Orchard Drive Family Newsletter
March 2026
25-26 Jackson R2 Calendar
Orchard Drive Dates to Remember
Orchard Drive Calendar
Counselor's Corner
Happy Spring!
We are continuing on in counseling with classroom lessons, intervention groups, and individual sessions. I will include the curriculum plans for counseling lessons below for the month. New intervention groups start regularly; groups usually meeting 4-6 sessions, once a week. We identify students for additional social-emotional support from teacher referrals, behavior data, and our sel screener, the SAEBRS. My intern, Natalia, and I are going to try to work with every student that needs help. If you are concerned for your student, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Classroom Lesson Plans:
Kindergarten: continuing with feelings unit and coping skills
First Grade: making good choices: understanding choices and consequences unit
Second Grade: empathy and social skills including filtering your thoughts and staying on topic
Third Grade: time management and being respectful to others
Fourth Grade: self advocating and conflict resolution
Let me know if you need anything!
Have a great month!
Respectfully,
Rachel Lasher, NCC
Mrs. Blum's Behavior Blip
As we move through the busy school year, it’s important to remember that mood isn’t just something that “happens” to us — it’s something we can actively influence. Small, intentional activities can boost your child’s mood and build emotional resilience. Movement (even a 10-minute walk outdoors or dance break), time outdoors, listening to favorite music, blowing bubbles, playing with sand or drawing with chalk, creative outlets like drawing or building, and simple connection moments (a shared snack, a quick game, a bedtime chat) all help increase feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. Encouraging these habits regularly — not just on hard days — helps children build a stronger emotional foundation. When we teach kids that mood can be supported through action, we empower them with lifelong coping skills.
Sincerely,
Hannah Blum MA, MCBA, LBA
News from Nurse Emily
Spring is on the way, and as the trees and flowers begin to bloom, allergy season often begins as well. Many children experience seasonal allergies in the spring. Common symptoms include red, itchy, or watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, nasal drainage, and fatigue.
If your child struggles with seasonal allergies, now is a great time to begin appropriate medications. If your child is experiencing symptoms but has not been evaluated, consider speaking with your healthcare provider. Many non-drowsy options are available for children. If oral medication is not enough, a nasal spray may help. Please note that nasal sprays can sometimes dry out nasal passages and cause nosebleeds, so it is important to talk with your provider about how to prevent or manage this.
As a reminder, please keep your child home from school if they have a fever of 100.1°F or higher, vomiting, or diarrhea. Students may return to school after they have been symptom-free for 24 hours without medication.
Warmer weather also provides a wonderful opportunity to encourage outdoor movement. Children should aim for 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. This can be built in through short bursts of activity throughout the day. Families might try creating a mini workout with jumping jacks, toe touches, knee lifts, squats, and lunges, taking turns being the leader. Power walks around the block or up and down stairs, skipping contests across the yard, or playing catch with a ball, Frisbee, or beanbag are all great options. These activities not only build strength and endurance but also support coordination and overall wellness.
Sincerely,
Emily Glueck, BSN-RN
After School Kids Club (ASKC)
Full Day Kids’ Club (FDKC):
Jackson R-2 School District offers Full Day Kids’ Club for JR2 students in preschool- 6th grade. The program operates most days when school is NOT in session. FDKC is a safe, fun, and engaging childcare program where students play at stations that build social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills!
The next FDKC program operates at South Elementary,
FDKC - Friday, March 13th at South Elementary 7:30 am - 5:45 pm.
*Children must bring a sack lunch and water bottle.
Cost: $30 per day for the first child. $25 per day for each additional child.
Dates to Remember:
Spring Break - March 30th - April 2nd Full Day Kids’ Club at South Elementary
*Children must bring a sack lunch and water bottle. 7:30 am - 5:45 pm.
No School / No Full Day Program on April 3rd in observance of Good Friday.
.After School Kids’ Club (ASKC):
Jackson R-2 School District offers After School Kids’ Club for JR2 students in preschool-6th grade. The program operates Monday–Friday after school until 5:45 PM, whenever school is in session. ASKC is a safe, fun, and engaging childcare program where students can work on homework (if needed) and play at stations that build social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills! Cost: $8 per day for the first child. $7 per day for each additional child.
For more details or to schedule a day, visit:
Orchard Drive Elementary
Email: czirges@jr2mail.org
Website: https://odes.jacksonr2schools.com/
Location: 1402 Orchard Dr, Jackson, MO 63755, USA
Phone: (573) 243-9555
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orcharddriveelementary