Jaguar Tracks Sept 4

Dear Jaguar Community,

What a wonderful start to the school year! There is something truly special about the first days of school, and it has been an absolute joy to welcome our students back into the building. After months of preparation, our classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and learning spaces are once again filled with the energy, curiosity, laughter, and excitement that make John Hay such a special place.

From the moment students arrived, there has been a noticeably positive atmosphere throughout the school. Students have eagerly reconnected with friends, met new classmates and teachers, and embraced the opportunities that come with a new year. Our staff has been inspired by the kindness, enthusiasm, and sense of belonging already on display. Whether in classrooms, on the playground, or in the cafeteria, students are helping create the warm and welcoming environment that we value so deeply at John Hay.

I would also like to thank our PTSA and families for your partnership and support. A successful opening of school is truly a team effort, and we appreciate everything you do to help your children arrive each day ready to learn, grow, and contribute to our community.

The year ahead is full of promise, and I am excited to see all that our students will accomplish. Thank you for being part of the John Hay community and for helping us launch the school year with such positivity and enthusiasm.

In partnership,

Jerid

Dr. Jerid Morisco, Principal

We are excited to welcome several new educators and specialists to the John Hay community this year. Please join us in extending a warm John Hay welcome to:

• Kelli Branch – Kindergarten Teacher
• Sam Koek – Kindergarten/1st Grade Teacher
• Sarah Garvin – 1st Grade Teacher
• Rachel Atwood – 3rd/4th Grade Teacher
• Jean Koewler - Librarian
• Misa Nakamura – Interventionist
• Vayle Barela – Resource Teacher
• Jessie Caruso – Extended Resource Teacher (K-3)
• Julia Massey – Extended Resource Teacher (4-5)
• Lauren Formigli – Focus Teacher (Grades 2-5)
• Angela Schmeckpeper - Occupational Therapist
• Kowsar Mohamud - Occupational Therapist
• Brittni Bryan- Psychologist
• Beatrice Lincke - Instructional Assistant, Preschool
• Sarah Rope - Instructional Assistant
• Emmy Silverman - Instructional Assistant

We are thrilled to have these talented educators join our team and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students and school community.

Staffing Update: The K-1 Focus Teacher position is currently posted, and we are actively recruiting. We hope to welcome an outstanding educator to this role very soon and will keep families updated as the hiring process progresses.

At the start of each school year, parents and guardians need to fill out forms and pay fees. Here is the checklist of tasks to do.

1. Set up Source Account. Parents and guardians of new SPS students: set up your Source account. The Source is where you will find important information for your student and links to pay and complete forms. This is also where you will find your student’s quarterly progress reports from their teachers as the year progresses. You will need an active account in the Source to complete the steps below.

2. Note Student ID. Locate your student's ID number by logging in to the Source. Their student ID number is at the top of the page. You will need the student ID number in some of the forms.

3. Change of Address. Have you moved? Please update your address with the school district.

4. Data Verification. Complete the data verification form for each student. You may have received an email from SPS but you can access this form in the Source. Once logged into the Source, click on Data Verification in the menu on the left side of the page. Please complete this step for each student. This form is submitted online and must be completed in addition to the forms listed in the next step below. (This is a point of confusion for parents. Only completing the data verification form is not sufficient. You must also complete the list of forms listed in the next step.)

5. Seattle Public Schools Forms. Hard copies have gone home in red folders. To access the forms in languages other than English, please visit this site.

6. School Supply Fee. Parents and guardians do not need to purchase school supplies. Instead there is a pay what you can donation fee which you pay by visiting SchoolPay . If you choose to add additional funds, additional donations go towards supporting supply scholarships.

7. School Meals. There will be no charge for school meals this year. Every student may get one full breakfast and one full lunch each day. Students will use a barcode card that has been provided to them.

While school meals are available to all students at no cost, SPS encourages every family to complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) application. The information helps schools receive important funding and resources and may qualify students for additional educational benefits. Families who do not wish to provide income information may select the “Decline Benefits” option. Learn more about school meals and the CNEEB application on the SPS Culinary Services webpage.

8. Label ALL your students’ belongings and clothing with their full name. If room is tight, please use the last name. We suggest using a sharpie or other permanent labeling system.

Seattle Public Schools contracts bus service out for John Hay buses. The drivers are not part of SPS, but we do have a Transportation department that acts as a liaison. Hay families must contact SPS Transportation if there are bus issues.

Email: transdept@seattleschools.org

Phone: 206-252-0900

Additionally, you can download the Zum Transportation mobile app to track your student’s bus. Your student’s route is connected to the phone number and email address you have on file with the school district.

Joining the John Hay PTSA is 100% free and the best way for parents to stay connected! 🌟 Sign up today so you don't miss our weekly email updates on upcoming events and school news. 📩✨ https://johnhayptsa.org/join

The Weekend Food For Kids program provides students with a free bag of food to take home for the weekend. There are no requirements to participate. Look for the application in student's red folders or reach out to our Social Worker, Heather Baxter.

🔔Drop off in the morning begins at 8:35. At that time, the gates are opened. At 8:50, the first bell rings and students are led into the building by their teacher. At 8:55 instruction begins. School dismisses at 3:25 M, T, Th, F.

🔔Students arriving after 8:55am will be marked tardy.

🔔Every Wednesday is early dismissal at 2:10 PM.

Monday, September 7th

Tuesday, September 8th

Monday, September 14th 6:30-7:30pm Zoom link

Monday, September 21st

Wednesday, September 23rd