Patriot Family Gazette 4/5/24

Patriot Families,

Monday is the big day as we will have the opportunity to view the Total Solar Eclipse here at Jack. We have been preparing our students for the big moment, talking safety as our number 1 priority, including viewing, and alternative weather plans. Here are some key details with updated times for closures:

• Parents are allowed to come and take part in this event with their student. Parents must be checked in before 1:20, as our office will be closed to visitors from 1:20-2:00, for safety and viewing purposes.

• Every student will be given the appropriate viewing glasses, which have been purchased by our PTA. PTA has also purchased glow bracelets and a "Eclipse" themed treat.

• We will be viewing the event from the safety of our field behind the school. Grades will be seated together with appropriate monitoring by teachers and staff. Students are allowed to bring small blankets or pillowcases to sit on.

• Teachers will be reviewing safety precautions leading up to this day as well, as safety is a top priority at all times.

• We will be monitoring weather as appropriate. While our goal is to make sure we do not miss this event, we also have to be safe with weather occurrences. As of today, it looks like possible rain in the forecast.

• In the event of inclement weather, we have alternative activities available so that students can witness live views through various websites.

Next week we also have Kona Ice on April 11th and Spring Creek Spirit Night from 5pm-9pm on April 11th as well. We hope you have a fabulous weekend and can join us on Monday.

Honored to serve,

Brett Shelby

- Please drop off by 7:50. Our tardy bell rings at that time and we want our Patriots ready to learn with us.

- We cannot release kids after 2:45 due to dismissal procedures. If you have appointments, please make arrangements to pick up by this time.

- If you are dropping off before 7:15, please use the back loop. This area is staffed and students are directed to the cafe or gym. After 7:15, our front loop will be open.

April

8- Solar Eclipse Day

11- Spring Creek Spirit Night

11- Kona Ice

16- STAAR Testing: Closed Campus

18- STAAR Testing: Closed Campus

22-Librarian Appreciation Week

23- STAAR Testing: Closed Campus

25- PTA Board Meeting 2pm

Subject: Important Safety Reminder: Proper Usage of Solar Eclipse Glasses & Opt-Out

Dear Jack Parents and Guardians,

We have an exciting educational opportunity that will be taking place on April 8th of this year -- the viewing of the Great North American Eclipse.

On this day, a rare astronomical event will occur, providing a unique learning experience for our students. The eclipse is an excellent opportunity for students to engage with science, astronomy, and the natural world. Many of our teachers will be incorporating this event into their lesson plans to enhance the educational experience for all students.

The safety of our students is our top priority; we will take all necessary precautions to ensure that the eclipse viewing is conducted in a safe and supervised manner. To facilitate safe viewing experiences at school, we kindly request your assistance in reinforcing the proper usage of solar eclipse glasses with your children. Here are some important guidelines provided by the American Astronomical Society:

1. Inspect Solar Filters: Before use, please inspect your child's solar filter for any signs of damage, such as scratches, punctures, tears, or other defects. If any damage is detected, please discard the filter immediately.
2. Supervision is Essential: Please remind your child that they should always be supervised by a teacher or school staff member when using solar filters. This ensures that they follow proper safety protocols and guidelines.
3. Wearing Glasses Over Eyeglasses: If your child wears eyeglasses, they should keep them on while using solar eclipse glasses. They can simply put the eclipse glasses over their regular eyeglasses or hold a handheld viewer in front of them.
4. Cover Eyes Before Looking Up: Encourage your child to stand still and cover their eyes with their eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright Sun. After viewing the Sun, they should turn away and remove the filter; it's important not to remove it while looking directly at the Sun.
5. Avoid Unfiltered Optical Devices: Remind your child never to look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. Doing so can cause serious eye damage.

By reinforcing these safety guidelines with your children, we can ensure that everyone enjoys the solar eclipse viewing experience safely.

We believe that this event will be a valuable and memorable learning experience for our students, and we encourage you to discuss it with your child. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you wish for your child not to participate, please let us know.

How can you purchase baseball merchandise specific for Tyler Legacy? The link below is a store the baseball team has set up selling spirit gear and items are available in youth sizes. The online store includes specifics for delivery to each school and a baseball booster club member will deliver the items to each elementary/middle school once the orders come in should your students order. We are currently exploring options to have a Future Red Raiders program with baseball. Thanks so much!

https://stores.inksoft.com/tl_baseball_dugout_club_gear/shop/home

If you would like your child to be a Jack PTA member and joining has been a challenge, please let us help! We would love for ALL students to be members. A voice for every child is one of our biggest goals!!

Follow this link to fill out the membership application for your child: https://forms.gle/gxEWYp15tS8NBLVK8

HUGE thanks to those that have donated to make this possible for our families! If you would like to sponsor a student, please go to jackpta.com and select the Sponsor a Student option.

We are pleased to announce that we are already hitting goals with our PTA enrollment! What a great way to start the year. Remember, it's not an obligation of time, it's a donation that can help our programming on our campus. Please use the link below to join as soon as possible:

https://jackpta-23-24.cheddarup.com/

ATTENTION!! WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS!

Send us your photos from the Popsicle with the Principal, Meet the Teacher & First Day photos. SEND HERE yearbook@jackpta.com

For all photo submissions this year please include the name of the student, grade & event so it is easy for our Yearbook Committee to know where the photo belongs.

Email: Brett.Shelby@tylerisd.org
Website: www.tylerisd.org/jack
Location: Jack Elementary School, Balsam Gap, Tyler, TX, USA
Phone: 903-262-3260
Twitter: @BSShelby