improve their mental well-being. Time with loved ones, increased time outside, and engaging in hobbies or sports can all help children feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. These activities promote physical health and provide essential emotional and social development.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. My email is lkayser@jr2mail.org
Have a great summer! I look forward to a new beginning with you next school year.
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” – Semisonic
Lori Kayser
South Elementary Counselor
Andy's Sweet Treats
This will be sent home so you can see the prices better.
Sunny Day & Rainy Day Vendor Set Up
Is It Time for a Mental Reset?
Too much screen time can impact your child’s sleep, mood, and self-esteem. Taking regular breaks from technology helps kids recharge, refocus, and feel their best.
Try this at home:
- Talk with your child about how screen time makes them feel
- Set small, realistic limits on daily use
- Plan a screen-free day and notice the difference together
Did you know?
Social media and video platforms can sometimes affect how children see themselves. Encouraging short breaks can boost confidence and overall well-being.
👉 Learn more and get helpful tips through Parent ProTech:
https://app.parentprotech.com/613/jackson-rii/en/signup?source=admin
Full Day Kids’ Club (FDKC):
Jackson R-2 School District offers Full Day Kids’ Club for JR2 students in preschool- 6th grade. The program operates most days when school is NOT in session. FDKC is a safe, fun, and engaging childcare program where students play at stations that build social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills!
The next FDKC program operates at South Elementary
May 26th and 27th at South Elementary
*Children must bring a sack lunch and water bottle.
Tuition: $30 per day for the first child. $25 per day for each additional child.
No School / No Full Day Program on May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.
After School Kids’ Club (ASKC): *NO CHILDCARE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL MAY 21ST DUE TO NOON DISMISSAL.
Jackson R-2 School District offers After School Kids’ Club for JR2 students in preschool-6th grade. The program operates Monday–Friday after school until 5:45 PM, whenever school is in session. ASKC is a safe, fun, and engaging childcare program where students can work on homework (if needed) and play at stations that build social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills! Tuition: $8 per day for the first child. $7 per day for each additional child.
Early Childhood Full Day Kids’ Club (ECFDKC): is offered to incoming Preschool students (age 3-4) at East Early Childhood Center. This program is offered whenever the school year ends in May and continues through most of June (May 26-June 18, 7:30am- 5:45 pm). There will be a variety of games and activities that will encourage and build new skills socially, cognitively, emotionally, and physically. Students must bring a sack lunch when attending the full-day program. A morning and afternoon snack will be provided. Tuition: $150.00 per week. Your child does NOT have to attend every week. Payment is due at time of enrollment. No walk-ins are accepted.
Summer School Kids’ Club (SSKC):
May 28th-June 18th is a FUN and ENGAGING childcare program offered for students after the summer school day is complete, 3:10 pm-5:45 pm. The program is available for students entering kindergarten through sixth grade. SSKC will operate at the building where your child attends summer school. During the time students are attending SSKC there will be a variety of games and activities that will encourage and build new skills socially, cognitively, emotionally, and physically. All students receive an afternoon snack. Please see the Kids’ Club website for dates and cost of tuition. Payment is due at time of enrollment. No walk-ins are accepted.
Camp Kids’ Club: June 24th-July 31st. Camp is hosted at South Elementary, $175 per week. Your child does NOT have to attend every week. Enrollment is now open. All Jackson R-2 parents should have received an email with enrollment details! If you did not receive an email and would like information on Camp Kids’ Club enrollment, please reach out Elizabeth with Kids’ Club at 573-243-9576 or email her at egreenlee@jackson.k12.mo.us
For more details visit: Kids’ Club Website
Several students have joined our South Elementary Birthday Book Club this year. If you would like to learn how your child can support our school Library while celebrating their birthday, please see this Birthday Book Club letter. You can sign your child up at any time throughout the year.
Students celebrating their birthdays in the month of May:
Maebry Essner
Brea Needham
Zailee Adams
Asher Henry
Hendrix Mayes
Raylinn Swinney
Juan Beltran
Jonah Barnhart
Aubrey Horn
Tessa Behring
April 29-May 6 - MAP Testing (3rd and 4th Grade)
May 1 - Principal Appreciation Day
May 4-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6 - School Nurse Appreciation Day
May 10 - Mother's Day
May 11 - JMS Transition Tours (during the school day for students & teachers only)
May 12 - 3rd Grade Field Trip
May 13 - JHS Seniors walk the halls at Elementary Schools
May 14 - 2nd Grade Field Trip
May 14 - Kindergarten Music Program and Graduation at 6:00pm
May 15 - Talent Show
May 18 - 4th Grade Park Service Day
May 19 - 4th Grade Celebration
May 20 - Play Day
May 21 - Last Day of school, End of 4th Quarter, School Dismisses at 12:00pm
May 28-June 18 - Summer School