Jaguar Tracks Sept 18

Dear Jaguar Community,

At John Hay, our students are always at the center of everything we do. Each day, I continue to be inspired by their curiosity, kindness, and enthusiasm for learning. Whether they are building new friendships, tackling academic challenges, or contributing to our school community, our students remind us why strong partnerships between school and home are so important.

This week, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our PTSA for hosting their first meeting of the school year last Monday. Our PTSA has already launched many wonderful initiatives designed to enrich the student experience and strengthen our school community. From supporting classroom activities to organizing family events and fostering connections among families, their commitment makes a meaningful difference for our students. I encourage all families to consider joining the PTSA and becoming involved. Whether you have a few hours to volunteer, ideas to share, or simply want to stay connected, your participation helps make John Hay an even stronger community for our children.

Looking ahead, we are excited for the PTSA’s first Fall Game Night with Blue Highway next Wednesday. This event promises to be a fun-filled evening where students and families can come together to enjoy games, laughter, and community building. Opportunities like this allow students to connect with classmates outside the classroom while families build relationships with one another. We hope to see many of you there for an evening of fun and fellowship.

Another exciting PTSA initiative this year is the introduction of faculty spotlights in their newsletter. What makes these features especially unique is that the interviews will be conducted by our students. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to practice their communication skills, learn more about the adults who support them each day, and help our community get to know the talented educators who make John Hay such a special place.

Thank you to our PTSA, our families, our staff, and our broader school community for your ongoing partnership and support. Most importantly, thank you for all you do to help our students thrive. Together, we create opportunities for them to learn, grow, and feel a sense of belonging, and that remains our most important work.

In partnership,

Jerid

Dr. Jerid Morisco, Principal

The student data verification form enables parents and guardians to update their household and student information online. This form includes the important student health information, emergency and family contact information, and much more. This form is different than the Emergency Information and Student Release form that we sent home in red folders and also needs to be filled out.

To access, log in to your Source account and select Student Data Verification form from the navigation menu.

What is Jaguar Jog? The Jaguar Jog is our annual fall fundraiser that funds all our events and activities throughout the year. Students collect pledges for donations per lap or a flat donation, then each grade runs laps around the playground or school in a great celebration of school spirit, community, and physical activity! Parents, family, friends, teachers, and staff encourage and cheer students on during their run.

This event funds school and classroom supplies for every teacher and school department, student scholarships, after-school clubs and enrichment, and all our school events throughout the year.

Please consider volunteering at this event, all volunteers must be SPS approved. If you are a new volunteer, please start your application ASAP, as this could take 2-3 weeks to get approved.

Please also sign up HERE to volunteer!

Questions? Email Event Lead Brooke Johnson- brooke.eglin.johnson@gmail.com

We love having family and community volunteers support our students and staff! If you'd like to volunteer at school, Seattle Public Schools requires all volunteers to complete and receive approval for a background check before volunteering. Once approved, volunteers may be able to help with:

• Lunch and recess supervision
• Classroom and library support
• Weekend Food Bag pickup
• School Event support
• Organizing Lost & Found items and more!

To learn more about the volunteer process and complete the required application, visit the SPS Volunteer Program page. If your unsure of your volunteer status or have questions, email mkruediger@seattleschools.org.

The Ballard Food Bank provides students with a free bag of food to take home for the weekend. We are looking for volunteers to pick up bags and deliver them to John Hay on Thursdays. This is one of our most essential volunteer jobs. Sign up here.

If you'd like to receive a food bag, look for the application in student's red folders or reach out to our Social Worker, Heather Baxter. There are no requirements to participate.

Join us Wednesday, September 23 from 6:00–7:30 PM in the John Hay cafeteria for Family Game Night! Our friends from Blue Highway Games will bring a great selection of games for all ages and abilities. Families are also welcome to bring a favorite game from home.

Stick close to your phone/computer this Tuesday: after-school enrichment registration opens at 10AM! Click here for the registration link. Here's a reminder of our class offerings.

Tues PM

o Little Picasso (Preschool-K)

o Pokemon Club (1st-5th)

o Pacifica Writer's Workshop (1st-5th)

o Let's Play Pickleball (2nd-5th)

Thurs PM

o Lego Inventors (Preschool-K)

o Piano Keyboard Club (1st-5th)

o Machine Sewing (1st-5th)

o Creative Dance (K-2nd)

Need financial assistance? Email enrichment@johnhayptsa.org for more information!

If you have a child at John Hay who receives Special Education services or has special needs without formal services, please fill out the following survey (NOTE: it can be submitted completely anonymously, if preferred). Help us understand how the PTSA can best support the Hay Special Education community!

Survey closes next Friday, Sep. 25th!

CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY

Join us as Blue Highway Games brings another Game Night to John Hay! This laid-back event is a great chance to try some new games and catch up with other families!

Date/Time: Wednesday, Sep. 23rd, 6-7:30pm

Location: John Hay Cafeteria & Gym

What to expect:

• 🎲20+ Drop-In Games: Tables organized by age with quick 5–30 min games.
• 🤝BYO Table & Crafts: Bring a favorite labeled game from home, or visit the arts & crafts station!
• ❓Expert Help: Blue Highway staff and volunteers will be there to teach rules and recommend games.
• 🧡Support the PTSA: 10% of all Blue Highway game purchases go back to John Hay PTSA!
• 🍕Pizza & Drinks for Sale: Cash and credit accepted (please keep food in designated areas).

🙋 Help Make it Happen! Events like this rely on community support. Sign up to help with playing and resetting games, or selling pizza: Click here to volunteer.

Monster Mash is coming Friday, October 30, and we need your help bringing one of the kids’ favorite parts of the night to life: Trunk or Treat!

We’re looking for one decorated car from each grade, Pre-K through 5th, to transform the John Hay playground into a festive trick-or-treating destination. Go all-out with a theme or keep it simple. Friendly pumpkins, silly ghosts and Halloween decorations are all welcome!

Don’t have a car to decorate? You can still join the fun by teaming up with another family and helping decorate their trunk. The PTSA will provide the candy, and if decorating costs are a barrier, the PTSA can reimburse a portion of your supplies.

📅 Friday, October 30
🎃 Setup: 3:30–5:00 p.m.
🍬 Trunk or Treat: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 John Hay Elementary Playground

Sign up to decorate a trunk or help a family

Thank you for helping us make Monster Mash a fun and memorable night for our John Hay students!

🔔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 21st More Info Here

Wednesday, September 23rd

Wednesday, October 7th

Friday, October 9th

Thursday, October 15th

Friday, October 16th

Friday, October 30th