Dear Jackson Families,
It was so nice to see everyone for parent-teacher conferences this week! Here is what's coming up in the next couple of weeks.
Daylight Savings Time Begins (3/8):
Remember to move your clocks forward one hour on Sunday as Daylight Savings Time begins.
Parent Input for Class Placement - Survey closes 3/8:
We are in the process of creating class lists for the 2026-2027 school year. Although programs drive placement decisions, we also consider parent input. Parents are encouraged to complete the Parent Input Form by March 8, 2026. Link to: 26-27 Parent Class Placement Input Survey – Fill out form
Digital Day (3/13):
Friday, March 13th is our last Digital Learning Day for this school year. All students will learn at home on Friday. Teachers will check in with students. Lunches will be delivered along the bus routes starting about 10:45.
Jackson Jam (3/13):
Spring is in the air and our annual Jackson Jam Festival is in the air! Jackson Jam will be held March 13th from 5-8pm and wristbands are on sale now for $25. The price increases after March 10th so be sure to purchase yours today! Flyers went home in Friday folders last week. Jackson Jam Wristbands On Sale Now!
Workshop for Families of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students - Georgia Milestones Test (3/18 @ 5 pm):
Please join us in the Media Center at 5 pm on Wednesday, March 18th to learn more about the Georgia Milestones assessment and what you can do to support your students as they prepare for this important end-of-the-year test. Free Childcare will be provided during the meeting so that parents can listen without distractions.
Rising Kindergarten Online Registration (opens 3/16):
It's almost time to register your rising Kindergartener for the 2026-2027 school year! Online registration opens on Monday, March 16th. Attached are the registration instructions. Go to GCPS Kindergarten Registration to get started. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors who have a child turning FIVE by September 1, 2026 and will be attending Jackson.
Peachtree Ridge High School Baseball Youth Night 3/20:
Peachtree Ridge High School Baseball is hosting Youth Night on Friday, March 20th at its 6 PM varsity baseball game. All youth wearing a Peachtree Ridge jersey will get into the game for free. Concessions will be open, and we will have many fun activities throughout the game. The evening will end with kids running the bases and player autographs. Join us to cheer on the LIONS for a great night of baseball and community. Please bring your own baseball for player autographs.
Kids Heart Challenge:
We're off to a great start in 2026. Your mission starts today! Kids Heart Challenge is back, and we’re ready to become lifesavers! Sign up TODAY and learn Hands-Only CPR, the warning signs of a stroke and help kids with special hearts by completing Finn’s Mission! Download the AHA Schools app for iPhone or Android and sign up! Next, send 10 emails or texts to family and friends asking for their support! Once you complete Finn’s Mission you’ll receive your own lifesavers cape and be entered to win Super Bowl LXI tickets in 2027!
Mobile Food Distribution through Gwinnett parks:
Please see the attached flyer for information regarding mobile food distribution at select park locations. Distribution begins at 3:00 pm and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
International Night (4/23):
Jackson will host another International Night event on Thursday, April 23rd from 5 - 7 pm. Please click on this link to sign up to bring food, provide entertainment or enter your child in our Fashion Show. Last year's event was wonderful - don't miss out this year! International Night Sign-up Form
End of Year Dates:
Here are some end of year dates for your planning:
Field Days:
Kindergarten – May 4 (p.m.)
First Grade – May 4 (a.m.)
Second Grade – May 5 (a.m.)
Third Grade – May 5 (p.m.)
Fourth Grade – May 11 (a.m.)
Fifth Grade Dates (Purchase Fifth Grade T-shirts on MyPaymentsPlus thru 3/30):
Fifth Grade Recognition - May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at PRHS
Fifth Grade Picnic – May 18 at noon (date change)
Fifth Grade Walk – May 18 at 1:30 p.m. (date change)
Georgia Pre-K:
Do you (or someone you know) have a child turning FOUR by September 1, 2026? If so, now is the time to think about applying for a state-funded Georgia Pre-K class. There are several facilities in our community that offer Georgia Pre-K and many are accepting applications now. Spots fill up very quickly! Please see the attached flyer for more information and scan the QR code for a list of Georgia Pre-K facilities.
Student Birthday Message on School Marquee:
Is your child's birthday coming up? Make it a day to remember!
For just $20 you can have your child's name featured on the school's marquee on their special day!
How It Works:
- Simply sign up 10 days in advance through MyPaymentsPlus (log on and select Events and Activities) and provide your child's name and birthdate
- Your child's first name and initial of last name will be displayed on the Jackson ES digital marquee in big, bold letters for all to see!
- Student's will also get a special shout out on the Jackson ES morning news show, AND their name will be featured all day inside the building on the scrolling announcements.
MyPaymentsPlus:
Please be sure to create your MyPaymentsPlus account if you haven't already. This is the platform where you will pay for meals, field trips, and other activities for your children throughout the school year. You will also be able to review important documents pertaining to your child's school experience. Simply go to www.mypaymentsplus.com to begin the process. Here is a link for more detailed directions on setting up your account. MyPaymentsPlus Account Set up Directions
PBIS:
Here at Jackson, we follow PRIDE Expectations. Positive Respectful Involved Determined Excellent
For the month of March, we are revisiting the PRIDE trait “P” for Positive. Being positive means having a good attitude and looking for the good in people and situations. It’s all about being kind with your words, encouraging others, and trying your best even when things are hard. We don’t want to teach that kids and adults can never have negative thoughts, but it is important to be in charge of those negative thoughts, so they aren’t in charge of us. Sometimes things happen that we don’t like that we can’t avoid.
At home, try using an “Ugh, But” statement. Say one thing that happened that wasn’t so great, and then say something about it that isn’t so bad. Here’s an example!
SEL/Character Strong for March
This month’s focus is Cooperation. One way to think about Cooperation is “working together to reach shared goals.” As a family, talk about how this definition applies to how you work together at home. What are some goals you share? Cooperation is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Kind. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like perspective-taking, conflict resolution, and leadership.
Cooperation Song: Click here.
What is Cooperation video: Click here
Challenge #1
Cooperation is working together to reach shared goals. This week, plan a time where everyone needs to work together to accomplish a shared goal like cleaning up the space you live in or making a meal together. Make sure everyone has a role to play with specific tasks. When the project is complete, discuss and celebrate how each person’s part was important to the end result.
Challenge #2
Find a time to sit in a circle together and celebrate all the ways you have seen each other practice Cooperation. Take turns sharing responses to the following prompts or make up your own! Remember to practice Cooperation as you take turns and listen to each other.
Celebration Prompts:
- What family member(s) do you want to celebrate for their Cooperation this month?
- What is 1 way you were a leader this month?
- What is 1 way you were a helpful follower this month?
Have a great weekend!
Proud Principal,
Kara Dutton
