John Swett Elementary School PTA
August/September Newsletter
President's Message
President's Message
I am honored to be writing this message today. I have spent the last 8 years subbing, volunteering, and building the kind of community at JSE that dreams are made of. It happened in baby steps. Someone invited me to log onto the PTA meeting zoom (covid times) so I could see it wasn't so scary, someone else noticed I enjoyed digital art and asked if I would be interested in spiritwear, and then I found a hub of friends through joining the Book Fair team. When I think about PTA I think about Ms. Fischer on the first day of TK saying with her arms out wide "THESE ARE YOUR PEOPLE FOR THE NEXT 12 YEARS!" And she is right. Through the highs and lows, this community is what you make of it and what you invest into it.
I know people hesitate to get involved, for fear that they will get "roped in" and I promise you, we will not be hounding you, BUT! My hope is that the sheer amount of events and programs that the PTA provides for your child will inspire you to be a part of it, at whatever level your capacity can take on. I've spent the past few weeks creating this volunteer matrix that lists our programs and the level of energy and time each role takes. It is a work in progress, but I hope you'll take a glance and reach out with something you think you could do to bring your magic to our collective! The kids are the ones who benefit the most, but you may be surprised at what it also brings to you and your family.
Even something as simple as joinging PTA bring money to our Roadrunner Reading Program (that provides books for the whole school) and gets you in on receiving this newsletter first throughout the rest of the year.
I hope to meet you at the Back to School Ice Cream Party! or in front of the school for some lemonade on the first friday of each month. I am horrible with names but I don't forget a face, and I'd love to meet yours.
Fondly,
Courtnie Jensen, PTA President 26/27
August/September PTA Activities Recap
Membership
This year, your membership fees are benefitting a program that provides for our WHOLE school: Roadrunner Reading.
And to make it a little more fun... the classes in each grade level that get THE MOST members registered in the month of September earn a popsicle party on Friday of the Roadrunner Race. With the benefits, we hope that if there are multiple people in your home that are able to register, they will.
JOIN HERE:
Walk N Roll
John Swett Elementary needs 3-6 volunteers to join or WalkNRoll Wednesday Team!!
Only a 30 minute per week commitment to ensure our school can achieve our goal of being an active campus and continue to participate in alternative transportation!
Help do you part to reduce traffic, improve the environment, and provide our children with a safe and active childhood- plus you get to hang out with a really awesome group of parents.
Contact walknroll@jsepta.com to join our crew!
Sign Up Here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0449A9A72BA3FAC16-62317129-walk#/
Get Inspired:
Fun Run
Save the Date! πββοΈππ
Mark your calendars for September 25, 2026, for our annual Roadrunner Fun Run! π
This is one of our favorite days of the school yearβa day that brings our school community together and gives our students a chance to run, have fun, and celebrate! Weβre looking for more volunteers to help with setup and cleanup on the day of the event.
Interested in being part of the fun? Weβd love to have you join us! Please email jseptafunrun@gmail.com to volunteer or learn more.
Start times will vary by grade level, so keep an eye out for upcoming announcements with schedules and additional information. More details are coming soon!
Letβs make this yearβs Fun Run the best one yet! πββοΈπ
Homecoming Parade Float
One of the most beloved traditions in our Martinez community is the float parade at Homecoming. And our team has decided to represent with THE ODYSSEY!
This is a great entry level event with TONS of areas to support, and an opportunity to meet people and make friends if that is something you're hoping to gain with your PTA involvement. Please Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4CAEA82AA3FFC25-65340725-float. And If you're wanting to walk with us in the parade, fill out your permission slip now https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SI0B3p2nj9O8JNfcH9JGGTk-zVNI6ol4/view?usp=sharing And bring it to the front office.
Back to School Bash - Wednesday August 26th
Ice Cream Social
Our 5th grade team and PTA are happy to welcome you back to John Swett with a FREE ice cream party!
We will also have:
-Pizza and Snacks for purchase to support 5th grade Activities
-A food truck
-a spiritwear donate and swap, so don't forget your gear that doesn't fit anymore
-Chalk Art, Make your Own Hat Station, and Bubbles
-Facepainting
-Music
We still need a handful of people to help out for half the party, provide a bubble machine, and or table. Please take a look below (especially fifth grade families) and see what you can contribute.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080949ADAF22A2FB6-65038079-back/25821935#/
This is always such a great opportunity to build community by hanging out.
Stay Up to Date: Social Media
Tea & Lemonade
βοΈ While We Wait for the Kidsβ¦ Come Join Us! ππ
While we wait for our kids to get out of school, stop by for some lemonade or tea from 10:45β11:45 AM! ππ«
Take a moment to connect, meet someone new, or catch up with an old friend. Weβll also share whatβs coming up for John Swett Elementary and our PTA.
π Longtime JSE parents: Take a moment to introduce yourself to someone new.
π New to JSE: Come meet the wonderful community thatβs here to welcome you and cheer you on!
Weβd love to see you there and start the year by building connections within our Roadrunner family!
β Your PTA Board πββοΈππ
Parents Night Out
π JSE Parents, Itβs Our Turn to Have Some Fun! π»π§
We think itβs about time the parents at JSE got a chance to step away from the school schedules, homework, and carpools and enjoy a little fun together! Join us at Five Suns Brewing for a night of trivia, laughs, drinks, and good company.
Whether youβre a trivia pro, someone who just loves shouting out random answers, or simply looking for a chance to get out and meet other JSE parents, youβre invited!
π₯ Bring a team β gather your friends and come ready to compete!
π€ Donβt have a team? No problem! Come on your own and weβll help you find a team to join.
π Canβt stay for the whole night? Stop by, say hello, grab a drink, and enjoy some time with fellow Roadrunner parents.
You donβt have to be a trivia expert, and you definitely donβt have to know anyone beforehand. This is all about getting together, making connections, and having a little fun outside of our usual parent duties.
Because letβs be honestβ¦ the students shouldnβt be the only ones who get to have all the fun! ππ
π Five Suns Brewing
π§ Trivia Night
π JSE Parents & Friends Welcome!
Grab your crewβor come meet a new oneβand join us for a fun night out!
We hope to see you there! πββοΈππ
After School Enrichment is returning to JSE this fall!
Registration is now open! This fall, all classes will be held on Wednesdays when grades 1-5 get out. There will be 3 classes offered: Martial arts with Element ATA, Chess Wizards, and Lego Robotics with Lando. These have been our most popular classes the past few years.
Registration is all done online through Homeroom:
https://www.homeroom.com/sites/john-swett-elementary-school-martinez/enrichment
Limited scholarship spots are available. To add your child's name to a random drawing, fill out the scholarship form here: https://forms.gle/A3aZSSMhTCWHYFCF7
PTA Meeting September 15 @ 7pm
Our mission is to build a connected, inclusive JSE community where every child and family feels supported, valued, and empowered. We do this by fostering meaningful relationships, advocating for equity, taking action to meet community needs, and raising funds that enhance opportunities for all students.
We lead with belonging, collaboration, listening, and accountability because we believe lasting impact begins with a community that works together.
But why should you come? First of all, as a member of this community, you are valued. And while new places (and sometimes old places) can be intimidating or carry negative connotations, this is THE first hand place for information. Events, budgets, voting for leadership. Our PTA brings SO much to the JSE community, but it also TAKES a community. This is where your voice is best heard. Attendance to our meetings is NOT a commitment to volunteer or to be roped in. But we do hope you find inspiration to find a place you are excited to support and plug into.
Save The Date! - Carnoween
Carnoween is Saturday October 17th
ππ» Spooky Season Is Almost Here! π»π
That can only mean one thingβ¦ JSEβs annual Carnoween celebration is right around the corner! π·οΈπ¬πͺ
Carnoween is one of those special John Swett traditions that our students look forward to every yearβand it simply wouldnβt be possible without the amazing parents, families, and community members who volunteer their time to make it happen.
From helping with games and activities to setting up, decorating, or lending a hand wherever itβs needed, every volunteer makes a difference and helps create a fun and memorable evening for our Roadrunners. ππ
Interested in being part of the magic? Want to learn more about how you can help?
π§ Email: jseptacarnoween1@gmail.com
Come be part of what makes Carnoween such a special JSE tradition! ππ»ππ
We canβt wait to make this yearβs Carnoween the best one yet!
Spirit Week!
September 21 - September 25
π Spirit Week Is Coming! π
Get ready to dress up, show your school spirit, and have some fun as we count down to our annual Roadrunner Fun Run! πββοΈπββοΈππ
Each day has a fun theme, so start planning your outfits now!
ποΈ Monday, September 21 β PJ Day
Come to school cozy and comfy in your favorite pajamas!
𧦠Tuesday, September 22 β Crazy Sock Day
The crazier and more colorful your socks, the better!
π€ͺ Wednesday, September 23 β Crazy Hair Day
Go wild! Get creative and show off your craziest hairstyle.
π Thursday, September 24 β Tie-Dye Day
Break out your favorite tie-dye and bring some color to campus!
πββοΈ Friday, September 25 β FUN RUN!
Itβs finally here! Get ready to run, celebrate, and have an amazing time with our Roadrunner family!
Letβs make Spirit Week a week to remember! ππ
Dress up, get creative, and show us your Roadrunner spirit!
Mark your Calendar
Don't Forget!
- 8/26 Back to School Bash
- 8/27 Picture Day
- 9/1 Membership Month ! Join to help your student win a class party!
- 9/1 Back to School Night
- 9/4 First Friday Lemonade & Minimum Day
- 9/7 No School
- 9/9 Parents Night Out
- 9/15 Room Parent Meeting @ 6:40pm (JSE Library before PTA meeting)
- 9/15 PTA Meeting 7pm-8:30pm JSE Library
- 9/21 - 9/25 Spirit Week
- 9/25 FUN RUN
- 10/5-10/9 Early Dismissal
- 10/9 Homecoming Parade
- 10/12 No School
Checking out our online calendar is also a great way to stay up to date on what is going on!
John Swett Elementary PTA
Follow us on Instagram: jseptaroadrunners
or facebook: John Swett PTA Facebook Page
Email: president@jsepta.com
Website: www.jsepta.com
Communications: communications@jsepta.com