Jefferson Elementary Newsletter
Patriot Press
What an amazing start to the school year! It was so great to see our students and families back at Jefferson this week. Thank you for trusting us with your children each day. We loved seeing so many of you come out and support us as we welcomed students back with basketball jams, smiles, and confetti cannons to kick off our year with a Champion Mindset!
This week was also all about helping our students learn the Jefferson Way! Our annual Expectations Rodeo got a basketball-themed upgrade this year and became our Jefferson Combine! 🏀 Students visited different spaces throughout the building to see expectations modeled, practice them, and learn what the Jefferson Way looks and sounds like throughout our school.
Ask your child about the Jefferson Combine! What did they learn this week? Who did they learn about? What expectations can they teach you?
A Few Family Reminders
- Arrival & Dismissal: Please continue following our drop-off and pick-up procedures each day.
- Stay Behind the Purple Line: During dismissal, all parents and guardians must remain behind the purple line. This gives our classes room to exit safely and helps staff clearly see where students are going and make sure they get to the correct person.
- Playground Before & After School: Students may not play on the playground before school, as there is no staff supervision available on the playground during arrival. After school, students may stay and play on the playground only when a parent or guardian is present and actively supervising them. Students should not remain on the playground after dismissal without an adult.
- Recess Zones: You may hear your child talk about being in a certain “zone” at recess this year. To help keep everyone safe while still giving students plenty of opportunities to play, we are dividing our outdoor recess spaces into zones. Throughout the week, each grade level will have 2–3 opportunities to use the playground and 2–3 opportunities to use the field or blacktop, as weather and outdoor conditions allow. This allows students more space to safely play and enjoy their recess time.
- Please take time to read the Jefferson Family Handbook for additional information about our school procedures and expectations.
Thank you for helping us start the year strong and for sharing your children with us each day. We are looking forward to an amazing school year together!
Our theme this year:
One Team. One Goal. Champion Mindset. 🏀
Lady Jones
Jefferson Elementary Principal
New Staff Introductions
My name is Brooke Gietman, and I’m excited to be joining Jefferson Elementary this year as the literacy interventionist. I’ve been in education for 11 years, including 8 years as a classroom teacher and 3 years in my current role. I truly love helping children grow as readers and increase their confidence along the way. I am excited to build relationships within the Jefferson community this year!
Hello, Jefferson families! I’m so excited to be joining your school community! My family and I recently moved to Oshkosh from Illinois after my husband accepted the Head Men’s Basketball Coach position at UW–Oshkosh. I’m a wife and mom to Sam (7) and Cam (2), and this year marks my 20th year in education. Throughout my career as a classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, MTSS Director, and Assistant Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, my passion has always been helping every student feel like they belong and supporting their growth. I believe every child can learn at high levels, and I’m excited to collaborate with staff and families to help every learner succeed. We’re thrilled to be part of the Jefferson community and look forward to a wonderful year together! Thank you for the warm welcome!
My name is Ms. Martin and I am the new Jefferson school counselor. I have been a school counselor for 7 years, prior to joining Jefferson I was at Roosevelt Elementary School. I love being a school counselor and inspiring young minds to become confident individuals and learn social skills needed to be a successful part of our community.
Picture Day 📷
If you would like free delivery to the school, orders must be placed by September 25th. A proof card will be sent to the school three weeks after picture day if you do not place an order by September 25th. Shipping charges apply.
Reporting Student Attendance 💛
To help us support your student’s success and safety, all attendance notifications need to come through the school office. This includes:
✨ Absences — Please let us know each day your child is out, especially if they’re sick for multiple days. You may email doctor's notes to the school secretary or send them to school with your student.
✨ Late Arrivals & Early Pick-Ups — Inform the office so we can properly record the day.
✨ Extended Vacations - Please fill out the Pre-Planned Absence Form (link is located at the bottom of the newsletter) and return it to the office with your student.
✨ Attendance may be reported to the office via phone, secretary email, or via Infinite Campus Parent Portal under "more" and "absence requests".
📧 Email: katie.ascher@oshkosh.k12.wi.us
📞 Phone: 920-424-0165
Important!: If someone other than a parent/guardian will be picking up your student, please notify the office ahead of time. For everyone’s safety, the person picking up must show a valid ID at pickup so we can confirm they’re approved to take your child. Changes to student pick-up information must be reported to the office by 2:30 pm so that the office can send your student a note before the end of the day.
Thank you for staying connected and helping us ensure every student’s day is safe, smooth, and successful!
🚗 Morning Drop-Off & Afternoon Pick-Up Reminder
📍 View the official Jefferson Elementary Traffic Flow & Parking Map:
👉 Jefferson Traffic Flow/Parking Map (official)
Where you can park & walk:
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11th Ave (from the end of the bus loading zone down toward Oregon St.) — Street parking is allowed. You may park, exit your vehicle, and walk your student to the blacktop.
Surrounding streets: 10th Avenue, Oregon Street, and other designated green areas on the map.
Where you cannot park:
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Minnesota Street (along the school) — Loading zone only. Pull up, drop off or pick up quickly, do not park and exit your car here.
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Blacktop in front of the playground (11th Ave) — Bus zone only. No parking or loading here.
Safety reminder:
Please keep traffic heading north on Minnesota Street. Stopping in the middle of the road to drop off creates a safety hazard with oncoming cars.
Picture Day
Picture Day
📅 Wednesday, September 23rd - Please send students to school ready to have their photo taken!
Jefferson Elementary PTO Needs YOU! 📢📢📢
Our Jefferson Elementary PTO plays a huge role in creating the fun, supportive, and memorable experiences our students enjoy. From special family events to helping fund field trips and providing resources for our teachers. Check out what topics the next PTO meeting will cover here.
At the end of this year, several of our dedicated PTO parents will be moving on as their children advance grades, which means we need new parent voices and helping hands to keep the PTO going. Without fresh members, many of the activities our students love may not be able to continue.
Here’s the good news:
Being part of the PTO is simple, welcoming, and low-pressure.
- Minimal commitment - attend a monthly meeting when you can in person or virtual
- Stay in the know about what’s happening at your child’s school
- Support our students through simple fundraising events like our dine-out nights at local resturants and fun school events
- Help shape experiences that make Jefferson special like bike or walk to school day and field day
Whether you can give a little time or a lot, your involvement matters. Even one new parent makes a big difference.
If you’re interested in joining or learning more, we’d love to have you! Let’s keep the Jefferson Elementary spirit strong for all of our students. 💛📘
Check out their Facebook page here.