Here it is, the beginning of the 2023-2024 School Year! Welcome Back- or Welcome if you are new to Jenkins! I am your child's School Counselor and I am here to help your child with just about anything they may need. I provide social and emotional support to all students at Jenkins Elementary, as well as support in improving their academic skills. As the McKinney-Vento Representative for the school, I also have access to information about help with food, clothing, school supplies, and housing, should you find yourself in a situation that you may be in need, so please don't hesitate to contact me. I also try to keep my Virtual Bulletin Board (see below) up-to-date, so be sure to check back there for information!

As you begin the school year, here are a few things to keep in mind to help your child be successful:

§    It is important that your child gets a good night's rest, each night. Be sure to set a typical bedtime for your child and stick to it. Try to limit access to screens/devices, at least 30 minutes before bed- studies have shown that the lights interfere with our brain processing that it is time to sleep and it can therefore inhibit our ability to fully fall asleep.

§    Set that alarm! Try to set a consistent time that your child is waking up, as well. It will help their bodies get into a routine and make bedtime and wake-up time go smoother, as you stick to a schedule.

§    Breakfast is important! Whether they eat at home or at school, their bodies need that fuel to help them stay engaged. School lunch and breakfast are no longer, free, so you will need to complete an application, if you believe you qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch. See below for the link!

§    Try to make time to ask how your child's day went, each evening. Asking probing, open-ended questions (questions that require an answer beyond yes/no, or good/bad) will get you additional information. Some questions to try out: What was your favorite part of the day and why? What was one part of your day you wish you could do over and how would you do it differently? Who did you play with at recess and what did you play? Are there kids in your class that look like they may need a friend- how can you help them out? What do you think was the most important thing/idea you learned today?

§    Remember that they are kids and they are learning. Not every day will be a great day- even as adults not every day is our best. Be gentle with them as they come home after a bad day. Process with them what went wrong and what they can do to make future days better. If you have questions about this, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or myself!

Also communication is key, not only with your child, but with the school. Be sure to save the school's phone number in your phone, as well as contact information (such as email) for your child's teacher. Make sure that the school has your correct contact information, especially your email (if you are not receiving a weekly email from Prinicpal Johnson, please let the school know), and be sure to log into your ClassTag account, as this will allow you quick communication with your child's teacher. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out! I am always happy to meet with you or your child to find a way to make the learning experience a positive one! Here's to a great school year!

With Peace and Love,

Mrs. Jacobs