The Jayhawk Journal

The days continue to fly by, and we are now in our groove here at Johnson. Once again, I would like to thank our community for such an incredible start to the year. This week was our first PTA Meeting, and we are looking forward to the plans that are in place for our students. Speaking of which, please see the flyer below for our Color Run. This fundraiser is quick and easy and helps our students so much during the school year. Please take the time to register your student and get started.

As you may remember, our Open House is on Thursday the 17th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. We always encourage families to park on the grass between the bus loop and Hix, as we know parking is limited here in our lot. Please see the section below for more details of when 5th and 6th grade will have their times and places to report to.

One thing that you will get to learn from me is that I am a huge football fan and I love Fall because of that. We are currently working with the Churchill Football Team to host a Johnson Tailgate Party at Churchill before an upcoming football game. More details will be sent out in the near future including a sign-up sheet for snacks to bring to the party.

Have a wonderful weekend and GOOOO LIONS!!!!!

- Mr. Traub

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.

Just a reminder that Open House is this Thursday, September 17th 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Just like last year, we will run the whole Open House/Curriculum Night from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. We will encourage all families to park their cars on the grass field between the bus loop and Hix once parking spots are full, as we know parking is limited. In order to split up presentations, the schedule will run as follows:

5th Grade

Parents come to cafeteria for School Presentation with Mr. Traub and Mr. Bublitz - 5:30 - 5:45 p.m.

Parents go to classrooms for Curriculum Night Presentation from teachers followed by Open House 5:45 - 6:30 p.m.

6th Grade

Parents go to classrooms for Curriculum Night Presentation from teachers followed by Open House 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. Parents come to cafeteria for School Presentation with Mr. Traub and Mr. Bublitz - 6:15 - 6:30 p.m.

We encourage parents to check out the new LMC during the Open House times. Students will also be able to attend if parents would like them to come.

Looking forward to a great night!

- Mr. Traub and Mr. Bublitz

Last spring, Michigan students in grades 3–8 and 11 completed the state-required assessments: the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) and the Michigan Merit Exam (MME). These assessments evaluate critical thinking, problem-solving, and subject-area knowledge aligned with state standards. Many sections require students to write out responses and demonstrate their reasoning, rather than simply selecting multiple-choice answers.

On Monday, your child will bring home their official Parent Report from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). This report provides valuable insight into their performance from last spring. Please keep in mind that these results represent just one snapshot of your child's learning journey. Our staff is fully prepared to build on their strengths this school year while providing targeted support whenever extra help is needed.

Additional information about M-STEP and test results can be found on the Michigan Department of Education’s website at www.michigan.gov/mstep.

For the first month of school, we will continue to have a heavy focus on all routines and procedures in the classroom. We want to set students up for success and we want all students to understand the expectations of the building. This week we focused on hallway expectations. It is important to keep our hallways quiet for those classrooms who are in session. Please see the attached matrix to go over SOARing expectations for all aspects of the building. We look forward to rewarding positive behavior with our first round of SOAR Clubs at the end of the month!

We would like to congratulate Mrs. Jennifer for being voted this award by her colleagues this week! Mrs. Jennifer is our Building Supervisor here at Johnson. She always goes above and beyond with whatever is needed. She works tirelessly to keep the building clean and does so much behind the scenes work to keep this place moving. She enjoys working with her colleagues and our students and she is always there to give someone a smile. We are so lucky to have her!

My Favorite Part of Being A Jayhawk Is....

The kids and the staff are amazing here!

Some Of My Favorite Things

Place To Travel: Frankenmuth

Foods: Mexican

Color: Purple

College: Michigan

TV Show: Food Built on America

Sports Team: Detroit Lions

School Subject: Science

My Hobbies....

Love going to concerts and sports events.

For the month of September, all LPS schools will focus on using a Growth Mindset. Take the time to talk with your student about what that means to them and your family.

Our Snack Bar opened up on Tuesday, September 8th. Please know that these are additional snacks that are found outside of the school meal that is provided. School lunch is free, but snacks at the snack bar are additional and cost money. You can either add money to your account online, or a student may bring in cash. No change will be provided, whatever cash is brought in will just be added to your student's account.

Monday 9/14

Tuesday 9/15

Wednesday 9/16

Thursday 9/17 - Open House and Curriculum Night 5:30-6:30

Friday 9/18

9/17 - Open House and Curriculum Night 5:30-6:30

9/22 - Dine To Donate at Toarmina's Pizza

9/28 - No School - Professional Development Day for Staff

10/7 - Parent Teacher Conference (Evening Only)

10/8 - Parent Teacher Conferences All Day (No School)

10/13 - PTA Meeting 6 p.m.

10/22 - Picture Day Make-Up

10/23 - Color Run

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.

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.

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.

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.

“You win with grit, not excuses.” - Dan Campbell