JIES—Astrozon Newsletter

As we embark on a new school year filled with anticipation and excitement, I extend a warm welcome to all our returning students and a heartfelt greeting to those joining us for the first time. This year marks an exciting milestone for James Irwin Elementary School–Astrozon as we celebrate 20 years of service to our community — that’s two decades!

We hold deep gratitude for those who came before us, paving the way for countless students to receive a high-quality education while growing into the best versions of themselves. We are honored to continue this great mission for everyone who walks through our doors this year and for years to come.

Nothing great happens overnight. Twenty years is the result of hard work, resilience, commitment, love, and tenacity. This year will require nothing less. With great success comes great responsibility — and we aim to remain faithful to the important work ahead.

I look forward to a year filled with new possibilities, deeper roots, and growing stronger together. Here’s to a rewarding school year ahead!

Kind regards,

Mrs. Janet White

Principal, JIES-Astrozon Campus

· Tuesday, August 5th: Back to School Night is from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

· Monday, August 11th: First day of school for ALL students from 7:30 AM to 1:20 PM.

· Friday, August 15th: 5th Grade Assembly from 8:00 AM to about 8:20 AM; Miss Daniels’ class only.

· Friday, August 22nd: 4th Grade Assembly from 8:00 AM to about 8:20 AM; Mr. Schauffele’s class only.

· Tuesday, August 26th: JICS Board of Directors Meeting; 6:00 PM in the Board Room above the library.

· Friday, August 29th: Staff Day, No Students

· Monday, September 1st: No School

· Friday, September 5th: Brain Drain & Attendance Matters Award Assembly from 8:00 AM to about 8:20 AM.

Below are the links to our Google Calendar! Here’s how to add the calendar to your preferred calendar app:

1. Click on one of the Google Calendar links: August

2. To the right, click on Subscribe to Calendar and follow steps to add it to your calendar app.

Back to School Night is on Tuesday, August 5th from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Students will have the opportunity to meet their teacher, and parents will receive important information to start the school year.

Staff will be available to help you find the correct classroom before the first session begins at 4:00 PM. If you are unable to arrive on time, please come anyway! We are looking forward to meeting you and your child. The second session begins at 4:50 PM for those with multiple children or those who cannot arrive by 4:00 PM. A recording of the session will be available and emailed to all parents after Back to School Night.

You can drop off school supplies at Back to School Night, or you can also drop them off on the first day of school (August 11th for ALL students).

We hope to see you on August 5th for Back to School Night!

Class lists have been completed for all enrolled students. The information is being uploaded into Infinite Campus (IC). When this is complete, we will send you a message (text/email) through IC letting you know who your child’s teacher is. Our plan is to send this information out before August 1st. Due to privacy, we will not post your child’s entire class list. Thank you for understanding. Please let us know if you have any questions.

First Weeks of School

August 11th: First Day for All Students, 7:50 AM to 1:20 PM

August 11th through August 15th: Friday Schedule, 7:50 AM to 1:20 PM

August 18th: Regular Schedule begins as noted below.

Start and end times for school starting August 18th:

• Monday - Thursday: 7:50 AM to 3:20 PM
• Friday: 7:50 AM to 1:20 PM

Students can be dropped off each morning as early as 7:30 AM. That is when school doors open and staff will be available to take care of them. Please pick up your child by 3:45 PM, Monday through Thursday, and by 1:45 PM on Fridays to avoid incurring late pick-up fees.

JIES releases ten minutes earlier than the middle school or high school. If you have a middle or high schooler as well as an elementary school student, please consider coming a little later (3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday and 1:30 PM, Fridays) to spread out traffic.

James Irwin Elementary School contracts with District 11 to provide school lunches for our students. We will soon have details pertaining to the Healthy School Meals for All Program and what it means for school lunches this year. We will send out a message on Infinite Campus when we have those important details. Thank you for your patience! 😊

If you have any questions, please contact JIES front office at (719) 302-9107. You can also contact the front office staff (Mrs. Frost or Mrs. Arredondo) by email (renee.frost@jamesirwin.org or jenny.arredondo@jamesirwin.org).

You can drop off your student’s school supplies on the first day of school: August 11th. You may also drop off your child’s school supplies at Back to School Night on August 5th if that is preferable. Thank you!

Please make sure your child has a water bottle every day. Water bottles from home are necessary to keep students hydrated. Thank you for helping us with this important step to your morning routine! J

More information will be coming out concerning your student and parent Infinite Campus accounts. It is very important to have these set up, so please pay close attention to the instructions when the time comes.

Please read the Parent/Student Handbook carefully which includes pictures of approved items in the Uniform Policy by clicking the following link: James Irwin Elementary-Astrozon Families.

A few commonly purchased items that are not approved are: uniform jeggings/leggings (ok under skirts or jumpers), polo dresses, khaki, and uniform polos must be one approved color without embellishments.

Tip: Write your child’s name clearly with permanent marker on all water bottles, uniform sweaters, and jackets. Staff go through the lost and found on a consistent basis and return items to students when they are labeled.

Please contact the front office (719-302-9107) if you have any questions, and please check on any items that may not be approved before you purchase them.

We have recently launched a new, online platform. Access key resources quickly from your phone or laptop, including the school calendar, handbook, supply lists, principal newsletters, contact info, and more—all in one convenient place. You can also shop for spirit shirts, view scheduled absence plans, and learn how to get free uniforms. While our main school website remains a great resource for new and prospective families, this new platform is built specifically for our JAG community. Use the QR code below or click here: James Irwin Elementary-Astrozon Families. This platform will continue to grow with us. If you have suggestions for content, please share them with the front office staff.

Thank you for your continued trust and support!