Jefferson Elementary

Jefferson Jags made the most of the fresh snow before winter break! Laughter filled the air as students zipped down the hill on sleds, perfecting their speed and technique. Others showcased their creativity by working together to build intricate snow sculptures, turning the snowy playground into a winter wonderland of fun and collaboration.

​For demonstrating: Being Prepared, Acting Responsibly, Giving Respect and Thinking Safety First

Students go outside for recess daily, weather permitting. Please ensure your child is dressed properly for the weather: snow boots, snow pants, winter jacket, winter hat and snow gloves. If your student is in need of winter gear please fill out this form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOeFrQvoqZq2BAv-sDN_pBAANeypHiD6Wua4woGl_QamPkSA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

We are currently accepting new or gently used donations winter clothing, including coats, snow pants, boots, winter hats, and snow gloves or mittens.

We especially need boys’ and girls’ jackets in sizes 6 and up, as well as boots in all sizes. While gently used boots are welcome, new boots are preferred.

Please note: we are completely out of winter snow gloves and would greatly appreciate donations of this item.

Donations can be dropped off at the office. Thank you for your support!

Winter weather will be here soon, so it’s a good idea to have a plan for your family in case of school closings, early dismissals, or late starts.

Notices for school closings and early dismissals will be posted on the following websites, radio, and television stations. You can also hear a recorded message on the District Notification Line at 507-387-6046.

Other ways to track school closing delays/dismissals/closures:

● www.isd77.org ● katoinfo.com ● mankatofreepress.com ● southernminnesotanews.com ● keyc.com ● KEYC 12 - TV AND MANY MORE.

Please Note: Blue Earth Area Schools is a smaller school district south of us. When you hear or see this, IT IS NOT Mankato Area Public Schools. Winter Closings are listed as Mankato Area Public Schools.

Click HERE for a copy of the Winter Weather Information.

The Cognitive Abilities (CogAt) Screener testing window will be open from February 1st thru the 15th. The CogAt will be given to all 2nd grade students and new-to-district students in grades 3-5 who have not yet taken the CogAt.

The CogAt provides insight into students’ abilities and guides educators in making appropriate educational decisions for students. Mankato Area Public Schools use the CogAt in the following ways:

• to help educators differentiate instruction for the needs and abilities of a student;

• to understand discrepancies between a student’s ability and achievement; and

• to use as a measure in identifying students for placement in Talent Development Services, including cluster and Rising Scholar classrooms.

In grade 2, the CogAt is untimed. Students in a typical 2nd grade class generally take less than one hour to complete the CogAt, In grades 3-5, the CogAt will take approximately 45 minutes. The CogAt has three sections: verbal analogies, quantitative analogies, and nonverbal matrices. There will be short breaks between sections.

If you do NOT want your child to take the Cognitive Abilities Screening Form, please contact your school no later than Wednesday, January 29th.

Students attending morning ACES have a spot for non-school day ACES care.

On December 12th, we hosted an informational session about what Jefferson will look, sound, and feel like next school year as a Focus School with a nature-based outdoor learning platform. It was wonderful to see everyone who attended and to address the curiosities and questions you had.

Linked below is the presentation I shared during the session. Within the presentation, you’ll find a link and QR code to submit any future questions you may have.

We plan to host additional informational sessions in the future to keep everyone updated as we continue on this exciting journey together. Click on the link for the presentation that was shared with families.

Also, the virtual session was also recorded and is linked below.

We are thrilled that we have had so much interest to learning more about Jefferson and what it will look like in the Fall of 2025. We recognize that there are still many more questions you may have. We encourage you to visit the Focus School Webpage on our District Webpage. This will be able to provide more clarity and answers to the many questions still out there. A great resource is our Frequently Asked Questions Document were we will add more questions and answers, so check back often.

At our recent PTO meeting, I shared a presentation designed to update parents and teachers about our work on the World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) initiative. These informational sessions will play a vital role in advising the school board on budget priorities and improvement plans to ensure student success. Please reach out to me if you have any questions at mbrues1@isd77.org

Presentation link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cCiWfYxYkp1ceA5R23ZsHj3_93p96CHeZDFwQTLUUO8/edit#slide=id.p

We have a opening for position for a Student Success Coach here at Jefferson. If you are interested in applying for this opportunity please click on the link below to see more details around the position as well as what qualifications are needed.

https://www.applitrack.com/isd77/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?category=Support+Staff&AppliTrackJobId=4303&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&AppliTrackViewPosting=1

Kick off the new year with us at the January PTO Meeting! Join us on January 7 at 6 PM in the Media Center for free pizza, childcare, and a chance to connect with our amazing school community.

Don’t feel like cooking? Treat your family to Jefferson's Night at Ummies on January 21 from 4–8 PM—great food, school spirit, and special treats for kids in Jefferson swag! 30% of all food orders (Dine in or Take out) goes back to Jefferson Elementary.

The PTO is seeking a Treasurer for the next school year! If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about supporting our school, we’d love to have you on our team. Please email jeffersonjagspto@gmail.com if interested or have questions.

January 7 - PTO Meeting at 6 pm

January 21 - Jefferson Night at Ummies 4-8 pm

February 11 - PTO Meeting at 6 pm

February 27 - Neon Night

• Sign up for Remind app: https://www.remind.com/join/jefpto