Jefferson Journal

Welcome to the start of a brand new semester! It is always energizing to see our students return with renewed focus after the break, ready to take on the next chapter of their learning journey.

The transition to the second semester is a natural time to reflect on how far our students have come. We are seeing incredible growth across all grade levels—not just academically, but in the confidence our Rangers bring to the classroom each day.

Second-quarter report cards will be available to view online through PowerHub on Wednesday, 1/8. It is rewarding to see our students' dedication reflected in their progress, and we are excited to build on this momentum as we head toward the spring. If you have any trouble accessing your account, please reach out to the main office for assistance.

Our students continue to lead the way by showing PRIDE—Prepared, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence. It is their commitment to these values that makes our school community so special.

Be sure to check the rest of this newsletter for upcoming dates and visit our Facebook page to see our Rangers in action. Thank you for your partnership as we begin this exciting second half of the year!

Warmly,

Mrs. Platt & Mr. Eberly

35980 Lakeshore Blvd. Eastlake, OH 44095

Office Email: tj.office@weschools.org

Main Office Line: 440-942-7244

Attendance Line: 855-612-7207 (24 Hours)

• Mrs. Candace Platt, Principal
• Mr. David Eberly, Assistant Principal
• Mrs. Lori Dugger, Principal's Secretary
• Mrs. Wendy Flick, Administrative Secretary
• Mrs. Jacque Sparent, Family Liaison
• Ms. Katie Klemencic, School Nurse
• Ms. Priscilla Drewery, Health Aide

• 1/15- Class Picture Day
• 1/15- Five Guys Dine to Donate Night
• 1/19- No School- MLK Jr. Day
• 1/20- January PTO Meeting- 3:10 PM
• 1/20- Seniors Night Out- TJ Choir Performing
• 1/29- 3rd Grade Music Program at NHS PAC- 7 PM
• 2/16- No School- Presidents' Day
• 2/19- Skating Party- 6-8:30 PM
• 2/20- Sweetheart Dance- 6:30-8:30 PM
• 2/23- No School for Students- Professional Development Day

In Ohio, we know that the weather can change at a moment's notice! Please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the changing temperature. We go outside for arrival, dismissal, and recess any time that the wind chill is 20 degrees or above. Winter coats, hats, gloves, and boots are recommended. If you are in need of assistance providing winter weather gear for your child or children, please fill out THIS form and we will try to help.

Information on ordering class pictures will be sent home with your child this week. Please be on the lookout for the packet!

• Our 25-26 yearbooks are on sale now through April 1st for $15. Yearbook ordering information is being sent home with students this week.
• You can order one online by clicking here: https://cirinophotography.shopyearbook.com/view_account.asp?yearbook_id=93473
• This sale is the only way to buy yearbooks. They are pre-sale only and we will not have any to buy directly from the school at a later time. Please plan to order one before the deadline if you want one!

In November we were focusing on the "I" in our PRIDE Promise which is "Integrity". Students who exemplified this characteristic were invited to a Party with the Principals at the beginning of December. We had snacks, games, and play time on the playground to recognize these students. In December, we are focusing on being "Dedicated" and will celebrate with those students soon.

Congratulations to the following students for showing "Integrity":

• Kindergarten: Everly Childers, Echo May-Hodgson, Addy Park
• 1st Grade: Rayla Serda, Jordan Fischer, Gabby Gucanac, Avery Brown, Lyla Stapleton, Kamryn Fomby
• 2nd Grade: Alina Suljevic, Harper Brady, Emily Mason
• 3rd Grade: Mia Armintrout, Jillian Grinstead, Reagan Wisen, Max Weisenburg
• 4th Grade: Mackenzie Pierce, Carmina Stray, Joey Sowers
• 5th Grade: Greyson Kallock, Zara Colon, Kendal Francis, Nathan Natal

Students are nominated by our staff members for showing PRIDE and kindness and recognized weekly. Keep up the great work!

We have a limited number of new Jefferson Rangers t-shirts left. Click the button below to order and we will send them home with your student immediately. Please be sure to type the student’s first and last name when ordering.

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! We have a lot of fun things planned this year, but first get to know the PTO!

President: Diana Warner
Vice President: Marcia Gamiere
Secretary: Katie Pavlick
Treasurer: Melissa Grinstead

Contact: jefferson.pto01@gmail.com

We have a very active PTO and we are always looking for more people to get involved to help create fun, engaging, and memorable experiences for our students and families! You are already a member of the PTO by having a child attend our school. There are no membership fees and requirements- plan to attend a meeting!

PTO meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 3:10 PM at Jefferson Elementary. Your child can stay after school to have a snack and do a fun activity with one of our staff members while you attend our meeting! The meetings are typically under an hour each time. You can come to a meeting or two or attend every one throughout the year. We cannot wait to meet you!

If you would like your child to stay after school so you can attend our next meeting, please fill out the form below. Thank you!

• Students may not pass out birthday invitations. If the family is having a party and wants to invite the entire class, the parent may contact the teacher and request for the teacher to pass the invitations out to all students in the class. NO FOOD BIRTHDAY TREATS MAY BE SENT IN TO SCHOOL THROUGH THE STUDENT OR DROPPED OFF IN THE OFFICE. We will contact the family to pick these up. Thank you for your cooperation!

• Outside Food Deliveries are Prohibited (Uber Eats, GrubHub, etc). If a student forgets a lunch, and the family can’t drop one off prior to the student lunch period, we will provide them with a school lunch.

• Student cell phones must be turned off and stored in student backpacks. Students may not have their cell phones in their pockets (pants, sweatshirts, jackets etc). Some bus drivers allow kids to use their phones on the bus, but they should not be walking in or out of school with them in their hands/pockets.
• Offense #1 - Staff Member reminds the student to turn the phone off and put it in their backpack (notify classroom teacher for tracking purposes).
  • Classroom teacher discretion whether to notify parents or not.
• ​​​Offense #2 - Staff Member takes the student’s phone and keeps it in their possession (or gives it to the classroom teacher to keep in their possession) until the end of the school day.
  • Classroom teacher will notify parents of the 2nd offense and warn about the consequences of a third offense.
• Offense #3 - Staff Member notifies the classroom teacher and brings the student’s cell phone to the office.
• Principal or Assistant Principal calls home and informs parents that the phone will remain in the office until picked up by the parent.

• Smart watches may only be used to tell time. If students are using them for communication or gaming purposes, they will follow the same rules above stated for cell phones.

  Students are not allowed to have their personal headphones (airpods, earbuds) during class time (unless approved by teacher for use), recess, or during ENCORE classes. Unauthorized use of these items will result in the above stated processes for cell phones and smart watches.

• Students should not bring their own toys, balls, or electronics to school and may not bring them out to recess. If they do bring them to school (for before/after school use), this is at their own risk, and they need to be kept in the student’s backpack. The school is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Students may wear hoodies inside the school, but they must keep their hoods down at all times. Having hoods up makes it difficult to identify students and their actions, and often leads to academic disengagement. Hats are not permitted inside the school unless it is a designated “hat day”.