James
We are having a wonderful November here at James Madison School! Our school community celebrated World Kindness Day by wearing tie-dyed clothing to show peace, love, and kindness. It was a joyful display of the positive spirit our students continue to show each day.
Our third graders also put on a fantastic performance in honor of the Thanksgiving season. Their hard work, enthusiasm, and teamwork made the event truly memorable for families and staff.
We are also happy to announce that Secret Readers are back!
We warmly welcome parents to come in and surprise their child as a Secret Reader. This opportunity is open to all grade levels, and we are thrilled to see so many families participating already. Thank you to all the parents who have taken time out of their day to join us. Your involvement means so much to our students.
As we move through this busy time of year, we want to remind families that consistent attendance is essential for student success. Each day in school helps your child grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and we love having them here.
Wishing all of our James Madison families a warm, safe, and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Alfonso
November is flying by, and our counseling lessons have focused on gratitude, calmness, and reflecting on the things that matter most. This month, students listened to the story The Wish Tree, a gentle book that inspires hope, kindness, and believing in the good around us. After our discussion, students created beautiful winter “Wish Trees” of their own.
Did you know painting is a powerful coping skill?
Through art, students were able to slow down, breathe, and express their feelings in a calm and creative way. Many shared that painting helped them feel relaxed, proud, and peaceful.
Just like in the story, each child added a personal wish to their tree. These wishes ranged from hopes for their families, to kindness for others, to dreams for themselves. It was a wonderful opportunity to practice gratitude, positive thinking, and emotional awareness—skills that support both their well-being and their relationships with others.
As we wrap up November, we will continue encouraging students to notice the good around them, use healthy coping skills, and appreciate the people and moments that bring them joy.
Mrs. Faga, School Counselor
dfaga@gboe.org
Dear Families,
As we move through the school year, I want to take a moment to share some important reminders about when it’s best for your child to come to school, and when it’s best for them to stay home to rest and recover.
Your child is ready for school if they:
- Have a runny nose or a little cough, but no other symptoms
- Have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine
- Have been free from vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours
Please keep your child home if they have:
- A temperature higher than 100.4°F (with or without medicine)
- A persistent cough
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Red, pink, or crusty eyes that may indicate conjunctivitis
- Been instructed by a doctor to isolate or avoid contact with others
Please call the school to report your child’s absence and share the reason for their illness. If possible, let us know before 9:00 a.m. on the day they’ll be out.
Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Working together, we can make sure every child feels their best and has the opportunity to shine each day.
Warmly,
Ms. Silva, School Nurse
