The Jayhawk Journal
Week of November 2nd, 2026
Principal's Corner
This week always ends up being one of my favorites in our building, every year. In addition to our Spirit Week, we always end the week with some Halloween fun! This year, students dressed up in many costumes and took the time to enjoy the day with their teachers and classmates. I would like to thank the PTA for supplying candy as we did a loop around the building and had a Trick-or-Treat route. These memories are what our students will remember most about our building. We are an elementary school, and we choose to let kids still be kids in these moments. We hope they enjoyed the day as much as we did!
As we reflect upon the Color Run, we cannot say thank you enough to our wonderful community! The PTA for getting everything started, our teachers for supporting, and our students for going out and getting our donations. We hit our goal of $20,000 this year. This money is used for field trips, activities, and resources needed to help with our school year. Our students have earned that assembly where they will throw pies at myself and Mr. B. We look forward to it!
Just a quick reminder that all schools are closed on Election Day in LPS, this Tuesday. Our staff will be working together in Professional Development to help plan ahead with our school year.
For those who are out Trick-or-Treating, please be safe and have fun!
- Mr. Traub
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.
Color Run Update
We did it! Thank you for all of your support!
PBIS Updates
This Week Focused on Recess and Playground Expectations
This week we focused on recess and playground expectations. We want all students to have the opportunity to enjoy their recess and breaks when they get them. Take the time to talk with your students about how they can be responsible and follow the expectations for recess. Please see the attached matrix to go over SOARing expectations for all aspects of the building.
News From The Nest
Staff Member of the Week
Congratulations Mr. Santi!
We would like to congratulate Mr. Santi for being voted this award by his colleagues this week! Mr. Santi has been a 5th Grade Teacher here at Johnson for many years, but most recently, he has now become one of our Elementary Student Assistance Providers (ESAPs). Mr. Santi is committed to doing whatever it takes to help anyone in this building. He is part of many committees and clubs which help drive the building. He is a colleague that many look up to, as he can collaborate with so many people that he meets. His ability to create relationships with students is what makes him who he is. He has a great sense of humor and can pass on a laugh to anyone he comes in contact with. We are so lucky to have him on our team!
Getting To Know The Staff Member of the Week
My Favorite Part of Being A Jayhawk Is....
The fantastic staff and students!
Some Of My Favorite Things
Place To Travel: Mexico
Foods: Pizza
Color: Blue
College: Michigan
TV Show: The West Wing
Sports Team: Pistons, Lions, Michigan
School Subject: Social Studies
My Hobbies....
Hanging with my family and coaching basketball.
Spirit Wear
News From The PTA
PTA Reflections Contest
Livonia Public Schools - Community With Character
November is Responsibility
For the month of November, all LPS schools will focus on responsibility. Take the time to talk with your student about what that means to them and your family.
LPS Is Hiring
Garfield Garments and Groceries
November Lunch Menu
LPS E-Backpack Mail
Week At A Glance
Monday 11/2 "Roll Into November" PJ Day
Tuesday 11/3 No School (District PD) Election Day
Wednesday 11/4
Thursday 11/5 PTA Skate Night at Skatin Station
Friday 11/6 Spirit Day "Michigan vs Michigan State"
Upcoming Dates
11/2 - PJ Day "Roll Into November"
11/3 - No School (District PD) Election Day
11/5 - PTA Skate Night at Skatin Station
11/6 - Spirit Day "Michigan vs. Michigan State"
11/9-11/11 - 6th Grade Camp
11/12 - PTA Meeting (Moved from 11/10 Due to 6th Grade Camp)
11/25-11/27 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Early Pick-Up Procedures
As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, please be reminded that a valid physical photo ID (such as a driver’s license or state ID) is required for anyone picking up a student. Starting immediately, our staff will be strictly enforcing this verification process every single time a student is signed out, without exception. Even if our team recognizes you, this uniform safety measure ensures we maintain the highest level of security for all children in our care. We kindly ask that you have your ID ready upon arrival to help keep the dismissal process moving smoothly. Thank you for your cooperation and partnership in keeping our school community safe!
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
It is required that each family review the emergency contact information that is on file at Johnson. You can view this information in parent connect. Why? in the event of an emergency, sick child, severe weather, we may need to reach you. The process to verify your emergency contact information is correct is simple. Simply log into Parent Connect and follow the prompts.
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.
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 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
“Nothing will work unless you do." - Maya Angelou