The Jayhawk Journal
Week of April 6th, 2026
The Principal Corner
As we transition back from break, MSTEP Testing will begin. We cannot express how important this is for our staff and our school. We have worked very hard this year, and now is our chance to show it. We know that our kids have learned so much, and we know that they will show up and shine when it is testing time. We have attached an article in the News from the Nest section to help get our students prepared. Once again, we will have a student Pep Rally on Tuesday, April 7th and testing will open on the 8th. Look for more information from your teachers to know your exact schedule.
Just a reminder that Report Cards went live last week. There was an email sent out with directions to help you look over your student's report card for this trimester. I have also attached the directions here in the newsletter below.
As we wrapped up March Is Reading Month, our students have done a fantastic job on earning their prizes! Since school ran until the end of the month, we cut off reading prizes and minutes on Friday, March 27th. Students will NOT be able to earn extra minutes over the break as we will need to get a head count for those who earned a ticket to the baseball game. Game tickets will be used at Jimmy John Field on May 16th.
I hope that you all had a restful and wonderful break. We are looking forward to ending the year strong!
- Mr. Traub
Report Card Directions
Report Cards are available to view on Parent Connect. Your child's report card can be found under Student Documents once you are logged in. To learn how to view the report card you can find PDF directions HERE or video directions HERE. If you have any questions about these reports, feel free to reach out.
Thank you!
Our Mission
Johnson Upper Elementary School is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment that supports the academic and socio-emotional needs of every student as they develop the necessary skills to become capable, confident, life-long learners.
PBIS Updates
This Week Focused on Bus Expectations
This week we focused on the expectations for students to ride the bus to and from school. We always speak to student as to how riding the bus is a privilege. In order to ride the bus, you must follow rules and stay safe for all on board. Just wanted to say thank you to our teachers for their dedication to our SOAR Clubs which just took place on Friday, March 27th.
March Is Reading Month
Our students have done a fantastic job on earning their prizes! Since school ran until the end of the month, we cut off reading prizes and minutes on Friday, March 27th. Students will NOT be able to earn extra minutes over the break as we will need to get a head count for those who earned a ticket to the baseball game. Game tickets will be used at Jimmy John Field on Saturday, May 16th.
News From The Nest
Staff Member of the Week
Congratulations Mrs. Taylor!
Getting to Know The Staff Member of the Week
My Favorite Part of Being A Jayhawk Is....
The staff and students!
Some Of My Favorite Things
Place To Travel: Anywhere!
Foods: Pizza and Tacos
Color: Blue
College: Michigan
TV Show: Young Sheldon
Sports Team: Detroit Tigers
School Subject: Math
My Hobbies....
Hanging out with my dogs and family!
Johnson Spring Book Fair
News From The PTA
We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Tuesday, April 7th!
Livonia Public Schools - Community with Character
April is Empathy
For the month of April, all LPS schools will focus on building empathy. Take the time to talk with your student about what that means to them and your family.
Care Solace
LPS E-Backpack Mail
April Lunch Menu
Week At A Glance
Monday 4/6 Return to School Full Day
Tuesday 4/7 Student MSTEP Pep Assembly - PTA Meeting 6 p.m.
Wednesday 4/8 MSTEP Testing Opens at Johnson
Thursday 4/9
Friday 4/10 March Is Reading Month Party for Home Run Winners
Upcoming Dates
4/6 Return to School Full Day
4/7 M-STEP Pep Rally for Students
4/7 PTA Meeting at 6 p.m.
4/8 M-STEP Testing Begins at Johnson
4/10 March Is Reading Month Party for Home Run Winners
4/16 Bagel Money Due
4/23 Bagel Day
Parking Lot Reminders
Just a reminder for parents as we return from break. Please drive with extra caution in the parking lot as rain may begin to fall. Practice patience and understanding as our staff works to keep all students and parents safe in the parking lot. No students should be walking in the parking lot unattended. A parent must walk with a student to and from the car if not in the loop. We appreciate your ongoing partnership in these areas!
Johnson Lost and Found
We currently have an overflowing Lost and Found cart. Coats, water bottles, lunch boxes, gloves, boots and so very much more. It would be very helpful if items you send to school with your student are labeled in some way with your student's name so we can try to reunite them with their belongings. Please remind your student to take a moment to look through the lost and found and collect their items. We are running out of space on our rack for items! Thank you for your help.
I-Chat Forms Needed for Volunteers
Planning to volunteer this year? Fill out the iChat form now and you'll be all set for the year! Just enter today's date (or a day next week) for when you plan to begin volunteering. Then, you'll be all set when it comes time to help with Holiday Shop, Field Day, and other events.
Emergency Card Information
We ask all parents/guardians to complete the welcome back checklist on parent connect. Why? This information is who we will contact in the event of an emergency. Year after year contacts will follow a student's file if they go unchecked. Please make sure all the contacts are current.
Lunch And Breakfast Are Available To All
A nutritious lunch and breakfast is available for free each day at Johnson and at all Livonia Public Schools. If you forget to pack a lunch or just run out of time, we understand. Please know we will provide your student one of our lunch options always, no matter what. We hope this option will save you a trip up to the school. We also would like to remind parents that for safety reasons, we do not allow Door Dash orders for students. Thank you for understanding.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Times
Students cannot be dropped off for school in the morning prior to 8:15am. This is when the doors open for breakfast and when staff is available to supervise students. Prior to this time, all school doors are locked. Students are not to be left unattended, arrangements must be made. Also, dismissal is at 3:30pm daily and at 11:45am on half days. It is required that all students who are picked up in the car loop be picked up no later than 3:45pm. Staff is not available to supervise students beyond that time. The district offers a SACC program for those students that cannot be picked up by 3:45pm. Please contact SACC at (734)744-2966 to make arrangements.
Dropping Off A Student Arriving Late
If your student is arriving after the last tardy bell, please note they need to check in at the office. They should enter the building through door number one (with the arch) and check in on the chromebook in the office. Parents do NOT need to come in to drop off students only to pick up.
Pick Up Early Procedures
If you need to pick up your student prior to the end of the school day, please know you will need to come into the office to sign them out and be verified by the office staff. Whomever is picking up a student early, must be listed on the Emergency Card.
Medications At School
Oftentimes a student will come to the office with a medical need. The office staff is able to dispense medication as needed as long as the medication is: 1) Delivered to school by a parent in the original unopened package or prescription container, {NO MEDICATION can be brought to school by students} 2) As long as there is an individual, signed medical authorization on file for each medication {form available in the office and online} Medication includes but is not limited to cough drops, aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, prescription drugs, creams, lotions, vitamins, inhalers, EpiPens, etc.… We cannot administer any medication that is not listed on file in the office. Please reach out to Jill Jablonski or Amy Dimmer in the office to set up a time to bring in medications and to review your student’s medical needs when they are in the building.
Quote of the Week
"It's not about being the best, it's about being better than you were yesterday." - Anonymous