Jaguar Journal

Dear Jacob Parents/Guardians,

As we begin week two, I’m excited to share that academic instruction at Jacob Elementary is off to a strong start. As academic coaches, we have had the pleasure of visiting classrooms across all content areas and have seen students eager to learn and teachers well-prepared to deliver engaging lessons.

One of the key drivers of this success is our core literacy curriculum, EL Education. This program allows students to dive into high-interest topics, collaborate among peers, build background knowledge, and strengthen comprehension and writing skills. Students are engaged in rigorous reading and writing tasks that align with the Kentucky Academic Standards.

The curriculum is organized into four modules throughout the school year.

For K-2, Module 1 is focused on building literacy in a collaborative classroom. The topics of Module 1 are listed below:

• Kindergarten: Toys and Play

• First Grade: Tools and Work

• Second Grade: Schools and Community

For 3rd through 5th Module 1 is focused around becoming a close reader and writing to learn. The topics of Module 1 are listed below:

• Third Grade: Overcoming Learning Challenges Near and Far

• Fourth Grade: Poetry, Poets and Becoming Writers

• Fifth Grade: Stories of Human Rights

We encourage you to ask your child about what they are learning, read a book with them, spark conversation with questions, and even share your own knowledge on these topics. Your involvement helps students make meaningful connections beyond the classroom that are important for a childs academic growth.

We are looking forward to providing you with monthly information on the intentional, data driven, research based academic instruction that is happening daily at Jacob Elementary. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 485-8271.

Sincerely,

Nicole Spitler- Literacy Coach

Alaina Barkley- Academic Instructional Coach

Upcoming Important Dates:

The MAP window for JCPS opens on Monday, August 25th and lasts until September 19th.

MAP testing, also known as Measures of Academic Progress, is a computer-adaptive universal screener designed to measure growth in reading and math. This test helps teachers identify students strengths and weaknesses and tracks progress over time. Using this assessment teachers can better tailor instruction to help meet individual students' needs. The growth and achievement data from MAP is used to develop targeted instructional strategies and to plan school improvement. All students will be tested three times per year (fall, winter, and spring) in reading and math.

MAP scores will be shared with parents at parent/teacher conferences on September, 24th.

Starting this school year, ANY transportation changes, MUST be submitted through the Transportation Changes Google Form. Phone calls to the school will no longer be accepted to change your child's transportation.

Thanks to our PTA President, Sharika Anderson, and Spiritwear Direct, we have a whole new set of designs ready to go for the 25-26 school year! They are also offering FREE SHIPPING for the month of July! ONE MORE THING.....a percentage of sales will go to our PTA as a fundraiser at the end of the school year! Therefore, the more people purchase, the more our PTA will earn throughout the school year!

Click here or the image to link to the store where you can select your items, customize your products, and have items shipped directly to you!