From the Hawks Nest

Dear Jeremy Ranch Community,

As we step into a brand-new school year, I am filled with immense gratitude and excitement. I am honored to begin my second year as Principal of Jeremy Ranch Elementary and my seventh year in school administration. Reflecting on my first year with you, I can truly say it was exceptional—getting to know our dedicated teachers, passionate staff, curious students, and supportive families was the highlight of my year.

Being an educator is a deeply personal calling for me. As a first-generation college graduate, I hold a profound belief in the transformative power of education, which fuels my commitment to helping every child reach their fullest potential.

Park City isn't just where I work—it’s home. Living here in this extraordinary community is where I’ve raised my two daughters, Jade (21) and Braya (16). Together with our chocolate lab Mazie, two cats, and bearded dragon Scooter, our family loves everything our mountain town has to offer, from hiking local trails to skiing our beautiful slopes. I carry that gratitude for our community into my work at Jeremy Ranch every single day.

Jeremy Ranch is a vibrant, thriving school, and our strong partnership between families and staff makes JRES a truly special place to learn and grow.

• School Theme: Hawks Fly Higher with Dignity

• Motto: "Lifting each other up, one interaction at a time."

Just as hawks rely on warm updrafts to soar effortlessly to new heights, our positive, dignified, and respectful interactions serve as the updrafts that elevate our entire school culture. When we uplift one another—students, staff, and families alike—we build a community where everyone can thrive.

A central priority for this school year is deepening our commitment to strong, open communication and authentic relationships. Grounded in our district's focus on the Dignity Index, we aim to ensure that every conversation—whether in the classroom, during parent-teacher interactions, or across our community—is rooted in respect, empathy, and mutual trust.

• Leading with Curiosity: We strive to enter conversations with open minds and active listening.

• Assuming Good Intent: We approach challenges collaboratively, focusing on solutions that place students at the center.

• Dignified Dialogue: Even when we encounter differing perspectives, we commit to holding high expectations while protecting the dignity of every individual involved.

When your child enters Jeremy Ranch Elementary each day, our goal is to foster an environment where they feel safe, seen, valued, and challenged.

Together with your support, we aspire to build a culture that emphasizes:

• Academic & Personal Growth: Encouraging every Hawk to explore their unique talents, embrace a growth mindset, and discover the joy of continuous learning.

• Belonging & Connection: Ensuring every student feels a deep sense of belonging while learning the values of kindness, responsibility, and empathy.

• True Partnership: Working side by side with parents and guardians as co-partners in our students' educational journey.

Monday, August 17th:

• 12:00 PM (Noon): Teacher Assignments

  Parents will receive an email notification regarding their child's teacher assignment. (Please note: We do not accept individual teacher requests. Our team carefully considers each child’s social, emotional, academic, and behavioral needs to create balanced classrooms where every student can thrive.)

• 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Principal Information Session

  Join us in the auditorium for a brief Meet & Greet and presentation. Presentation slides will also be shared via email for those unable to attend.

• 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Meet & Greet Your Teacher

  Stop by the classrooms to meet your teacher and explore the space!

Wednesday, August 19th: First Day of School! 🔔

Bell Schedule

• 7:50 a.m. – Outdoor supervision begins

• 8:05 a.m. – Whistle blows (Students line up by grade level at the back of the school)

• 8:10 a.m. – Student entry:

  • Grades 1–4: Enter back cafeteria doors

  • Grade 5: Enter east side hallway door

• 8:15 a.m. – Classes begin

• 3:05 p.m. – Dismissal bell rings

Arrival Procedures & Late Arrivals

• 8:16 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.: Students arriving after 8:15 a.m. are late and must enter through the front east side gate.

• After 8:30 a.m.: Please check in directly at the front office.

We can't wait to welcome our Hawks back! Please ensure your child arrives on time so we can start our morning smoothly and make the most of our morning structures and routines.

JRES Important Dates- Mark Your Calendars- 2026/27

To ensure safety and efficiency during arrival and dismissal:

• Please review our complete JRES Arrival & Dismissal Procedures.

• Remain in your vehicle while in the drop-off and pick-up lanes, and please follow all staff directions.

• A gentle reminder: Arrival and dismissal can sometimes be a busy or stressful time of day. This is a wonderful opportunity to model our school values of dignity, respect, and patience for our young Hawks. Thank you for helping us set a positive, safe example for our students every morning and afternoon!

As the school year begins, please be mindful of active construction around our area. UDOT has officially begun work on the I-80 Jeremy Ranch Bridge Reconstruction project, which includes lane closures, traffic shifts, and altered traffic flow along Homestead Road.

Expect potential delays during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times, and please allow extra time for your commute. We encourage all JRES families to review the official project details, map, and closure schedules by visiting the UDOT Jeremy Ranch Bridges Reconstruction Project page to plan your routes accordingly!

*If viewing on your cell phone, scroll through tabs on the bottom of your phone.

Please take time to review the JRES Parent/Student Handbook English/Spanish with your student prior to the start of the school year.

In particular, please take note of our updated policies regarding:

• Smart Device Use: Guidelines on personal technology during school hours.

• Food in School: Updates on snacks, classroom treats, and celebrating with experiences.

• Personal Items at School: Expectations for toys, electronic devices, and personal belongings.

• Volunteers in Our Schools: As in years past, we look forward to inviting you in to volunteer in your child's classroom.

• PCSD Volunteer Application

The safety and security of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Moving forward, in accordance with Utah H.B. 44 (Access & Visitor Management Requirements), we are implementing enhanced campus entry and check-in procedures:

• Controlled Single Entry Point: To maintain a secure environment, all exterior doors remain locked throughout the school day. Once students arrive in the morning, all entry into the building will be directed through our main front entrance or Community Education/preschool doors.

• Front Door Buzzer & Camera System: All parents, volunteers, and visitors must ring the video doorbell located to the right of the main front doors and left of the preschool doors. Office staff will view visitors via live camera feed before unlocking/buzzing the outer doors to grant access into the office vestibule.

• Visitor Check-In: Upon entry, all visitors must report directly to the office to present identification, check in, and receive a visitor badge before entering any student or classroom areas.

Thank you for your cooperation and partnership in keeping our Jeremy Ranch campus safe and secure for every Hawk!

• Breakfast/Lunch: Nutrislice Menus

• PayPams: PayPams

Teachers have prepared an optional supply list to help students prepare for the school year. You can view the list here:

School Supply Lists

NOTICE: THE ITEMS ON THIS LIST WILL BE USED DURING THE REGULAR SCHOOL DAY THEY MAY BE BROUGHT FROM HOME ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, OTHERWISE, THEY WILL BE FURNISHED BY THE SCHOOL.

Our PTO plays a vital role in organizing events, supporting our teachers, and building community spirit.

• Get Involved; Join PTO Here: PTO Website

• Connect: JRES PTO Instagram

PTO Board:

President- Laura Nickerson

Principal- Jacqie Spell

Vice President- Audrey Davis

Secretary- Andrea Collier

Treasurer- Julie Goff

Membership- Eric Sunberg

Comms./Social Media- Emily Wojtczak

MiA Legacy Liaison/Art, and Fun Run- Jessica Brant

Comms/Newsletter/ Community Outreach Liaison- Megan Fleming Hytjan

Celebrating Our Art Legacy & Moving Forward Together

As we look ahead to an exciting school year, I want to take a moment to honor the incredible legacy of our MiA program and everything it has contributed to our school community over the years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the amazing volunteers whose dedication, time, and creative energy built such a robust and impactful program for our students. We are extraordinarily fortunate to have funds specifically set aside and sanctioned for our continued art initiatives and expansion. With this strong foundation in place, I am thrilled to welcome our new certified art integration teacher, Mrs. Leone! I have complete confidence in Mrs. Leone and cannot wait to see all that we are able to accomplish together for our students and school community.

We are immensely grateful to the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) for their continuous support. PCEF funding directly impacts our students through classroom grants, specialized programming, and educational innovation.

• Learn More & Support: Park City Education Foundation

Build the Foundation

The Park City Education Foundation's annual campaign, Build the Foundation, is underway! This campaign helps fund educator-powered initiatives driven by inspiring Park City teachers, backing over 100 programs across our district each year. Contributions made by September 18 qualify for campaign rewards, including up to $5,000 in The UPS Store Park City Grants for schools meeting participation or fundraising goals. Students can also win grade-level parties or prizes for getting involved. Give here or see the attached flyer to learn how we are working together to support our schools.

We are so fortunate to have the dedicated support of both the Park City Education Foundation and our JRES Parent Teacher Organization! Together, they power incredible opportunities, classroom grants, and community events that enrich the lives of our entire school community.

To see all the amazing ways they support our students and staff—and how you can get involved—be sure to check out the links in the newsletter below!

PCEF & PTO Working Together English/Spanish

Thank you for your ongoing trust, collaboration, and dedication to Jeremy Ranch Elementary. I look forward to an incredible year ahead of learning, growing, and soaring higher together!