JLS Principal’s Newsletter: Halloween Costumes, Green Team Newsletter, Traffic Safety, and Quarter 1 Grades

Hello JLS Families,

This message includes some quick announcements and a few important reminders: 

• Halloween Costumes at School (Thursday, October 31)
• Green Team Newsletter
• Traffic Safety Reminders
• Quarter 1 Grades
• Reminders: 
  • Tbh - A Mental Health and Wellness Resource
  • Homework Habitat Mondays-Thursdays
  • Communication: Coffees and Community Zooms

Halloween (Thursday, October 31) ~ How to Prepare for School Day

Halloween is right around the corner! Consider reading this Info for Parents: Halloween Costumes and Cultural Appropriation. If your student is planning to dress up on Thursday to celebrate Halloween, please follow these expectations: 

• Students are allowed to dress up Thursday in age-appropriate costumes.
• Masks and excessive face paint are NOT ALLOWED.
• Weapons or excessive gore of any kind are NOT ALLOWED.
• Oversized costumes that restrict movement, seating, or space in classrooms are NOT ALLOWED.
• Inflatable costumes are NOT ALLOWED.
• A gentle reminder that any food items including candy with intent to share should not come to school; is in alignment with our Wellness and Healthy Snack Policy. 

 

JLS Green Team Newsletter: Halloween Edition

The JLS Green Team is one of many clubs we have for Semester One.  This month, our small but mighty Green Team published this Newsletter to educate our community about recycling Halloween Costumes. 

 

Traffic Safety Reminders: 

We have had a few close calls recently.  Please take a moment to review these safety tips below. The following reminders come from our Safe Routes to School plan: 

• Slow down and use extra caution in school zones and along commute routes! Signal your turns and yield to pedestrians.
• Help reduce traffic congestion near JLS and neighboring schools by carpooling with a neighbor and avoiding the last minute rush whenever possible.
• Obey adult crossing guards and “No Right Turn on Red” signs posted at designated school intersections. This allows students to cross safely without cars turning through crosswalks.
• Don’t make U-turns and other unsafe maneuvers that put other road users at risk.
• When dropping off or picking up your student, follow school guidelines and always ensure that he/she exits or enters the car from the curb side.
• Never double park, block access ramps or stop where prohibited.
• Avoid texting, phone calls and other distractions when driving.

 

Quarter 1 Grades: 

Students’ grades for Quarter 1 are now visible on Infinite Campus for parents to review.  If you (or your child) have any questions about their grades, please contact your child’s teacher directly.  Typically, more detailed information about a student’s grade is viewable via Schoology.  Please keep in mind our Quarter 1 grades serve as an indicator for our first Semester, which ends on December 20, 2024.  All students will receive Semester 1 Grades in early January. 

 

Reminder ~ Tbh ~ A Mental Health and Wellness Resource:
Exciting news! We're teaming up with Tbh to provide students with free virtual mental health support. Any middle school student can talk to licensed mental health professionals outside of school hours, including weekends and school breaks. 

Here’s what's available: 

• 1:1 Coaching: Personalized sessions with mental health coaches, afterschool, on weekends, and during school breaks.
• Group Support: Safe spaces to discuss feelings and improve social skills, groups can be with students outside of PAUSD.
• Tbh Toolkit: Videos, blogs, and more to work on your mental health independently, anytime you need it.
• 1:1 Therapy: Deeper support with licensed therapists, with a referral from your school’s wellness staff.

Signing up is easy! Students can visit the PAUSD ID portal to find the Tbh icon or ask their school counselor (Ms. Flores Amaro-6th, Mr. Arya-7th, Ms. Flores Ragade-8th) for more info. Parent/guardian permission is required and an email will be sent to them after students initiate the sign-up. Remember, our school counselors and wellness staff are here to help students. They can offer immediate support if you're feeling down or stressed. Your well-being matters to us! 

 

Reminder ~ Homework Habitat is Open!

This resource is free to all JLS students and takes place in the JLS Library. Hours are Mondays/Wednesdays 2:35-4:30 PM, and Tuesdays/Thursdays afternoons 3:20-4:55 PM.  If your child would like a safe, quiet place to work on homework after school, you should consider JLS Homework Habitat. Students may attend any day and depart anytime, though they must arrive at the beginning of the session to be admitted.  

 

Communication: Coffees and Community Zooms! 

Last week, we held our October Community Zoom (aka “Principal Chat”).  Here’s the recording of our presentation and here is the slide deck.  Our next event is a November Principal Coffee at 8:45-9:30 AM on Friday, November 1, 2024.  We’ll meet on the patio in front of the Main Office. 

 

Thank you very much for your engaged support of our school community.  For questions, visit the JLS website or contact us at (650) 856-5188.  If you have specific concerns about the support of your student, please connect with your student’s grade-level counselor or administrator. 

Warm Regards,

Chris Grierson, JLS Principal, cgrierson@pausd.org

 

Additional Contact Information: 

• Kim Lohse, 6th grade Administrator, klohse@pausd.org
• Micaela Flores Amaro, 6th grade Counselor, mfloresamaro@pausd.org
• Sarah Pierce, 7th grade Administrator, spierce@pausd.org
• Arvind Arya, 7th grade Counselor, aarya@pausd.org
• Ivette Daugherty, 8th grade Administrator, idaugherty@pausd.org
• Adriana Flores Ragade, 8th grade Counselor, afloresragade@pausd.org