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Dear Jefferson Families,

The month where gratitude is emphasized has arrived, and I wanted to say thank you to our families for attending Parent/Teacher Conferences this week. Your partnership is greatly valued as we seek to support our Jefferson students in every way possible. I'm excited for the continued growth that will occur for our students as the 2026-27 school year continues.

Next Tuesday, November 10th will be our annual Veterans Day Assembly. As we have done the past few years, we would love for any Veterans to attend our assembly. We have two options: K-2nd grade will be from 1:45-2:15, and 3rd-5th grade will be from 2:30-3:00. The assemblies will be in our cafeteria. Unfortunately, we would like to invite families, but do not have the space to accommodate requests. We will only be able to accommodate veterans. If you have a photo of a special Veteran you would like in our assembly slide show, please email or text the picture to me with a description of how you are related to the Veteran, the branch of the military, and time period the Veteran served. If you sent pictures last year, I will include them again if your child is still here at Jefferson. If you would like to share a new picture, you are welcome to do that. My email is shopkins2@everettsd.org or you can text the pic to 425-931-2274. I need all pictures by 4:00pm this Friday, November 6th.

Another meaningful event will be Friday, November 13th at 9:30am with our annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School celebration. All students will walk around the school grounds and symbollically enter through the front doors of Jefferson. Please come line up out front to celebrate. More details below.

You received a Blended Learning document during conferences, and I wanted to take a moment to reiterate some key points as we strive to be thoughtful and judicious with the use of technology and screens at school. It's all about being intentional, and it's important to note that teachers and staff drive instruction, not technology.

For your reference, the full informational document is linked here.

November is a unique month with a unique student calender. A few quick reminders:

• School dismisses at 1:00 this Friday.
• No school on Wednesday, November 11th to observe Veterans Day
• No school Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27 for the Thanksgving/Native Heritage Day break.

Thank you again for your partnership.

With gratitude,

Steve Hopkins

Jefferson Principal

Nov 6: Early Release 1:00 pm

Nov 10: Veteran's Assembly K-2nd from 1:45-2:15, and 3rd-5th grade from 2:30-3:00.

Nov 11: Veterans Day Observed (No School)

Nov 12: General PTA Membership Meeting, 6:30

Nov 20: Recess with the D.O.G.S.

Nov 20: PTA Family Movie Night, 6:30pm

Nov 25-27: Thanksgiving/Native American Heritage Day Observed (No School)

*See attachment below for the 26-27 School Calendar.

How do you use math in real life? Work? Cooking? Gardening? Scheduling? Budgeting? Shopping?

Think about it and Record a short video (under two minutes) showing us how you use math in your life.

Use the QR code to post your video to our school’s Padlet. padlet.com/1031716/Jefferson_MathIRL OR email your video to your child’s teacher.

We will be collecting responses throughout the year to help students make connections between what they are learning in school and the application of math in real life situations.

Our Veterans Day assemblies are set for Tuesday, November 10th at 1:45 for K-2 and 2:30 for 3rd-5th. Any Veterans from the Jefferson community are invited to attend! Please help spread the word!

Additionally, I am inviting anyone in our community to share photos of a Veteran. If you have a photo you would like in the assembly, please email or text the picture to me with a description of how you are related to the Veteran, the branch of the military, and time period the Veteran served. If you sent pictures last year, I will include them again if your child is still here at Jefferson. If you would like to share a new picture, you are welcome to do that. Email me or you can text the pic to 425- 931-2274. I need all pictures by 4:00pm on Friday, November 6th.

What is Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day?

It all started in 1960, when six-year-old Ruby Bridges became one of the first Black children to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. Her daily walk into school, amid hostility and threats, showed enormous bravery—and left a lasting legacy.

Inspired by Ruby’s example, School Safety Patrollers from Martin Elementary School in San Francisco asked, “Why isn’t there a day for Ruby?” From that question grew a movement: a day for “symbolic walks” that celebrate Ruby’s ideals. Schools nationwide now join in by walking to school (or walking around the playground or halls) and engaging in meaningful discussion.

This year Jefferson Elementary is participating in the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on Friday November 13th from 9:30-9:50. Though we cannot all walk to school together, we can all enter the school building together, showing we all belong here. Students will learn about Ruby Bridges and the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day movement, which focuses on empowering young minds, inspiring change, and promoting equality in education. We encourage students to wear purple as a sign of solidarity. Families are invited to attend our Walk to School event by welcoming students at the main entrance of the school.

Find out more about Ruby Bridges at: https://rubybridges.foundation/

Hello Jefferson Families!

Jefferson has an amazing opportunity starting after Veteran’s Day in November! Cascade Bike Club, the largest cycling club in the state, has donated equipment to Everett Public Schools to be used in Physical Education classrooms. Grades 3-5 will practice riding bicycles, and grades K-2 will practice riding 2-wheel scooters. This donation is an amazing opportunity for all of our students to not only learn and practice how to ride a bike or scooter, but also to learn about bike and street safety. During the four-week unit, students will participate in the following lessons:

• Lesson 1: Crossing Street Safely
• Lesson 2: Let's Get Rolling
• Lesson 3: Looking and Signaling for Safety
• Lesson 4: Scanning for Success
• Lesson 5: Crossing Streets Safely Part 2

During this unit, students can bring their own helmet to school on their PE day, or they can use a helmet provided by the Cascade Bike Club (with a hairnet). If your student does not wear a helmet, they will not be allowed to ride the bike or scooter. Safety first, fun second! Please make sure your student is dressed to ride with comfortable clothing and sneakers. Please no Crocs or boots during the cycling unit.

If you would like more information, please go to https://cascade.org/lets-go to learn more!

This month, 30 talented Jefferson students have artwork featured at the Schack Art Center! Located at 2921 Hoyt Avenue in downtown Everett, the Schack is a wonderful community art center and gallery with FREE admission, open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, noon–5 p.m.

What an exciting opportunity for our young artists to have their work displayed in a real art gallery! With over 500 creative Jefferson students, choosing just 30 pieces was no easy task! Don't worry—there will be many more opportunities to celebrate and showcase student artwork throughout our school and community this year.

Keep creating Jefferson artists!

With the recent Music curriculum adoption, EPS was able to purchase a few sets of Digital Pianos that will move from school to school. Jefferson will have these instruments from October 26th to December 11th. During their weekly music class, students will learn basic piano skills, as well as showcase some of our talented musicians who've already been learning to play!

Families,

i-Ready Family Reports are now available in ParentVUE. These reports share information about each student’s progress in reading and/or math.

Access your student’s test scores through ParentVUE

1. To log into ParentVUE, click here. (If you are having trouble activating your account, please submit a HelpDesk ticket.)

2. Click on DOCUMENTS on the grey menu to open individual test reports.

Families are encouraged to review the report with their student and talk about their learning progress. If you have questions about the report, please contact your student’s teacher.

Elementary and middle school students:

• During the school day: Cell phones/PED will be turned off and stored in backpacks. Students should not use these personal devices during the school day.
• Communicating with your child during the school day: If a student needs to contact a parent/guardian, they can do so through the school office. Likewise, parents/guardians can call the office for any urgent messages.
• Disciplinary action: If a cell phone/PED is seen or used during the day, school staff will hold it and return it to the student at the end of the school day. Repeated violations may lead to further consequences.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is critical for student success in school, career, and community; and this has never been more true than it is today. Students at Jefferson will begin taking the Social and Emotional Learning survey using the Panorma Educaton platform on a date between 9/28 and 10/16. The survey prompts students to reflect on their own actions and thoughts as well as their general experience at our school. Survey data helps school staff create a more positive school experience for all students as well as provide specific supports for students in need.

The results from this survey will only be shared with pre-approved adults who work closely with your children in the school (their teachers, counselor, principals). SEL data, alongside academic and attendance information, will allow adults to provide specific and targeted interventions as needed to support students succeeding at school. Think of it like the iReady diagnostic but instead of measuring math or reading, it looks at skills like sense of belonging, self-management, and emotion regulation.

The questions students will answer are research-backed, valid, and reliable. You can preview the full survey in the link below. If you have any questions or would like to exempt your child, please feel free to contact either:

• Jacob Finkle (Assistant Principal), jfinkle@everettsd.org
• Our counselor. Hannah Kegley, hkegley@everettsd.org

Preview every question in the survey here.

View frequently asked questions here.

To start the volunteer process, visit our volunteer website for clearance information. It can take up to 3 weeks for clearance to get through, once you have applied, so please consider filling out the application ahead of time, so you are available when opportunities, such as field trips or special events arise! Another great way to get involved is by joining Jefferson’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) , you can visit their website here. Thank you, volunteers!

Please consider writing your child's first and last name inside their coat, on their lunch box and water bottle. Our lost and found fills up quickly and with a few well placed labels and written names we can return items to their proper owner! Thank you!

Thank you for your support in making drop off and pick up safe and smooth in our parking lot. Here are a few reminders:

• If you are volunteering or parking toward the end of the day, please recognize the middle row will be blocked by our car pick up line and you may not get out as quickly.
• The back parking lot is for buses only. This applies to all parents and students. Please only use the front parking lot for arrival/dismissal.
• If parking on 27th or 92nd during pick up, please be mindful to park 30 feet on either side of the mailboxes so our local postman can effectively do his route and deliveries are not withheld from our neighbors.

ParentVUE is your one-stop online portal to stay informed and involved in your student’s academic journey. With real-time updates and easy access to key information, ParentVUE helps you support your student every step of the way.

As much as possible, please plan vacations around school breaks. One daily habit can set your child up for success for years to come: Showing up at school in person as often as possible. When children regularly attend school in person, they’re more likely to develop their whole selves—personally, socially, academically, and emotionally. They’re routinely able to connect with friends and adults, collaborate and problem-solve, make decisions, think critically, be creative, and engage in hands-on learning. As parents and caregivers, we all want to give our children the best possible chance at a happy, healthy, successful future. Showing up matters.

Click here for the Jefferson PTA page. Our PTA is truly amazing! The PTA proudly serves the students and families of Jefferson Elementary School and we work in conjunction with Everett Special Education PTSA and Lighthouse Elementary Cooperative to build and foster a positive and inclusive community for all of our Chargers and the surrounding community.

Regular Hours: 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Learning Improvement Fridays: 2:15 p.m. dismissal

Half Day Early Release: 1 p.m. dismissal