October 2026 Newsletter
Jackson Elementary
From Principal Larama
Jackson Community,
Happy October! We ended September on a high note by celebrating the new school year with a fun PTA Back to School barbecue and building open house. Thank you for showing up, celebrating and socializing in the drizzle, and supporting our school through the book fair.
Thank you for all your help in improving morning drop off and after school parent pick up. It will continue to help us to treat the sidewalk portion of Charles Ave. as a drop off and pick up area, and to limit your parked time there as much as possible right now to keep traffic flowing. When our construction project is complete, we will introduce 'Kiss and Go' dropoff in the morning, and 'Rolling Pick Up' in the afternoon - two new routines to Jackson Elementary that will greatly improve time spent waiting in traffic!
Students have been working hard in class this year learning reading, math, writing, science, and many social and emotional skills. We would love for our students to tell you all about what they are learning and doing at school. I encourage each of you to do a quick check on your routines for checking in with your children after school:
- How do you ask your children what they learned in class? Students may need to be asked more than once, and in different ways, to reveal what they are learning, enjoying, and being challenged with. Try 'What did you enjoy learning?', 'What challenged you today?', or 'What was exciting in class?'!
- How are you engaging your children with their social and emotional growth at school? Our students may tell you more about what is working and not working with peers, classmates, friends, and adults at school. You are powerful advocates for your children - both in helping them problem solve everyday situations with friends, and by connecting with your child's teachers and counselors around complex situations that may require adult help. Try 'Who helped you feel special today?' or 'Who did you help feel special?'
Coming up quite soon are fall parent/teacher conferences (November 2 and 3). Watch Parent Square mid-October for information about how to sign up for a conference. We want to meet with every child's parent/guardian to share growth, successes, and challenges and to make sure we are working together for every child's benefit.
Reminder that there are no students at school on Friday October 9, it is a teacher work day.
Thank you, Jackson community, for your support and partnership this year!
Mr. Larama
Principal, Jackson Elementary
Guidelines for Electric Bikes, Electric Scooters, and Electric Motorcycles
Everett Public Schools recognizes the growing popularity of electric bicycles (e-bikes) and e electric scooters as a modes of student transportation. The purpose of this guidance is to provide clear expectations for use on school property to:
Protect the safety of students, staff, families, and visitors
Support sustainable and active transportation choices
Establish clear expectations and accountability
Ensure compliance with state and local laws
Minimize liability and property damage risks
Definitions
E-Bike: An electric bicycle as defined under Washington State law (RCW 46.04.169), including Class 1 (pedal assist up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle assist up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal assist up to 28 mph). An e-bike motor will never exceed 750 watts of power.
E-motorcycle: is powered solely by an electric motor and often doesn’t have moving pedals. They have foot pegs, other brackets or supports. Without moving pedals capable of propelling, or with pedals that can operate at speeds over 20 mph while powered solely by the motor, is classified as a motorcycle.
E-scooter: any two- or three-wheeled device with handlebars and a floorboard, powered by an electric motor. Also known as "motorized foot scooters".
School Grounds: All property owned, leased, or controlled by Everett Public Schools, including parking lots, athletic fields, courts, sidewalks, and interior spaces.
Personal Transportation Device: any vehicle operated by an individual to carry them from place to place, including but not limited to bicycles, E-bikes, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, etc.
All state and local laws must be followed while operating e-bikes and other personal transportation devices on district property. This includes the use of helmets, yielding to pedestrians, and operating only legal e-bikes (NO electric motorcycles are permitted unless they are properly registered and operated by a legally licensed individual with a motorcycle endorsement).
From the Office
Changing a student's way home for the day?
Call at least 30 minutes before the end of the school day. We send notes to the classroom and need time to deliver them. The end of the day can be too hectic to ensure messages are recieved and understood before the final bell rings each day.
DO NOT leave a voicemail message for a student that needs same day information.
Click the button below to access the district student calendar.
Natural Leaders Academy
Natural Leaders Academy (NLA) is a welcoming, hands-on training program for family members who want to support their children’s success and strengthen their school community. In NLA, families learn how to navigate the school system, build strong communication with teachers and staff, and connect with other parents who share similar goals.
Topics:
Week 1- Student’s education journey & navigating systems
Week 2 - Communication strategies & planning for the future
Week 3 - Family leadership in action
NLA is open to all families—no experience needed, just a desire to learn,
connect, and lead. Interpretation, dinner, & childcare provided
Receive a stipend upon completion ($150)
From the Health Room
Everett Public Schools is excited to partner with the Community Health Center (CHC) of Snohomish County to offer no-cost on-site dental screenings for students at Jackson Elementary.
· WHERE: Jackson Elementary
· WHEN: October 20, 2026 (during the school day)
· COST: $0 (No income or eligibility requirements; guardian consent required)
· WHO: All students with a completed consent form
How the School-Based Dental Screening Program Works
The CHC team visits your child’s school twice a year (Fall and Spring) to provide convenient screenings and preventative care. Bringing quality dental care directly to school keeps students healthy, confident, and focused in the classroom.
What to Expect
- Follow-up Support: The CHC team will identify any urgent dental needs and help families schedule additional care if needed.
- Student Report: Every student participating will receive a dental report card to take home. In the Spring, the CHC will return to perform additional screenings as well as any preventative care you have authorized.
- Billing Details: Services are completely free for families. If you provide insurance information, CHC will bill your provider directly, but you will never receive a bill or out-of-pocket charge.
How to Sign Up
The parent/guardian must complete a School-Based Dental Consent Form for each child in your household.
Hardcopy forms went home a week ago or you can submit online HERE (under Online Resources).
Completed forms can be submitted to the main office, or online following the links provided before October 12, 2026.
For additional details about the program, click HERE.
From the Counselors
To All Jackson Families,
At Jackson Elementary and in Everett Public Schools, daily attendance matters. Our expectation is that students attend school 95-100% of scheduled school days. According to research from OSPI and Attendance Works (attendanceworks.org), students are chronically absent when they have missed 10% or more of the school year or 18 days over an entire school year. This equates to 2-3 days a month. When students miss just 2-3 days a month, they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school, and graduate from high school.
Absences and tardies impact the entire classroom community when teachers must slow down learning to help children catch up. Additionally, attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. They learn routines and develop strong habits of being on time that will help them succeed in high school and be college/career ready. When students attend regularly, they develop friendships and problem-solving skills and meet academic standards.
We understand that children get sick. If your child is ill, please let us know using one of the following means to communicate your child’s absence:
· using the ParentVUE app
· emailing jaeattendance@everettsd.org, or
· calling the Main Office at (425) 385-5600
· message line is (425) 385-5605
Some healthy habits that lead to 95-100% attendance include:
- Regular bedtime and morning routines
- Scheduling medical and dental appointments after school
- Vacations only during school breaks
- Go to school– unless truly sick (fever or vomiting)
- Reduce screen time and no screens two hours before bed
- Have a backup plan – another trusted adult helps get child(ren) to school
For detailed attendance policies and explanations please see the Everett Public Schools’ Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (https://www.everettsd.org/domain/1493).
If you need support, please let us know. We are here to help!
Principal, Darren Larama dlarama@everettsd.org
Office Manager, Heather Harris hharris@everettsd.org
Office Assistant, Mandy Trimble jaeattendance@everettsd.org, atrimble@everettsd.org
School Counselor, Terry Coleman tcoleman@everettsd.org
School Counselor, Jen Byrne jbyrne@everettsd.org
Welcome back to a bright new school year!
Dear Jackson Elementary Families,
We are excited to continue welcoming you and your children to a brand-new school year at Jackson Elementary! As your school counselors, we want to partner with you to make this year smooth, successful, and full of growth for every student.
Starting strong at home sets the tone for a great year at school. Here are some helpful habits to get your family off to the best start:
Healthy Sleep Habits:
Getting plenty of restful sleep helps children focus, learn, and feel good each day. Aim for consistent bedtimes and wake-up times so your child is refreshed and ready to learn.
Morning Routines:
A steady morning routine helps kids get to school on time and reduces stress. Try setting out clothes and organizing backpacks the night before for an easier start to the day.
Screentime:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following screen time guidelines for children:
Preschoolers (2-5 years):
- Limit screen time to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming co-viewed with a caregiver.
- Avoid fast-paced, distracting content.
- Ensure children have time for active play and social interactions.
School-Aged Children (6-12 years):
- Limit screen time to 2 hours per day of high-quality content.
- Encourage a balance between screen time, physical activity, and sleep.
- Monitor content and make sure it's appropriate.
Daily Reading Time:
Encourage your child to read independently or enjoy reading together every day. Just 15–20 minutes of reading builds vocabulary, imagination, and confidence in school.
Backpack Check-In:
Make it a habit to check your child’s backpack each day for important notes, homework, and classroom communication. It’s a great way to stay connected with what’s happening at school and support your child's learning.
Additional Success Tips:
- Encourage your child to ask questions and share their thoughts about what they’re learning.
- Set aside a quiet, well-lit space at home for homework and studying.
- Celebrate effort and progress to build motivation and confidence.
Back in September, we began visiting classrooms regularly to teach Social and Emotional lessons using the Second Step curriculum. These lessons help students build skills like empathy, problem-solving, and managing emotions—important tools for success both in and out of school.
Remember, we are here to partner with your family and student throughout the year. Together, we can make this school year a wonderful experience for all!
Warm wishes for a fantastic year ahead,
Terry Coleman & Jen Byrne
School Counselors, Jackson Elementary School
From the Library
🍂 JACKSON ELEMENTARY LIBRARY NEWS
October 2026
📚 Fall Into a Good Book!
Happy October, Jackson families!
We are off to a wonderful start in the library! Students have been busy learning how our library works, practicing library routines, checking out books, and discovering books they are excited to read.
Our goal is to help every student become a confident, independent library user and to build a community of readers who know there is a book for everyone.
📚 WHAT WE'RE LEARNING
This month, students will continue building their library skills while exploring fiction and nonfiction.
Our younger readers are learning how to identify whether a book tells an imaginary story or gives us facts and information about the real world. Older students are continuing to develop the skills they need to independently find books and information in the library.
Across grade levels, we are practicing:
📖 Choosing books that interest us
❤️ Caring for library books
📚 Returning and checking in our own books
🔎 Finding books in the library
💡 Understanding fiction and nonfiction
💻 Using technology and digital resources responsibly
🌟 Becoming confident and independent library users
And, of course, we are making time to READ!
👻 OCTOBER BOOK FEATURE BOO(k)! Find Your Next Great Read!
Our October book display is full of fall favorites, funny spooky stories, mysteries, creepy but not too creepy adventures, and fascinating nonfiction.
Look for books about:
🎃 Pumpkins and fall
🦇 Bats and nocturnal animals
👻 Ghosts and silly scares
🔎 Mysteries
🕷️ Spiders and creepy creatures
🍂 Autumn
🧙 Magic and imagination
🐟 Sammy Says:
Don't be scared to try a new book!
⭐ MRS. GAY'S OCTOBER BOOK PICKS
📕 Picture Book Pick
Creepy Carrots!
by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown
Jasper Rabbit LOVES carrots, until he starts wondering if the carrots are following him! This funny, slightly spooky story makes a great October read-aloud.
📚 More October Favorites
🍂 The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming
🎃 The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
👻 How to Make Friends with a Ghost by Rebecca Green
🌾 The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
🎃 The Hallo Wiener by Dav Pilkey
👻 The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg
Ask your student which one they would like to read!
👨👩👧 FAMILY READING TIP
Let Them Choose!
One of the simplest ways to encourage reading is to let children have a voice in what they read.
📚 Graphic novels? Yes!
😂 Joke books? Yes!
🦈 Nonfiction about sharks for the 15th time? Absolutely!
🎧 Audiobooks? Yes!
❤️ A favorite book they have already read three times? That counts too!
Instead of asking:
“What do you have to read?”
Try asking:
“What are you excited to read?”
Reading does not always have to look the same. The goal is to help children see themselves as readers.
🔦 TRY THIS AT HOME
Flashlight Reading Night!
Pick an evening, grab some blankets, turn down the lights, and let everyone choose something to read by flashlight.
Parents and grown-ups, join in too!
When children see the adults around them enjoying reading, they learn that reading is not just something we do for school.
It is something we do for life.
💻 DIGITAL READING WITH SORA
No library book at home? No problem!
Students can use Sora to explore ebooks and audiobooks from our school district's digital collection.
Sora is a great option for reading at home, listening to an audiobook, or finding something new when the school library is not open.
Ask your child to show you Sora!
📚 HELP US KEEP THE BOOKS MOVING!
Students are learning to take more responsibility for their own library books this year.
Please help your child remember to bring their library books with them on their library day.
Students are learning how to check in their own books and become independent library users. Returning books regularly also gives another Jackson reader a chance to enjoy them!
👀 COMING SOON IN NOVEMBER
🏔️ Are You Ready for a Reading Adventure?
Something BIG is coming to the Jackson Library!
Our Sasquatch Reading Challenge will return for students in grades 4 and 5.
Students will be challenged to read from the Washington Library Association Sasquatch Award book list, track their reading, check in with Mrs. Gay, and work toward reading goals throughout the school year.
🥉 Bronze Reader: 4 books
🥈 Silver Reader: 8 books
🥇 Gold Reader: 12 books
More information will be coming in November.
👣 Will YOU spot Sasquatch in the library?
❤️ HAPPY READING, JACKSON!
One of my favorite things about being in the library is watching a student find a book that makes them say:
“Can I check THIS out?!”
That is what we are working toward: a library full of curious kids who are excited to read, learn, explore, and discover.
Happy reading!
Mrs. Gay
Teacher Librarian
Jackson Elementary School
🐟 Be like Sammy and keep swimming toward your next great book! 📚
October Events
Oct 7 - School Picture Day
❌Oct 8:❌ CANCELED - PTA Meeting, Library at 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (will announce if rescheduled)
Oct 9: No School, Teacher Work Day
Oct 13: School Board Meeting, CRC at 4:30 p.m.
Oct 16: Everett Public Schools will host a vaccine clinic this fall at the Community Resource Center
Oct 16: PTA Cherrydale Fundraiser Ends
Oct 16: LIF Release (2:15 p.m.)
Oct 20: Dental Screening Day
Oct 23: LIF Release (2:15 p.m.)
Oct 27: School Board Meeting, CRC at 4:30 p.m.
Oct 30: PTA Spirit Day: Storybook Character Day
Oct 30: PTA Trunk-Or-Treat, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
PTA Information
Jackson Connections October 2026
Jackson Elementary PTA Newsletter
Our Cherrydale Fundraiser Starts today and runs through October 15th! This is a great opportunity to get some early holiday gifts while supporting our Jackson Silvers. Our fundraising allows the PTA to continue to host low cost or free events for our whole community! We can't do it without you!
Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our Pajama Spirit Day and everyone who was able to join us for our Back to School BBQ! Our event was more successful because of you! We'll be looking for your favorite Storybook Character on October 30th, and how to see you for our next event, Trunk or Treat on October 29th!
Reflections submissions are due November 23rd! This year's theme is What my culture means to me. Emails us at jacksonptareflections@gmail.com for more info or check out our website!
We are looking for three volunteers to help out with Picture Day on October 7th in the morning. You must be a district approved Volunteer.
Please email us if you are interested: jacksonptaemail@gmail.com
Set up shop to Give through Givebacks to ear donations for PTA https://www.givebacks.com/home
Select Jackson as your school and scan receipts or download the app https://www.boxtops4education.com
Don't forget to join the PTA@ Scan the QR code and visit our store to purchase your annual membership!
Conexiones Jackson Octubre 2026
Boletín informativo de la PTA de la escuela primaria Jackson
¡Nuesta recaudación de fondos de Cherrydale empieza hoy y dura hasta el 15 de octubre! Esta es una gran oportunidad para conseguir algunos regalos navideños temprano mientras apoyamos a nuestros Jackson Silvers. ¡Nuestros fondos le permiten a la PTA seguir organizando eventos de bajo costo o gratuitos para toda nuestra comunidad! ¡No podemos hacerlo sin ustedes!
¡Muchísimas gracias a todos los que participaron en el Día del Espíritu en Pijama y a los que pudieron acompañarnos en la barbacoa de regreso a clases! ¡Nuestro Evento fue más exitoso gracias a ustedes! Estaremos buscando a su personaje de cuento favorito el 30 de octubre, y esperamos verlos en nuestro próximo evento, 'Trunk or Treat' el 29 de octubre.
¡Las reflexiones deben enviarse antes del 23 de noviembre! El tema de este año es "Lo que mi cultura significa para mi". Para más información, contactanos en jacksonptareflection@gmail.com o visita nuestra página web.
Buscamos tres voluntarios para ayudar con el Día de la Foto el 7 de octubre por la mañana. Debes ser un voluntario aprobado por el distrito. Si te interesa, escribenos a jacksonptaemail@gmail.com
Configure Shop to Give a través de Givebacks para ganar donaciones para PTA https://www.givebacks.com/home
Elige Jackson como tu escuela y escanea tu recibos o descargar la app www.boxtops4education.com
¡No olvides unirte a la PTA! ¡Escanea el código QR y visita nuestra tienda para comprar tu membresía anual!
Trunk-Or-Treat 10/30 5:30-7:00 pm
Trunks, Volunteers & Candy Needed!
jacksonptaemail@gmail.com or scan the Signup Genius QR code
$50 Amazon gift card awarded to the highest voted trunk!
Thank you!
Trunk-or-Treat 30 de oct. de 5:30 a 7:00 p.m.
¡Se buscan voluntarios, dulces y autos para el maletero o trato!
jacksonptaemail@gmail.com o escanea el código QR de Signup Genius
¡Premio de tarjeta de regalo de Amazon de $50 para el maletero ganador!
¡Muchas gracias!
Qustodio
Guiding their digital world together
Through our partnership with Linewize, our school’s online safety and wellbeing provider,
parents and guardians can enhance safeguarding controls on school-issued devices.
Activate your free account in three easy steps:
1. Scan the QR code or visit qustodio.com/my-school
2. Create your parent login with the email address that your school has on file for you
3. Follow the prompts to connect to their school account
Fall Specialist Schedule
Jackson Elementary is a Title 1 School
Jackson Elementary participates in the Title I Program. Title I, Part A is part of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Its goal is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic standards.
As a Title I school, we qualify for federal grant money which we use for additional staffing, parent involvement, staff development, and extended school day opportunities to help us meet that goal. This update is intended to provide you with important information about this law.
You have the right to request regular information or meetings about Title I at Jackson Elementary School. Please contact me if you would like more information.
Darren Larama
(425) 385-5600
Photos
Nondiscrimination Statement
Everett Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Officer and ADA Coordinator, Shawn Bryant, 425-385-4117, SBryant@everettsd.org; Section 504 Coordinator, Dave Peters, 425-385-4063, DPeters@everettsd.org; Gender-Inclusive Coordinator, Joi Odom Grant, 425-385-4137, JGrant@everettsd.org.