JKES Cardinal Chronicle
Week of August 23, 2026
😀 Dear Cardinal Families,
What a wonderful start to the school year it has been at JKES! Our Cardinals are settling into their classroom routines, getting to know their teachers and classmates, and building the habits that help make each school day successful. It has been exciting to see students becoming more comfortable, confident, and engaged as they navigate their new routines.
There is so much great learning happening throughout our school! Classrooms are filled with students asking questions, exploring new ideas, practicing important skills, and learning how to work together. Teachers are establishing strong classroom communities while creating engaging opportunities for students to think, create, collaborate, and grow.
As we continue settling into our routines, we appreciate your partnership and support at home. Your encouragement, conversations about school, and attention to daily routines make such a difference for our students.
Safety Drill Reminder
As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, JKES will conduct a brief lockdown drill this week. We encourage families to have a calm, age-appropriate conversation with their children about the importance of listening to their teacher, staying quiet and out of sight, and following directions during a drill or emergency.
Please reassure your child that drills are simply practice and help us prepare so everyone knows what to do. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Cardinals safe!
Please take a few moments to read through this edition of the Cardinal Chronicle for important updates, reminders, celebrations, and upcoming events. We are looking forward to all that this school year has in store for our Cardinals!
Kevin Pittsnogle, Principal
Wendy Houser, Assistant Principal
📆 Important Dates
No School for Students: September 4, 2026
Labor Day, No School: September 7, 2026
📣 NEW JKES SPIRIT WEAR STORE!
The John Kerr Spirit Wear Store is officially OPEN! Grab some new Cardinal gear and show your JKES school spirit!
SHOP HERE:
https://americanscreenprinting.square.site/john-kerr-elementary
15% of all proceeds support the John Kerr Elementary PTO, and every purchase also supports a local vendor!
ORDER DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
DELIVERY OPTIONS
Parents will be notified when merchandise is ready. Orders can either be picked up or sent home with your student. Want your order sent home with your student?
At checkout, enter your student's first and last name AND teacher's name in the "Add a note to seller" box so we can properly organize school delivery.
Get your Cardinal gear before the store closes September 25!
JKES EarlyAct
How To Report an Absence
📰 WPS Division News
🔊 Important Links
Use this step-by-step guide for completing the online process: https://bit.ly/WPSAnnualFormGuide (English and Spanish)
Winchester Public Schools has provided parent resources to include the 2026-2027 Parent/Student Handbook, K-12 standards and instruction, the yearly calendar, discipline policies and more on the WPS website. We encourage you to access Quick Links and News and Communication regularly for updates.
🚌 WinReady
WinReady On Demand Transportation
No more waiting for a bus, transferring routes, or long walks to bus stops. WinReady is a point-to-point service that will pick you up when you need to be picked up and take you where you need to go within the City of Winchester within 30 minutes. You can request or schedule a ride directly from your phone, and WinReady will get you there. (click the link for additional information)
Opt-In to School Texts
Not receiving school-related text messages? You must OPT-IN to receive messages. Text "Subscribe" to 67587. You should receive confirmation that you are registered. Don't forget to ensure all of your contact information is correct at your student's school, too!