Our Learning Community...
Friendship Grams and Valentines filled our week! As we celebrate this season of love, it is a powerful reminder of the strength we find when we come together as a community. In a time when our nation is seeing an increase in division and hate, love remains our most powerful tool for creating change.
We understand that recent executive orders affecting education policy and the Department of Education have raised questions and concerns for many. As a proud member of San Diego Unified School District, we want to reassure you of our unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality, inclusive education for every student. As public educators, we stand at the heart of a mission that transcends politics, ensuring every child who walks through our doors feels seen, valued, and is celebrated for who they are.
The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention education, it is not a federal power by default. Education is already primarily a state responsibility, as outlined in our California Constitution. States have broad authority to create and manage their education systems. States set learning standards, adopt textbooks, make decisions about curriculum, and determine graduation requirements. They decide what students learn and how teachers are certified. The majority of our education funding comes from state and local sources through property taxes, state income taxes, and other revenue streams.
Federal educational funding in the U.S. has historically been targeted to support specific student populations and address disparities in education. The goal has been ensure all students, regardless of their background, have access to quality education and equitable opportunities. Title I aims to close the opportunity gap between low-income families and their more affluent peers. IDEA mandates that students with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. Title III funding focuses on helping English Learners achieve proficiency in English while also succeeding academically. The McKinney-Veto Act ensures that homeless students have the same access to education as their peers. Title VI is a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits discrimination. The new executive orders represent a significant shift in federal education policy which will have serious implications across our country and here in California. At a time when we are already facing budgetary challenges an additional loss in funding is worrisome. Regardless of changes at the federal level, San Diego Unified remains dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive environment for all. Our values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence will continue to guide every decision we make.
We will always prioritize the well-being, rights, and opportunities of our students and families. Our district has a strong tradition of supporting all learners, fostering leadership, and promoting growth, and that will not change.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education. Thank you for partnering with us in this important work. We hope even during times of uncertainty you find strength in our community and all that unites us.
In P.E. this month we are beginning to put a little more focus into preparing for the state mandated fitness test coming up in April. Our 5th graders will participate in 5 activities including the pacer, curl ups, flex arm hang, trunk lift, and shoulder stretch. Our IMPACT stations include exercises to help our students practice for these tests and to build strength and confidence. We just completed the Pacer Challenge in P.E. class. Ask your student how they did, many reached or surpassed their grade level goal!
Our dance focus this month is centered around disco and hip hop. Our students are learning how to dance like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever and being introduced to some cool music too. Ask to see their disco finger point. 😊
Stay active – Coach Jensen
February
Black History Month
17 - No School: President’s Day
19 - Volunteer Appreciation: 12:15 - 1:15 pm @Jones Library
20 - VAPA: UTK, 3, 2
21 - Science Guys Assembly Sponsored by the PTA
21 - End of the Second Trimester
26 - Student Store
28 - Achievement Awards #2
28 - School Picture Day - Spring
March
6 - Extra Minimum Day (Dismissal for UTK-5th - 11:40 am/11:50 am)
7 - No School: Non-Instructional Day
11 - SSC/SGT
12 - PTA Family Dine Out: Mendocino Farms
13 - VAPA: K, 1, 4, 5
14 - Literacy Family Friday & PTA Association Meeting - 7:45 am - Auditorium
17 - Fire Drill
18 - Cali-Q BBQ (Families can join students for a special Picnic Lunch)
20 - VAPA: UTK, 3, 2
21 - Spotlight Leadership Assembly Habit #6
23 - PTA Family Picnic and Playdate: Snapdragon Thrive Park
24 - 28 - Spring Parent/Guardian & Teacher Conferences (UTK-5th Grade: Minimum Days all week)
26 - Shelter in Place Drill
26 - Student Store
31 - April 4 - No School: Spring Break
April
7 - School Resumes
7 - May 9 - Fitnessgram Assessment (5th grade)
8 - Fire Drill
9 - Student Store
11 - Military Appreciation Ceremony
11 - 5th Grade Panoramic Picture
23 - Student Store
24 - Spring Showcase of Learning (evening event)
25 - Spotlight Leadership Assembly Habit #7
28 - May 9 - SBAC Testing (3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade)
29 - SSC/SGT
May
7 - Student Store
13 - 16 - Scholastic Book Fair
16 - Achievement Awards #3
20 - SSC/SGT
22 - Fire Drill
26 - No School: Memorial Day
27 - UTK & K Promotion
28 - 5th Grade Promotion
29 - Last Day of School - Extra Minimum Day (UTK-5th)
Dear San Diego Unified Families,
San Diego Unified’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) department would like to share information about the district’s 2025 summer programs, available to eligible students currently enrolled in San Diego Unified. Programs include Summer Academic, PrimeTime Summer program, Summer Enrichment opportunities and Extended School Year (ESY). Below are important key dates, program details and information. Families may view summer school site locations by clicking here, 2025 Summer Programming Information.
When planning this year’s summer programming, the district carefully considered several factors, including reduced funding, grant requirements, attendance data, and school site facility availability due to scheduled construction projects. In previous years, summer programs were offered for “UTK-8” students. However, due to low middle school participation in past Summer Academic and Primetime programs and fiscal challenges, we made a data-driven decision to focus programming for TK-6 students.
Summer 2025 Program Dates and Times:
Grades TK - 6th
The following summer programs are funded by the California Department of Education ELOP Grant and our district will offer priority enrollment to eligible TK-6 students who meet any of the following criteria:
- Homeless and/or foster youth
- Low income (eligible for free/reduced meals under LCFF)
- English Learners
- Siblings of the above
- Students with disabilities (IEP or 504)
Eligible families will receive an email and text notification sent to the primary contact information on file with PowerSchool. The priority enrollment window opens on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 9:59 p.m.
Summer Academic:
Wednesday, June 4 - Thursday, July 3
Program closed Thursday, June 19 & Friday, June 20
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Enrollment Opens: Monday, February 10, 2025
Enrollment Closes: Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 9:59 p.m.
Summer PrimeTime:
Wednesday, June 4 - Thursday, July 3
Program closed Thursday, June 19 & Friday, June 20
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Enrollment Opens: Monday, February 10, 2025
Enrollment Closes: Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 9:59 p.m.
Summer Enrichment:
Monday, July 7 - Friday, July 18
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Enrollment Opens: Late April 2025
*We anticipate the demand for summer programs may surpass capacity once the priority enrollment application window closes. We will notify families if space becomes available for general enrollment.
Extended School Year (ESY) Special Education Program: Services provided to eligible students who have unique needs and require special education and related services in excess of the regular academic year. Families with questions regarding ESY eligibility should reach out to their student’s case manager.
Wednesday, June 4 - Thursday, July 3
Program closed Thursday, June 19 & Friday, June 20
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Registration is done by students’ case managers and based on the IEP’s team decision.
We encourage families to explore the FAQ and visit the Extended Learning Opportunities website for additional detailed information about the summer programs and guidance on accessing applications and enrollment forms.
Join us for parent office hours every Tuesday, February 4 - June 3, from 4 - 4:30 p.m. via zoom for support!
We look forward to supporting your child’s learning this summer!
Sincerely,
Extended Learning Opportunities Department
San Diego Unified School District
Here is a link to the San Diego Unified Food Services Website where you can find allergy and nutritional information on foods served at schools. Foods not found on our regular school site menu will be listed individually under the "Alternate Menu Items" section.
If you ever have general questions about the food services at school sites you can reach out to foodandnutritionservices@sandi.net. To connect directly with the Jones Cafe Manager you can email Elena Nieto at enieto@sandi.net.
Jones Elementary
Check out our school website for PeachJar Flyers, Counseling Resources, Family Handbook, Staff Contact Lists, After School Programs, Enrollment Information and so much more!
Email: contact@sandi.net
Website: https://jones.sandiegounified.org/
Location: 2751 Greyling Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 605-8800
Facebook: facebook.com/JonesElementary
Instagram: @jonesdolphins
Jones Elementary PTA
Our Parent Teacher Association works with Jones Elementary to provide programs and support to benefit the students, their families, teachers, school administration and the community. Run entirely by volunteers, the PTA raises money to support enrichment programs, program instructors, educational assemblies and field trips, family events, and special classroom supplies.
As always, we need your membership, support and ability to volunteer. You can become a member using Totem, a respected membership management service. Please contact us with other thoughts on how we are doing, and your ideas on how you can become involved. We look forward to hearing from you.
Email: jonesdolphinspta@gmail.com
Website: https://jpjonespta.org/
Location: 2751 Greyling Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (619)605-8800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonesPTA/
