W.A. Johnson Family Newsletter
September, 2023

September, 2024
Translating: Did You Know?
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Important Dates to Remember
September, 2024
September 2: Labor Day - No School
September 12: PTA Meeting @3:45 in Innovation Lab
September 16: Picture Day
September 17: Curriculum Night (see information below)
October, 2024
October 4: Fall Fest
- October 11: Rain Date
BSD2 Building Entry Procedures
As you know, one of the major priorities within our District Strategic Plan is school safety and security. We have been working with our safety auditor on ways to continue to keep our schools as safe as possible. One continued measure we will be putting in place is our visitor entrance procedure. When a parent or visitor comes to any of the schools they will need to press the intercom button. A member of the staff will come on the intercom system and request the visitor/parent to identify themself and the reason for the visit.
Regardless of our familiarity with you or the frequency of your visits to our schools, you will still be asked to identify yourself and the purpose of your visit every time. We ask that you adhere to this process and state your name and the reason for your visit (i.e. picking up your child, dropping off an item, etc.) so that we can continue to enhance the safety of our schools. Please know that the safety of our staff and students are our top priority and we appreciate your support in making that happen.
Curriculum Night
Please join us Tuesday, September 17, 2023 for Curriculum Night. During curriculum night, parents will meet in your child's classroom and hear about all the wonderful things they will participate in throughout the year.
Parents will also have the opportunity to meet with the school administrators.
Please see the updated schedule below.
Please use the schedule below as a guide Curriculum Night
After School Clubs
Please click on this link to give you feedback about the types of after school clubs that interest you and your family.
Picture Day
Picture Day is Monday, September 16th.
Please click here to pre-pay for your pictures. Use code: EVTRPFBXR to find W A Johnson School. You can also use the envelope to order pictures. Envelopes will be sent home closer to picture day.
Join the Parent Teacher Association - PTA
Join the Parent Teacher Association - PTA
READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HAVE A BLAST DOING IT?
Join the W.A. Johnson Elementary PTA! We’re all about creating
amazing experiences for our kids and supporting our fantastic
teachers.
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Help plan & organize super fun school events and activities
- Help raise funds for new school programs and resources
- Team up with teachers to boost our kids' learning journey
Being part of the PTA means you get to be a school hero!
Everyone’s welcome, and whether you have a little time or a lot, your
involvement makes a huge impact. Come be part of the fun and
make our school the best it can be!
Use the QR Code below or click here to become a member!
Click on the image for full-sized Flyer
Click on the image for full-sized Flyer in Spanish
Become a member TODAY!
Discover more about joining the PTA: use your phone's camera to scan the QR code!
Parent Teacher Association - PTA
Please join us for the first PTA Meeting of the 24-25 School Year!
Thursday, September, 12th
3:45 in the Innovation Lab
All are Welcome!
Children activities will be provided!
Please click on the image for full sized Invitation
Please click on the image for full sized Invitation in Spanish
Portillo's Fundraiser
Tuesday, September 10th from 11:00 am - 8:00 PM
Join us for our first fundraiser of the year!
Portillos
155 S. Route 83
Elmhurst, IL
20% of sales will benefit your organization. Order online or in app for pickup
using code PORTILLOS3 before checkout in the "Apply Offer" field, or show this flyer or a digital version to cashier when ordering at the restaurant. Valid on drive thru, pickup, curbside, and in restaurant orders.
Fall Fest
We are very excited for Fall and what a better way to celebrate then our annual WAJ FALL FEST!
Fall Fest will be Friday, October 4, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:30pm.
We have many activities available for students of all ages including, gaga ball, crafts, hayrides, games, raffles, and of course food!
Please click here to purchase a wristband for your child. The cost of the wristband is $15.
Food can be purchased for an additional cost during the event.
As with all our events, we rely on parent volunteers so that our events run smoothly. If you are new to Johnson or have been her for years, we would love your help! Please click here to sign-up for a volunteer opportunity.
Jaguar Fridays!
Every Friday we will celebrate being Johnson Jaguars! Please wear your spirit wear or blue and yellow to show your Jaguar Pride every Friday!
Spirit Wear
Carnegie Math
Exciting News for Our Young Learners! Introducing ClearMath Elementary
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are thrilled to announce the introduction of ClearMath Elementary to our schools this academic year! ClearMath Elementary is an innovative educational program designed specifically for young learners to explore and enjoy mathematics through a blend of interactive, engaging, and comprehensive learning experiences.
Why ClearMath Elementary? ClearMath Elementary aligns with our commitment to providing high-quality, research-based educational tools that not only meet but exceed our curriculum standards. This program is tailored to foster a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through:
- Interactive Learning: Each lesson is built around playful, engaging activities that make learning math not just educational but fun.
- Personalized Education: Adapted to meet the unique learning styles and paces of each student, ensuring that all children can achieve their full potential.
- Foundation for Future Success: By establishing strong math fundamentals, ClearMath Elementary sets the groundwork for lifelong learning and success in mathematics and beyond.
Our Goal Our goal with ClearMath Elementary is to illuminate the brilliance of our students by making math a subject they look forward to. We believe that by integrating this program, we will not only enhance our students' mathematical skills but also build their confidence and enjoyment in learning.
Stay Engaged We invite you to stay engaged with your child’s mathematical journey. Look forward to regular updates, tips on how you can help at home, and invitations to school events that showcase our students' progress and achievements with ClearMath Elementary.
We are excited to embark on this journey together, enhancing our educational landscape and brightening the futures of our students. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm as we roll out this exciting new chapter in our district’s educational offerings.
Warm regards,
Carlos Patiño
Principal
W.A. Johnson School
Chromebook Take-Home Policy
Chromebooks will be sent home starting the week of September 4, 2023
- Students are expected to charge their Chromebooks every night. Students are also responsible for following the guidelines for respectful Chromebook usage as listed in: Elementary Student agreement Chromebook Form Eng&Sp
- The below links are the updated BSD2 Chromebook Take-home Policy, which includes information about charges for damages.
Internet At Home
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Stay connected with FREE high-speed Internet!
For a limited time, you may be eligible to receive Internet service and equipment at no cost with the Federal Government's Emergency Broadband Benefit. Keep you and your family connected for work, remote learning and everything else you need to do online.
Erin’s Law Child Assault Prevention
The YWCA will be coming to Johnson school to give presentations to first, third, and fifth graders. Please read the attached parent letter. The letters include links to additional parent resources.
Safe 2 Help
Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program where students can use a free app, text/phone, and website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com) to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment.
Click on the images below to get more information.
Healthy Snacks
We encourage all students to bring a healthy snack and water bottle to school every day. Students will not be allowed to bring in sugary drinks. Each classroom has a designated time for students to eat a healthy snack. Below is a list of snack ideas. Please be mindful of students with allergies. You child's teacher will inform you if a particular item is not safe for all students in the classroom. School snacks are available in the event your child does not bring a snack from home.
- Cheese
- Fresh fruit
- Yogurt
- Veggies with hummus or ranch
- Dried fruit
- Granola bars
- Popcorn
- Fruit pouches
- Guacamole with chips
- Pretzels
- Crackers with cheese
- Crackers
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Goldfish Crackers
- Cheese-its
- Graham Crackers
PTA - Parent Teacher Association
- Membership Dues: Click here to pay Johnson PTA membership dues online
- The 1st PTA meeting will be held on next meeting is on September 12th at 3:45pm
PTA Board Members:
Nicki Zengilani - president
Brittany Pufundt - treasurer
Diana Sanchez - secretary
PTA email: johnsonjaguarspta@gmail.com
Google Voice phone: (773) 234-8284
PowerSchool
Parent Portal
The PowerSchool Parent Portal is an online system that will provide parents access to their students’ schedules, attendance, assignments and grades.
Celebrating Birthdays
We all like to feel special on our birthday. One way we can do that is by celebrating with our teachers and classmates. Due to allergy concerns and ongoing COVID safety measures, students will not be allowed to pass out edible treats this year. Non-Food items may be brought in to share with classmates.
Here are some suggestions:
- Mini Play-doh
- Small bottle of bubbles
- Party Favors
- Donate a game to the classroom
- Stickers
- Fun Straws
- Donate a book to the classroom to be read aloud to the class
Halloween
Halloween is around the corner, and we will be celebrating the holiday.
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s plans for Monday, October 31:
- TREATS: Due to allergy concerns and ongoing COVID safety measures, students will not be allowed to pass out anything edible this year, including pre-packaged, store-bought treats. Click here for a list of suggestions for non-food treats to pass out.
- COSTUMES: Students are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to school. Remember, though, that face paint, fake blood and look-alike weapons are prohibited. Halloween masks should not be worn throughout the regular school day -- only during costume parades.
- PARADES: We will have an outdoor costume parades in the afternoon, and families are invited to gather outside to watch the parade,. Details such as our the start time and parade route will be shared the week of October 24. Should it rain, the parade will be cancelled.
- PARTIES: Following the costume parades, students will head back inside for their classroom parties. Parents will not be allowed to enter the buildings during these parties, and, again, no edible treats will be passed out.
- ALTERNATE ACTIVITIES: Parents who do not want their child to participate in Halloween celebrations should send a note to their child’s teacher as soon as possible. Students not celebrating will be in the library, engaged in non-Halloween related activities.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Students receive free breakfast and lunch each day. Less than 3 items in not considered a balanced meal, therefore, students must select at least 3 items that are offered for each meal.
Milk can be purchased alone for 50 cents. If you would like your child to get milk each day, consider adding money to their account.
Each month, the district will post the breakfast and lunch menus for elementary and middle school.
Please use the link below to view the menus.
District 2 prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at https://www.bsd2.org/students-families/non-discrimination-title-ix-and-anti-harassment