Dolphin Update

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We are excited to celebrate Literacy Week at Jones Elementary, a special time dedicated to honoring the power of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in our students’ lives. Literacy is truly a gateway to all other areas of learning. When students build strong literacy skills, they gain access to new ideas, new perspectives, and the ability to explore their interests independently through books, manuals, articles, and digital resources. Literacy empowers students to ask questions, think critically, and expand their understanding of the world around them.

Literacy is also deeply connected to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Whether students are reading scientific articles, interpreting data, writing about their discoveries, or collaborating to solve real-world problems, literacy is the foundation that allows them to fully engage in STEAM learning. At Jones, our Unified STEAM approach and project-based learning experiences rely on students’ ability to read closely, communicate ideas, and share their thinking creatively.

This year, we are especially excited that our Family Workshop during Literacy Week will feature a STEAM emphasis, highlighting how literacy and STEAM work together to inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation.

Here are practical, family-friendly ways to foster a love of literacy at home, focused on making reading and writing meaningful, joyful, and part of everyday life:

Read Together Daily

• Set aside 10–20 minutes each day for reading together—bedtime is a great routine.

• Take turns reading pages or characters’ dialogue.

• For younger children, reread favorite books—repetition builds confidence and fluency.

• For older students, consider a family read-aloud chapter book everyone can enjoy.

Let Your Child Choose

• Visit the library regularly and let your child select books based on their interests.

• Encourage reading comics, graphic novels, magazines, recipe books, or how-to guides—all reading counts.

• Follow your child’s passions (sports, animals, space, art, engineering, etc.).

Talk About What You Read

• Ask open-ended questions:

  • “What was your favorite part?”

  • “Why do you think the character did that?”

  • “What do you think will happen next?”

• Make connections to real life, family experiences, or STEAM topics.

Model Reading

• Let your child see you reading books, recipes, instructions, or articles.

• Share something interesting you learned from reading and discuss it together.

Connect Literacy to Everyday Activities

• Read recipes while cooking together.

• Follow instructions to build something, do a science experiment, or complete a craft.

• Read signs, menus, maps, and schedules when out in the community.

• Encourage your child to write shopping lists, notes, or letters to family members.

Encourage Storytelling and Writing

• Invite your child to write their own stories, comics, or journals.

• Ask them to tell stories aloud about their day or their imagination.

• Keep a family journal where everyone can contribute.

Make It Fun and Cozy

• Create a special reading spot with pillows, blankets, or good lighting.

• Celebrate milestones like finishing a book or series.

• Play audiobooks in the car to build listening comprehension and vocabulary

Praise Effort and Growth

• Celebrate your child’s effort, curiosity, and persistence, not just accuracy.

• Keep the experience positive and pressure-free.

We look forward to celebrating Literacy Week together and continuing to foster a love of reading and learning in every Jones student! Happy Reading!

The District Advisory Council (DAC) for Compensatory Education Program is a district-level advisory group comprised of parents, site staff, and community leaders who consult with the Board of Education and district staff. Through the DAC representative, the DAC provides a forum for communication, information, and training for the district's SSCs. Below are links to presentations and resources from the February DAC Meeting...

March

2-6 - Literacy Week

2 - Spring Picture Day

5 - Shelter in Place Drill

6 - Family Workshop: STEAM/Literacy

6 - Extra Minimum Day: (TK-5th Dismissal @ 11:40/11:50 am)

9 - No School: Non-Instructional Day (as originally scheduled)

10 - La Jolla Playhouse Production of ¡Colorín, Colorado at Jones for 3rd-5th Grade

10 - SGT/SSC - Virtual

12 - PTA Jog-A-Thon

14 - PTA Spirit Wear Swap

20 - Cup O Collaboration: Coffee & PTA Association Meeting

20 - Leadership Spotlight Ceremony - Habit #6

21 - Room 2 & Room 3 Villa Musica Concert (See Flyer Below)

23-27 - Conferences: Minimum Days ALL Week (TK-5th Dismissal @ 11:40/11:50 am)

30 - April 3 - No School: Spring Break

April

6 - School Resumes

9 - VAPA Rotation #6

17 - Military Appreciation

23 - Spring Showcase of Learning (Evening Event)

24 - Leadership Spotlight Ceremony Habit #7

27 - SGT/SSC

May

4 - 4th/5th Grade Spring Music Concert

4 - 8 - 3rd-5th Grade State Testing

11 - 15 - Scholastic Book Fair

15 - Achievement Awards

18 - SGT/SSC

25 - No School: Memorial Day

27 - 5th Grade Promotion

28 - Last Day of School - Minimum Day (TK-5th Dismissal @ 11:40/11:50 am)

The Jones PTA plays a crucial role in fostering strong family engagement at Jones Elementary. By organizing activities that bring families, students, and staff together, the PTA helps grow a stronger sense of belonging within our school community. These events not only strengthen relationships but also empower families to be active participants in their children's education, enhancing student success and building a supportive, collaborative school environment. Thank you for the leadership of our PTA Executive Board members, the volunteers that plan and execute PTA events, and all of you who participate! Check out what our PTA is up to...

Did you know that just 15 minutes of reading each day can make a world of difference in your child’s learning journey? Whether you are reading to your child, reading together, or listening to them read aloud, it all counts and it all matters!

Reading at home builds more than just literacy skills. It strengthens vocabulary, improves comprehension, and develops a lifelong love of learning. In fact, children who are read to daily are exposed to 1.4 million more words by the time they start school than children who are not. That kind of language exposure lays a strong foundation for both academic success and confident communication.

Just as importantly, books also help children grow socially by allowing them to step into other people’s experiences, see the world from different perspectives and practice empathy and kindness. Stories have the power to spark cultural awareness, build understanding and nurture the skills that help our students become not only successful learners, but also compassionate human beings.

Here are a few ways to make reading a special part of your routine:

• Choose a cozy time and space to read together

• Let your child pick the book (even if it’s the same one again!)

• Ask questions about the story to boost comprehension

• Model a love for reading by enjoying your own book nearby

The best part, your family has access to an endless amount of books through the internet and the Public Library. Looking for something new to read? Check out the links below for inspiration...

We love celebrating our neighborhood schools and staying connected to the exciting things happening just down the road. Click the link below to see what has been going on at Taft Middle School. It’s a great way to learn about their events, programs, and all the opportunities our students will enjoy when they move on to middle school!

Here is a link to the San Diego Unified Food Services Website where you can find allergy and nutritional information on foods served at schools. Foods not found on our regular school site menu will be listed individually under the "Alternate Menu Items" section.

If you ever have general questions about the food services at school sites you can reach out to foodandnutritionservices@sandi.net. To connect directly with the Jones Cafe Manager you can email Elena Nieto at enieto@sandi.net.

Click on the clink below to find the most current breakfast and lunch menus...

Did you have fun at the Fall Festival? Has your child grown academically, socially, and as a leader? Has Jones helped foster a love of the arts? Has a Jones educator made a meaningful impact on your child or family? Have you built friendships and community through the families you’ve met at Jones?

We know you have choices when it comes to your child’s education and we are so grateful you have chosen Jones Elementary! Whether Jones is your neighborhood school or one you chose through the district's Choice Program, your story matters.

As prospective families explore schools on GreatSchools.org, we want them to hear directly from the people who know Jones best... you! Please take a few minutes to share what makes our school special and why you are proud to be part of the Jones community.

💙 Link to GreatSchools.org – Jones Elementary

Our mission is to ensure ALL students meet or exceed grade level expectations through rigorous, high-quality, standards based instruction in a safe, nurturing, collaborative learning environment where all students are preparing to be global citizens, college and career ready.

Check out our school website for PeachJar Flyers, Counseling Resources, Family Handbook, Staff Contact Lists, After School Programs, Enrollment Information and so much more!

Email: contact@sandi.net
Website: https://jones.sandiegounified.org/
Location: 2751 Greyling Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 605-8800
Facebook: facebook.com/JonesElementary
Instagram: @jonesdolphins

Our Parent Teacher Association works with Jones Elementary to provide programs and support to benefit the students, their families, teachers, school administration and the community. Run entirely by volunteers, the PTA raises money to support enrichment programs, program instructors, educational assemblies and field trips, family events, and special classroom supplies.

As always, we need your membership, support and ability to volunteer. You can become a member using Totem, a respected membership management service. Please contact us with other thoughts on how we are doing, and your ideas on how you can become involved. We look forward to hearing from you.

Email: jonesdolphinspta@gmail.com
Website: https://jpjonespta.org/
Location: 2751 Greyling Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (619)605-8800