Week 35
Greetings JMS families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well as we approach the Memorial Day weekend. As we enjoy this holiday, it is important for us to remember the significance and purpose of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is a time for us to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. We encourage you to take some time this weekend to discuss the importance of Memorial Day with your children and help them understand the sacrifices made by our military personnel.
First Grade “Step-Up” Day: "Step-Up Day" is an event designed to celebrate our first-grade students as they transition into the next phase of their educational experience in the Milford School District. “Step-up Day” is scheduled for Tuesday, June 6th. First grade students will get a glimpse into what awaits them in the second grade at Heron Pond. During “Step-Up Day” your child will get to explore the Heron Pond learning environment, meet 2nd grade teachers, and interact with a familiar peer, their 4th grade Reading Buddy.
We understand that transitioning to a new school can sometimes produce anxiety. "Step-Up Day" is designed to be supportive and encouraging, easing any anxieties our students may have. They will have the chance to ask questions, get familiar with the daily routine, and begin to feel comfortable in this new school setting.
NWEA - MAP Spring Assessment: During the last two weeks of May (May 22 - 28th), first grade students will participate in NWEA-MAP (Northwest Education Education Assessment/Measure of Academic Progress) testing. Each school year, students in grades 1 - 8 take the tests in the fall, winter, and spring throughout the Milford School District. We administer MAP tests to assess each student’s instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year in the areas of Literacy and Mathematics. Teachers use the information from the MAP test to assess student progress, make adjustments to their instruction, and implement strategies that best meet each student’s individual needs. Parents and guardians will also receive a report of their child’s assessment results and progress.
JMS Fun Day: A highlight of every school year is the annual end of year Fun Day event. Plans are underway for a JMS Fun Day scheduled for Friday, June 9th. Fun Day is a special day when our students and staff celebrate the school year and engage in fun games and activities. We still need several volunteers to help make this event a success. If you would like to volunteer for Fun Day please click the link below.
In art class, students will be making their own colorful tie-dye T-shirts to wear on Fun Day. To help defray the cost of these shirts we are asking families to contribute $5.00. Please send $5.00 to your child’s teacher by Friday, June 2nd. Mrs. Jones, our art teacher, is also looking for an extra set of helping hands for this creative project. If you would like to help out the week of May 30-June 2nd please indicate on the Fun Day volunteer form below.
Click here: JMS FUN DAY Volunteer Form
Bikes For Books: Bikes for Books is a reading incentive program created by the Masons for children in elementary schools in order to help support literacy programs in our schools. The Milford Masonic Temple Association, under the direction of Artie Dunham, is sponsoring this program at both the Heron Pond Elementary School and the Jacques Memorial School. The Bikes for Books program is straightforward. Students are asked to read as many books as they can from now until Friday, June 2nd. Students fill out an entry form, for each book that they read.
Please click the link below to submit an entry form.
Click here: JMS Bikes for Books Entry Form
Winners will be announced on Friday, June 9th 2023 during the morning show.
No School - Memorial Day: School will be closed on Monday, May 29th, in observance of Memorial Day. We hope this long weekend provides an opportunity for families to spend quality time together, appreciate our freedom, and reflect on the true meaning of this holiday.
Last Day(s) of School: Please note that the last day of school for kindergarten students will be Wednesday, June 14. The last day of school for first grade students will be Friday, June 16th.
Lunch Account Balances: Please find attached to this email, a letter from Mrs. Jane Fortson, Business Administrator for the Milford School District regarding your child’s lunch account balance.
Please find attached to this email a district approved flier from our community partners at the Wadleigh Library.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in creating a nurturing learning environment for our students. Wishing you all a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.
Sincerely,
Tim O’Connell
Principal