Weekly Tiger Beat
2019-2020
- Latest Tiger Beat
- Week 7: September 17
- Week 1: August 6
- Week 2: August 13
- Week 3: August 20
- Week 4: August 27
- Week 5: September 3
- Week 6: September 10
Latest Tiger Beat
- Jefferson Elementary PTA
- School Events & Activities
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Fundraising
- Jefferson Dad's Club
- Acknowledgments
- District News
- Important Dates & Upcoming Events
JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY PTA (back to top)
Join the PTA: Joining is easy - just register on the new Membership Toolkit site. Joining the PTA allows you to participate as a voting member in an organization that not only benefits your child, but ALL children at Jefferson! If you haven’t done so already, please sign up, pay your membership dues and get access to the online student directory.
PTA Meeting (September 18th, 7:00PM): Please join us this Wednesday evening for our monthly PTA meeting at 7pm in the school library. Our Principal, Dr. Podraza, will join us as well as all of our 3rd Grade teachers. Ms. Darley, Mrs. Furlong, and Mrs. Grote will talk about the year ahead in 3rd Grade. We will also discuss our ambitious goals for the school this year. You don't want to miss out - see you tomorrow!
SCHOOL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES (back to top)
Jefferson Tiger Social Media Challenge. New this year!: The Jefferson Tiger is challenging the kids to show their love of books by creating a big stack of their favorite titles, take a fun picture or video and share it with the community on Instagram @jefferson205 and/or on Facebook at Families of Jefferson 205. Post your pictures using the following hashtags: #JeffersonTigerStackAttack, #
Jefferson Tiger Naming Contest: Help! Our Jefferson mascot doesn’t have a name! Please click here to add one name that you think would be perfect for our mascot! There will be an all-school vote in a few weeks to officially name the Jefferson Tiger.
5th Grade Social Media Club: 5th Grade students can now join the NEW Social Media Club at Jefferson. This club will teach students how to use social media in a positive way. Speakers & Mentors will teach students about social media responsibility and how to create engaging digital content. Students will have the opportunity to be in three different strands: YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. The purpose of their work is to tell interesting stories about learning and fun at Jefferson. Please click here to give permission and sign your child up for the 5th Grade Social Media Club. A parent session will be announced this fall regarding digital media and the preteen world. The club will meet during recess once a week with an optional once a month after school meeting. The first meeting is Friday, September 26th and will run throughout the school year alternating on Wednesdays and Fridays. A schedule will come home after the first meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Podraza or Ioana Fernandez.
Science Olympiad: Is your child interested in science? Sign up for Science Olympiad! Our annual Science Olympiad is one of Jefferson’s favorite events all year. Whether you are a new student or a returning Einstein, this year’s event won’t disappoint. This year's event will be on October 17th, 6:00-7:30PM. Sign up your child(ren) for Science Olympiad here.
In order for this year’s event to be successful, we are in need of parent volunteers. The Science Olympiad is a great way to get involved! Sign up to be a parent volunteer with the Science Olympiad here. Please direct any questions to Carly Scharfenberg & Meredith Vogel at JeffersonScienceO@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES (back to top)
Lunchroom/Playground Volunteer: Your help is needed! Please consider volunteering for our Lunchroom & Playground Helper program. Volunteers assist the Lunchroom & Playground Supervisors in supporting the needs of all Jefferson students during lunch/recess time. Volunteers work the entire lunch/recess shift, from 10:50AM–12:30PM. Parents may sign up to volunteer for as many times as they wish. It’s a great way to see your child(ren) in action at school! Please sign up here for the month of September. Thanks in advance for your help!
Jefferson Running Club (JRC): Volunteers are needed in order for Running Club to run safely and efficiently. Family members are welcome to cheer on the kids too: aunts, uncles and grandparents! Please volunteer in sign-up genius for your preferred session(s). JRC Volunteer Sessions (Mondays & Wednesdays):
- First session (3rd, 4th and 5th grades) - 10:50AM-11:25AM
- Second session (1st and 2nd grades) - 11:25AM-12:00PM
A big thank you to the parents who have already signed up to volunteer! If you have any questions regarding Running Club please contact: Patty Gorski, Shannon Jackson, Maggie Schweitzer or Jen Taylor.
Scholastic Book Fair Week: It's still hot outside but we are cooling off by getting ready for our upcoming Arctic Adventure Book Fair at Jefferson which runs September 23-26, 2019. Check out the amazing new titles in the interactive book flyer. There is Snow much to read! Please visit our Book Fair Homepage for hours of operation, special events, and online ordering. To volunteer to help with this fun event, sign up now!
- New this year! Scholastic eWallet: Give your child a secure, cash-free way to shop the book fair. Simply create a free account for your child, preauthorize a spending limit, and have funds immediately available. Your credit card will only be charged for the amount your child spends. Sales tax does apply. Sign up here for an eWallet account.
- School Day Visits (Tuesday 9/24 and Wednesday 9/25): During the school day, students select their free book from the PTA and may also shop with cash from home in a clearly marked resealable bag or their eWallet account. The PTA will provide a receipt for all purchases. Sales tax does apply.
- Family Night (Tuesday, September 24, 5:00-8:00PM): There will be crafts and games for students and story time with Dr. Podraza. To RSVP is quick & easy, simply click on Tuesday on the Book Fair homepage so we are prepared for all who plan to attend Family Night.
- GRAND Event (Wednesday, September 25, 8:30-9:30AM): Family, friends and neighbors are invited to come in before school to shop the Book Fair with their Jefferson Tigers! This is a great opportunity to spend time with someone GRAND (Grandparents, Relatives, Aunts/Uncles, Neighbors, Devoted Caregivers)!
- Donate your used books! (September 20th-September 30th): Once again we are hosting a Book Drive in coordination with our Book Fair. This year's goal is to collect 1,500 books! That's only 4 books per student! What kind of books? New and gently used children's books, aged birth through 6th grade (please no textbooks, activity books, or reference books). Donated books will go to an organization called Bernie's Book Bank. Each day you donate will earn one raffle ticket for the prize drawing at the end of the fair.
- "All for Books!": Don't have any books to donate? Help us create a blizzard of books for our Jefferson Library by simply donating $1 to our All For Books fund. Watch for forms being sent home in your child's backpack. Additional forms will be available in the front office or can be printed here.
Eat & Earn at Portillo's (Tuesday, September 24, 4:00-8:00PM): What a great opportunity to eat out before or after Family Night at the Book Fair! Portillo's is the perfect place to have dinner or grab carry-out. Mention Jefferson PTA fundraiser or show this flyer when you order and Portillo's will donate 20% of the qualifying sales of food to our organization. What better way to raise money for Jefferson PTA? Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join. Portillo's is located at 155 South Route 83 in Elmhurst. This Eat & Earn event will last from 4-8pm. If you order takeout, please mention the fundraiser at the beginning of your order. We hope to see you there!
Nightmare on York Street Halloween Party: We have a couple more tickets available for the Jefferson Parents’ Halloween Soireé, on October 26th, 7PM at Cottage Hill Station's Nest. Costumes are a must! This is an adults only event. All proceeds from tickets benefit Jefferson PTA. Tickets are $50/person. The ticket includes DJ and appetizers. Cash bar. JOIN US IF YOU DARE…FOR A NIGHT THAT’S SURE TO SCARE! If you would like to be part of the fun, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
Jefferson Trivia Night: Save the date! Jefferson Parents mark your calendars, book your sitters, and get ready to have fun. The second Jefferson Trivia Night will take place on November 15th at 7PM at Knights of Columbus. This is an adults only event. Start thinking about your team of 8! More details coming soon. If you would like to help organize the event, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
JEFFERSON DAD'S CLUB (back to top)
9th Annual Prairie Path Bike Tour (Friday, September 27, 5:30PM): Come join fellow Jefferson Dads in a fun night of biking and laughs on Friday, September 27 at 5:30PM. The bike tour will start at the Gazebo on Spring Road and there is a $20 suggested donation to participate. Please contact fellow Dad and El Presidente, Danny Villanueva, for more information.
Coffee Talk: Thank you to Dr. Podraza & Mrs. DeLaRosa for providing an informative and fun meeting with the parents. Be sure to catch the next Coffee Talk in December.
Jefferson Parents Fall Trolley: Thank you to hosts, Andria & Ryan Evans, Colleen & Tom Krupa, and Larissa & Lucio Pavone, who organized another successful and entertaining annual Jefferson Fall Trolley event! It's always a great time when the Jefferson community comes together! It's for the kids!
Coffee with the Superintendent (Wednesday, September 18, 1:30PM): The first Superintendent's Coffee of the 2019-20 school year will be September 18, 2019 at 1:30 PM at Lincoln Elementary. Parents and the school community are invited to attend.
District 205 School Calendar: Refer to the Elmhurst D205 school calendar for the 2019-2020 school year & specific Student Late Arrival dates.
IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING EVENTS (back to top)
- September 17 - Picture Day!
- September 18 - Coffee with the Superintendent, 1:30PM, Lincoln Elementary
- September 18 - Jefferson PTA Meeting, 7:00PM, Jefferson Library (new location)
- September 23-27 - Arctic Adventure Book Fair Week
- September 24 - Book Fair Family Night, 5:00-8:00PM
- September 25 - Book Fair GRAND Event, 8:30-9:30AM
- September 24 - Eat & Earn Event at Portillo's, 4:00-8:00PM
- September 25 - Student Late Start Day
- AM Kindergarten - 9:45AM-11:55AM
- PM Kindergarten - 12:55PM-3:00PM
- Grades 1-5 - 9:45AM-3:00PM
- September 27 - Jefferson Dad's Club 9th Annual Bike Tour, 5:30PM
- October 11 - Teacher Institute Day - No School
- October 14 - Columbus Day - No School
Week 7: September 17
- Jefferson Elementary PTA
- School Events & Activities
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Fundraising
- Jefferson Dad's Club
- Acknowledgments
- District News
- Important Dates & Upcoming Events
JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY PTA (back to top)
Join the PTA: Joining is easy - just register on the new Membership Toolkit site. Joining the PTA allows you to participate as a voting member in an organization that not only benefits your child, but ALL children at Jefferson! If you haven’t done so already, please sign up, pay your membership dues and get access to the online student directory.
PTA Meeting (September 18th, 7:00PM): Please join us this Wednesday evening for our monthly PTA meeting at 7pm in the school library. Our Principal, Dr. Podraza, will join us as well as all of our 3rd Grade teachers. Ms. Darley, Mrs. Furlong, and Mrs. Grote will talk about the year ahead in 3rd Grade. We will also discuss our ambitious goals for the school this year. You don't want to miss out - see you tomorrow!
SCHOOL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES (back to top)
Jefferson Tiger Social Media Challenge. New this year!: The Jefferson Tiger is challenging the kids to show their love of books by creating a big stack of their favorite titles, take a fun picture or video and share it with the community on Instagram @jefferson205 and/or on Facebook at Families of Jefferson 205. Post your pictures using the following hashtags: #JeffersonTigerStackAttack, #
Jefferson Tiger Naming Contest: Help! Our Jefferson mascot doesn’t have a name! Please click here to add one name that you think would be perfect for our mascot! There will be an all-school vote in a few weeks to officially name the Jefferson Tiger.
5th Grade Social Media Club: 5th Grade students can now join the NEW Social Media Club at Jefferson. This club will teach students how to use social media in a positive way. Speakers & Mentors will teach students about social media responsibility and how to create engaging digital content. Students will have the opportunity to be in three different strands: YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. The purpose of their work is to tell interesting stories about learning and fun at Jefferson. Please click here to give permission and sign your child up for the 5th Grade Social Media Club. A parent session will be announced this fall regarding digital media and the preteen world. The club will meet during recess once a week with an optional once a month after school meeting. The first meeting is Friday, September 26th and will run throughout the school year alternating on Wednesdays and Fridays. A schedule will come home after the first meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Podraza or Ioana Fernandez.
Science Olympiad: Is your child interested in science? Sign up for Science Olympiad! Our annual Science Olympiad is one of Jefferson’s favorite events all year. Whether you are a new student or a returning Einstein, this year’s event won’t disappoint. This year's event will be on October 17th, 6:00-7:30PM. Sign up your child(ren) for Science Olympiad here.
In order for this year’s event to be successful, we are in need of parent volunteers. The Science Olympiad is a great way to get involved! Sign up to be a parent volunteer with the Science Olympiad here. Please direct any questions to Carly Scharfenberg & Meredith Vogel at JeffersonScienceO@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES (back to top)
Lunchroom/Playground Volunteer: Your help is needed! Please consider volunteering for our Lunchroom & Playground Helper program. Volunteers assist the Lunchroom & Playground Supervisors in supporting the needs of all Jefferson students during lunch/recess time. Volunteers work the entire lunch/recess shift, from 10:50AM–12:30PM. Parents may sign up to volunteer for as many times as they wish. It’s a great way to see your child(ren) in action at school! Please sign up here for the month of September. Thanks in advance for your help!
Jefferson Running Club (JRC): Volunteers are needed in order for Running Club to run safely and efficiently. Family members are welcome to cheer on the kids too: aunts, uncles and grandparents! Please volunteer in sign-up genius for your preferred session(s). JRC Volunteer Sessions (Mondays & Wednesdays):
- First session (3rd, 4th and 5th grades) - 10:50AM-11:25AM
- Second session (1st and 2nd grades) - 11:25AM-12:00PM
A big thank you to the parents who have already signed up to volunteer! If you have any questions regarding Running Club please contact: Patty Gorski, Shannon Jackson, Maggie Schweitzer or Jen Taylor.
Scholastic Book Fair Week: It's still hot outside but we are cooling off by getting ready for our upcoming Arctic Adventure Book Fair at Jefferson which runs September 23-26, 2019. Check out the amazing new titles in the interactive book flyer. There is Snow much to read! Please visit our Book Fair Homepage for hours of operation, special events, and online ordering. To volunteer to help with this fun event, sign up now!
- New this year! Scholastic eWallet: Give your child a secure, cash-free way to shop the book fair. Simply create a free account for your child, preauthorize a spending limit, and have funds immediately available. Your credit card will only be charged for the amount your child spends. Sales tax does apply. Sign up here for an eWallet account.
- School Day Visits (Tuesday 9/24 and Wednesday 9/25): During the school day, students select their free book from the PTA and may also shop with cash from home in a clearly marked resealable bag or their eWallet account. The PTA will provide a receipt for all purchases. Sales tax does apply.
- Family Night (Tuesday, September 24, 5:00-8:00PM): There will be crafts and games for students and story time with Dr. Podraza. To RSVP is quick & easy, simply click on Tuesday on the Book Fair homepage so we are prepared for all who plan to attend Family Night.
- GRAND Event (Wednesday, September 25, 8:30-9:30AM): Family, friends and neighbors are invited to come in before school to shop the Book Fair with their Jefferson Tigers! This is a great opportunity to spend time with someone GRAND (Grandparents, Relatives, Aunts/Uncles, Neighbors, Devoted Caregivers)!
- Donate your used books! (September 20th-September 30th): Once again we are hosting a Book Drive in coordination with our Book Fair. This year's goal is to collect 1,500 books! That's only 4 books per student! What kind of books? New and gently used children's books, aged birth through 6th grade (please no textbooks, activity books, or reference books). Donated books will go to an organization called Bernie's Book Bank. Each day you donate will earn one raffle ticket for the prize drawing at the end of the fair.
- "All for Books!": Don't have any books to donate? Help us create a blizzard of books for our Jefferson Library by simply donating $1 to our All For Books fund. Watch for forms being sent home in your child's backpack. Additional forms will be available in the front office or can be printed here.
Eat & Earn at Portillo's (Tuesday, September 24, 4:00-8:00PM): What a great opportunity to eat out before or after Family Night at the Book Fair! Portillo's is the perfect place to have dinner or grab carry-out. Mention Jefferson PTA fundraiser or show this flyer when you order and Portillo's will donate 20% of the qualifying sales of food to our organization. What better way to raise money for Jefferson PTA? Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join. Portillo's is located at 155 South Route 83 in Elmhurst. This Eat & Earn event will last from 4-8pm. If you order takeout, please mention the fundraiser at the beginning of your order. We hope to see you there!
Nightmare on York Street Halloween Party: We have a couple more tickets available for the Jefferson Parents’ Halloween Soireé, on October 26th, 7PM at Cottage Hill Station's Nest. Costumes are a must! This is an adults only event. All proceeds from tickets benefit Jefferson PTA. Tickets are $50/person. The ticket includes DJ and appetizers. Cash bar. JOIN US IF YOU DARE…FOR A NIGHT THAT’S SURE TO SCARE! If you would like to be part of the fun, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
Jefferson Trivia Night: Save the date! Jefferson Parents mark your calendars, book your sitters, and get ready to have fun. The second Jefferson Trivia Night will take place on November 15th at 7PM at Knights of Columbus. This is an adults only event. Start thinking about your team of 8! More details coming soon. If you would like to help organize the event, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
JEFFERSON DAD'S CLUB (back to top)
9th Annual Prairie Path Bike Tour (Friday, September 27, 5:30PM): Come join fellow Jefferson Dads in a fun night of biking and laughs on Friday, September 27 at 5:30PM. The bike tour will start at the Gazebo on Spring Road and there is a $20 suggested donation to participate. Please contact fellow Dad and El Presidente, Danny Villanueva, for more information.
Coffee Talk: Thank you to Dr. Podraza & Mrs. DeLaRosa for providing an informative and fun meeting with the parents. Be sure to catch the next Coffee Talk in December.
Jefferson Parents Fall Trolley: Thank you to hosts, Andria & Ryan Evans, Colleen & Tom Krupa, and Larissa & Lucio Pavone, who organized another successful and entertaining annual Jefferson Fall Trolley event! It's always a great time when the Jefferson community comes together! It's for the kids!
Coffee with the Superintendent (Wednesday, September 18, 1:30PM): The first Superintendent's Coffee of the 2019-20 school year will be September 18, 2019 at 1:30 PM at Lincoln Elementary. Parents and the school community are invited to attend.
District 205 School Calendar: Refer to the Elmhurst D205 school calendar for the 2019-2020 school year & specific Student Late Arrival dates.
IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING EVENTS (back to top)
- September 17 - Picture Day!
- September 18 - Coffee with the Superintendent, 1:30PM, Lincoln Elementary
- September 18 - Jefferson PTA Meeting, 7:00PM, Jefferson Library (new location)
- September 23-27 - Arctic Adventure Book Fair Week
- September 24 - Book Fair Family Night, 5:00-8:00PM
- September 25 - Book Fair GRAND Event, 8:30-9:30AM
- September 24 - Eat & Earn Event at Portillo's, 4:00-8:00PM
- September 25 - Student Late Start Day
- AM Kindergarten - 9:45AM-11:55AM
- PM Kindergarten - 12:55PM-3:00PM
- Grades 1-5 - 9:45AM-3:00PM
- September 27 - Jefferson Dad's Club 9th Annual Bike Tour, 5:30PM
- October 11 - Teacher Institute Day - No School
- October 14 - Columbus Day - No School
Week 1: August 6
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Week 2: August 13
- Jefferson Elementary PTA 2019-20 Welcome
- First PTA Meeting
- Commitee Volunteer
- Lunchroom/Playground Volunteer
- Spiritwear
- Student Late Arrival Days
- Acknowledgments
- District News
- Important Dates & Upcoming Events
Jefferson Elementary PTA 2019-20 Welcome (back to top)
Welcome Back To School! The summer just flew by and here we are at the first week of school. There are many things happening this week beginning with the Ice Cream Social today. Please see the full details below. If you haven’t done so already, please signup to become a member of the Jefferson PTA, pay your dues and get access to the school directory. We’re excited to see everyone at school this week!
Register: We are using Membership Toolkit for our PTA Directory for the 2019-2020 school year. Membership Toolkit merged with MySchoolAnywhere and will be the new Jefferson PTA Directory. We have transferred all previous data to the new platform.
We invite you to visit www.d205jeffersonpta.
Here’s what you need do:
- Go to https://d205jeffersonpta.
membershiptoolkit.com. - Click on the Register/Login button.
- IMPORTANT: RETURNING PARENTS NEED TO CREATE A NEW USER ACCOUNT AND SHOULD USE THE SAME LOGIN AND PASSWORD AS YOU HAD WITH MySchoolAnywhere UNDER “NEW USER”. SEE THE NEXT STEP
- Select “Create Account” under “NEW USER” and fill in the name, email and password information.
- Click “verify my email” and then check your email for a link to complete the process. The link expires in 2 hours. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam or junk folder.
- Once you have a verified your email address, log back in and complete the steps below.
- Complete the Parent/Family and Student Information.
- Complete the Directory/Publish Preferences.
- When you know your child’s teacher, please update the teacher category for your children.
- Once these forms are complete, you will be presented with the forms for all of your Back-To-School needs in one convenient place!
Once the Primary account is set up, the Primary User can “invite” other email addresses to access their account. This allows the Secondary User to have their own login information, but still have access to the family account.
You will also have access to the directory from your smartphone. Go to the AppStore or Play Store and search for Membership Toolkit, download the app and login with your credentials.
First PTA Meeting (back to top)
Join us at the first PTA meeting this Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 8:15AM (after you drop-off) in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) to kick off the school year. Our regular PTA meetings will be on the third Wednesday of every month at 7PM in the MPR.
Committee Volunteer (back to top)
Please consider volunteering for one of the many committees. Jefferson School is a community based on great parent involvement. Your contribution, whether it is your time, knowledge, or resources make a difference. Visit the “Wall of Volunteers” at the Ice Cream Social today from 3:30PM to 4:30PM or at the Welcome Back Breakfast. Additionally, with our new Directory, Membership ToolKit, you will be able to sign-up online. More details are coming soon. For a description of volunteer opportunities, please click here. Please contact Kerri Timmerwilke at ktimmerwilke@gmail.com with any questions you may have in regards to volunteering. Thank you for helping in any way you can!
Lunchroom/Playground Volunteer (back to top)
Your help is needed! One of the first ways to volunteer is for our Lunchroom and Playground Helper program. Volunteers assist the Lunchroom & Playground Supervisors in supporting the needs of all Jefferson students during lunch/recess time. Volunteers work the entire lunch/recess shift, from 10:50AM–12:30PM. Parents may sign up to volunteer for one time or many! It’s a great way to see your child(ren) in action at school! Please signup here. Thanks in advance for your help!
Spiritwear (back to top)
WANT TO SHOW YOUR JEFFERSON SPIRIT? The 2019 Jefferson Fall Spiritwear online drive is now open and ends on August 23rd. There are many new styles for boys, girls, and parents. Please visit our online store, CIA Spiritwear, and look up Jefferson 2019 (Online ordering only).
Samples of our online sales will be on display at the Spiritwear table during the back to school events listed below. Jefferson magnets, yard signs, knit hats, bling bracelets and athletic headbands will also be available for purchase - while supplies last (cash and check only).
- August 13 - Ice Cream Social 3:30-4:30PM (MPR)
- August 14 - Welcome Back Breakfast & First PTA Meeting 8:15-10AM
Student Late Arrival Days (back to top)
Student Late Arrival days (Staff Professional Development days) occur on Wednesdays, once or twice per month. The purpose is to provide time for teaching staff to collaborate and share best/next practices as part of their Professional Learning Communities, which improves student engagement and achievement. Start and Dismissial times for 2019-2020 Student Late Arrival days are as follows:
- Grades 1-5: classes begin at 9:45AM; classes dismiss at 3:00PM
- AM Kindergarten: classes begin at 9:45AM,
classes dismiss at 11:55AM - PM Kindergarten: classes begin at 12:55PM, classes dismiss at 3:00PM
Supervised student arrival will begin 15 minutes prior to the start time. Mark your calendars to include the following elementary school late arrival dates: 8/28, 9/11, 9/25, 10/23, 11/20, 12/11, 1/15, 2/5, 2/19, 3/4, 3/18, 4/8, 4/22, 5/6. Please refer to the Elmhurst D205 school calendar for official dates and late starts for the 2019-2020 school year.
Acknowledgements (back to top)
Thank you to the Welcome to Jefferson Committee Chairs Lara Bogenrief and Amanda French for posting the yard signs and hosting the New Family Playdates.
Thank you to the School Supply Chairs Nancy Goodner and Cynthia Mares.
District News (back to top)
Churchville PTA needs our help - Approximately 50 Churchville students will start the school year without the needed school supplies. The Churchville PTA has created an easy way for our community to help contribute those much needed school supplies to families in need. All you have to do is click, purchase and have the supplies directly shipped to the coordinator from the online purchase (the address is already embedded). Please use this link to donate school supplies https://www.target.
Photo Contest - D205's first day of school hashtag contest is back for its second year! Check out the details 2019 #D205FirstDay Photo Contest (PDF) 2019 #D205FirstDay Photo Contest(Word).
Important Dates and Upcoming Events (back to top)
- August 13 - Meet the 1st - 5th grade Teachers, School Supply Drop-off (Entire School) & Ice Cream Social (Front Lawn) 3:30-4:30PM
- August 14 - First Day of School
- August 14 - Welcome Back Breakfast & First PTA Meeting 8:15-10AM (following drop-off in the MPR, all are welcome)
- August 15 - New Family Night 6-8PM (MPR)
- August 28 - Student Late Start Day (see details above)
- Grades 1-5 and AM Kindergarten - instruction begins at 9:45AM
- AM Kindergarten dismissal at 11:55AM
- PM Kindergarten - instruction begins at 12:55PM
- August 29 - Curriculum Night 6-7:30PM (Entire School) (5:30 for REACH)
- September 2 - Labor Day, No School All Students
Week 3: August 20
- Jefferson Elementary PTA
- Jefferson Running Club
- Jefferson Fun Run
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Fundraising
- REACH
- Boy Scouts
- Jefferson Moms Bunco Night
- Student Late Arrival Days
- Acknowledgments
- District News
- Important Dates & Upcoming Events
Jefferson Elementary PTA (back to top)
Join the PTA: Membership allows you to participate as a voting member in an organization that not only benefits your child, but ALL children at Jefferson! If you haven’t done so already, please sign up, pay your membership dues and get access to the school directory.
Follow these simple steps:
- Go to https://d205jeffersonpta.
membershiptoolkit.com to register on the new platform Membership Toolkit for our PTA Directory for the 2019-2020 school year. - Click on the Register/Login button.
- IMPORTANT: Returning parents NEED to create a "New User" account and should use the same login and password as you had with MySchoolAnywhere under "NEW USER." See next step.
- Select “Create Account” under “New User” and fill in the name, email and password information.
- Click “Verify My Email” and then check your email for a link to complete the process. The link expires in 2 hours. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam or junk folder.
- Next verify your email address, log back in and complete the steps below.
- Complete the Parent/Family and Student Information.
- Complete the Directory/Publish Preferences.
- Update the teacher category for your child(ren).
- Once these forms are complete, you will be presented with the forms for all of your Back-To-School needs in one convenient place!
Once the Primary account is set up, the Primary User can “invite” other email addresses to access their account. This allows the Secondary User to have their own login information, but still have access to the family account.
You will also have access to the directory from your smartphone. Go to the AppStore or Play Store and search for Membership Toolkit, download the app and login with your credentials.
Jefferson Running Club (JRC) (back to top)
The Jefferson Running Club (JRC) is about to start it's 12th Year! For those new to Running Club, students in grades 1 through 5 may run/walk laps during their lunch recess for a 25 minute period. They have the opportunity to run around either the grass perimeter of the school grounds/Van Voorst Park or around the Fern Cul-de-sac (depending on field conditions). Three times around the field is about 1 mile. Kids receive a chain when they sign up, followed by the chance to earn a colorful plastic foot charm for each mile they run during the JRC season. Kids love and collect these feet (they can turn in 26 smaller feet for one big foot)! JRC is scheduled to start, Wednesday, September 4th and will continue on Mondays and Wednesdays through early November (weather permitting). Spring Season begins after Spring Break. If your child is interested in running, please turn in the Running Club Permission Form to your child's respective teacher. Kids will only be allowed to run if they wear appropriate running footwear. This is at the request of Jefferson School and required in order to keep students safe. Last year JRC had a SPECTACULAR year generating a total of 2,719 miles. To put it in perspective, this would be like running all the way across the United States from New York City to Los Angeles! JRC rocks and runs! We cannot wait to see how far they go this year!
In order for Running Club to run safely and efficiently, we need volunteers! Family members are welcome to cheer on the kids too: aunts, uncles and grandparents! Please see the below sign-up genius link to volunteer for your preferred session(s). The first session will be from 10:50am-11:25am for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders and the second session will be from 11:25am-12:00pm for 1st and 2nd graders. We need all hands on deck for September 4th so the more the merrier!
https://www.signupgenius.com/
If you have any questions regarding Running Club please contact: Patty Gorski, Shannon Jackson, Maggie Schweitzer or Jen Taylor.
Jefferson Fun Run (back to top)
Join us for the 4th Jefferson Fun Run on September 6th at 7:00PM in it's NEW location at Jefferson School! All students, families, faculty and staff members are invited!
The event kicks off with some fun warm-ups and music. You choose your distance; 1 lap, 1 mile or a 5K! Don't like to run? Walk your way around the path, volunteer to help set up, pass out water or be on course safety patrol. Contact Meghan Hood to help out!
Volunteer Opportunities (back to top)
Library Volunteer: A quick orientation session for all Library Volunteers will be in the Jefferson library Friday, August 23rd at 2:30PM. Please join us if possible. Contact Michelle Saltiel with any questions.
Lunchroom/Playground Volunteer: Your help is needed! Please consider volunteering in our Lunchroom & Playground Helper program. Volunteers assist the Lunchroom & Playground Supervisors in supporting the needs of all Jefferson students during lunch/recess time. Volunteers work the entire lunch/recess shift, from 10:50AM–12:30PM. Parents may sign up to volunteer for one time or many! It’s a great way to see your child(ren) in action at school! Please sign up here. Thanks in advance for your help!
Fundraising (back to top)
Spiritwear: Want to show your Jefferson SPIRIT? The 2019 Jefferson Fall Spiritwear drive is now open and ends on August 23rd. There are many new styles for boys, girls, and parents. Please visit our online store, CIA Spiritwear, and look up Jefferson 2019 (Online ordering only).
Jefferson Trivia Night: Save the date! Jefferson Parents mark your calendars, book your sitters, and get ready to have fun. The second Jefferson Trivia Night will take place on November 15th at 7PM at Knights of Columbus. This is an adults only event. More details coming soon. If you would like to help organize the event, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
Nightmare on York Street Halloween Party: It’s baaaack...the Jefferson Parents’ Halloween Soireé is October 26th at 7PM at Cottage Hill Station's Nest. Costumes are a must! This is an adults only event. All proceeds from tickets benefit Jefferson PTA. The ticket includes DJ and appetizers. Cash bar. JOIN US IF YOU DARE…FOR A NIGHT THAT’S SURE TO SCARE! A few tickets are still available ($50/person). If you would like to be part of the fun, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
REACH (back to top)
The REACH Parent Group continues its efforts to provide valuable and timely information to our parents. Please join us for our first REACH Parent Informational Meeting of the year on Thursday, Sept. 12th, 7:00PM, Sandburg MS library (please park in the north lot, enter door 7) or on Friday, Sept. 13th, 8:30-10:00AM, Sandburg Maker Space (enter door 1, through office).
Invited speaker is Leslie Weber, Director of Curriculum. The presentation will cover a program overview, identification, expectations, appeals, as well as information on the REACH Program Analysis this year. There will be an added focus on those families new to REACH. In addition, experienced REACH parents will be on hand for questions and to provide further insight into the program. This meeting is open to ALL D205 parents including second grade parents wanting to learn more about the program. Contact Patti Berner, Chair, REACH Parent Group, with any questions.
Boy Scouts (back to top)
Be A Scout: Jefferson has a great group of scouts and we would love to add your son(s) to our tribe! Drop-in registration is Tuesday, August 27th, 6:30-8:00PM in the Jefferson lobby. This is for NEW SCOUTS only, returning scouts need not attend. Events planned for this year already include: Go Ape, Boat Regatta, Pinewood Derby and a Cantigny Museum Sleepover! First pack meeting is Friday, September 13th, kicking things off with a Taekwando demonstration. Please bring dues and submit all forms. Reach out to Erin Arquilla, Tricia Buhrfiend or Mike Reardon for further information or if you have questions.
Jefferson Moms Bunco Night (back to top)
Welcome back to school! Let's kick it off right with a fun night of Bunco! The next Jefferson Moms Bunco night is Thursday, September 12th, 7-10:00PM at Melissa Walsh's house! Don't know how to play? We can teach you! We hope you can join us! We are always looking for volunteers to host Bunco evenings. Please contact Laura West, Kelly Perry or Jen Taylor for more details. For more information and to sign up click here Bunco.
Student Late Arrival Days (back to top)
Student Late Arrival days (Staff Professional Development days) occur on Wednesdays, once or twice per month. Please refer to the Elmhurst D205 school calendar for specific dates. Supervised student arrival will begin 15 minutes prior to the start time. Start and dismissal times for 2019-2020 Student Late Arrival days are as follows:
- Grades 1-5: 9:45AM - 3:00PM
- AM Kindergarten: 9:45AM - 11:55AM
- PM Kindergarten: 12:55PM - 3:00PM
Mark your calendars to include the following elementary school late arrival dates: 8/28, 9/11, 9/25, 10/23, 11/20, 12/11, 1/15, 2/5, 2/19, 3/4, 3/18, 4/8, 4/22, 5/6.
Acknowledgements (back to top)
Thank you to the School Supply chairs, Nancy Goodner & Cynthia Mares for organizing and distributing this years school supplies.
Thank you to the Ice Cream Social Committee Chairs, Cathy Dykes & Pamela Ferguson, and to the many volunteers who served up treats to the Jefferson community.
Thank you to the Welcome Back Breakfast chairs, Jen Taylor & Laura West, and to the committee members who hosted a wonderful breakfast on the first day of school.
District News (back to top)
D205 State of the Schools Address by Dr. Moyer: Share in the success story of our schools on Monday, September 9 from 7-8:30PM in the York High School Commons. The presentation is free and open to the public. Parents and our school community are invited to attend this special annual address hosted by Superintendent Dr. David Moyer designed to celebrate recent successes, share updates on key endeavors like the District’s Master Facility Plan, the coming of All-Day Kindergarten to D205, the Business Incubator Program and Manufacturing Lab at York High School as well as Thrive D205, the district’s new school and community wellness partnership. D205 is poised to be a national leader in future-ready learning.
Important Dates and Upcoming Events (back to top)
- August 28 - Student Late Start Day (see details above)
- Grades 1-5 and AM Kindergarten - instruction begins at 9:45AM
- AM Kindergarten dismissal at 11:55AM
- PM Kindergarten - instruction begins at 12:55PM
- August 29 - Curriculum Night 6-7:30PM (Entire School) (5:30 for REACH)
- September 2 - Labor Day, No School All Students
- September 4 - Jefferson Running Club begins
- September 6 - Jefferson Fun Run, 7-9:00PM, Jefferson School
- September 10 - Coffee Talk with Dr. Podraza, 8:15-9:15AM, Jefferson MPR
- September 12 - Jefferson Moms Bunco Night, 7-10:00PM
- September 12 - REACH Parent Informational Meeting 7:00PM, Sandburg MS Library
- September 13 - REACH Parent Group Meeting 8:30-10:00AM, Sandburg MS Maker Space
- September 18 - Jefferson PTA Meeting, 7PM, Jefferson MPR
- September 23 - Book Fair Week
Week 4: August 27
- Jefferson Elementary PTA
- GaGa Pit
- Jefferson Running Club
- Jefferson Fun Run
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Fundraising
- REACH
- Boy Scouts
- Jefferson Moms Bunco Night
- Curriculum Night
- District News
- Important Dates & Upcoming Events
Jefferson Elementary PTA (back to top)
Join the PTA: Joining is easy. Just go to and register on the new Membership Toolkit. Joining the PTA allows you to participate as a voting member in an organization that not only benefits your child, but ALL children at Jefferson! If you haven’t done so already, please sign up, pay your membership dues and get access to the online student directory.
Follow these simple steps:
- Go to https://d205jeffersonpta.
membershiptoolkit.com to register on the new platform Membership Toolkit for our PTA Directory for the 2019-2020 school year. - Click on the Register/Login button.
- IMPORTANT: Returning parents NEED to create a "New User" account and should use the same login and password as you had with MySchoolAnywhere under "NEW USER." See next step.
- Select “Create Account” under “New User” and fill in the name, email and password information.
- Click “Verify My Email” and then check your email for a link to complete the process. The link expires in 2 hours. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam or junk folder.
- Next verify your email address, log back in and complete the steps below.
- Complete the Parent/Family and Student Information.
- Complete the Directory/Publish Preferences.
- Update the teacher category for your child(ren).
- Once these forms are complete, you will be presented with the forms for all of your Back-To-School needs in one convenient place!
Once the Primary account is set up, the Primary User can “invite” other email addresses to access their account. This allows the Secondary User to have their own login information, but still have access to the family account.
You will also have access to the directory from your smartphone. Go to the AppStore or Play Store and search for Membership Toolkit, download the app and login with your credentials.
GaGa Pit (back to top)
Everyone is going gaga for the GAGA pit! Yes we have one! Thank you to the Jefferson Dad's Club who generously donated the GaGa Pit for our kiddos! Last Friday, the kids learned how to play safely from Dr. Podraza and Mr. Palzkill. Thanks to both of them for getting everyone ready. The GaGa Pit is available for everyone to play starting Monday, August 26 with a rotating schedule during recess. Students are welcome to use the GaGa pit after school hours as well. Please review the rules for the GaGa Pit for the safety and fun of everyone. The rules for the GaGa Pit can be found here. Also, here's a short video of instructions and background from Coach Cliff, the makers and installers of the GaGa Pit.
Jefferson Running Club (JRC) (back to top)
The Jefferson Running Club (JRC) kicks off Wednesday, September 4th and will continue during your child's recess on Mondays and Wednesdays through early November (weather permitting). If your child is interested in running, please turn in the Running Club Permission Form to your child's respective teacher. Kids will only be allowed to run if they wear appropriate running footwear. This is at the request of Jefferson School and required in order to keep students safe.
In order for Running Club to run safely and efficiently, we need volunteers! Family members are welcome to cheer on the kids too: aunts, uncles and grandparents! Please volunteer in sign-up genius for your preferred session(s). We need all hands on deck for September 4th so the more the merrier! A big thank you to the parents who have already signed up to volunteer!
JRC Volunteer Sessions (Mondays & Wednesdays):
- First session (3rd, 4th and 5th grades) - 10:50AM-11:25AM
- Second session (1st and 2nd grades) - 11:25AM-12:00PM
If you have any questions regarding Running Club please contact: Patty Gorski, Shannon Jackson, Maggie Schweitzer or Jen Taylor.
Jefferson Fun Run (back to top)
Join us for the 4th Jefferson Fun Run on September 6th at 7:00PM in it's NEW location at Jefferson School! All students, families, faculty and staff members are invited!
The event kicks off with some fun warm-ups and music. You choose your distance; 1 lap, 1 mile or a 5K! Don't like to run? Walk your way around the path, volunteer to help set up, pass out water or be on course safety patrol. Sign up to volunteer here or contact Meghan Hood.
Volunteer Opportunities (back to top)
Lunchroom/Playground Volunteer: Your help is needed! Please consider volunteering for our Lunchroom & Playground Helper program. Volunteers assist the Lunchroom & Playground Supervisors in supporting the needs of all Jefferson students during lunch/recess time. Volunteers work the entire lunch/recess shift, from 10:50AM–12:30PM. Parents may sign up to volunteer for as many times as they wish. It’s a great way to see your child(ren) in action at school! Please sign up here for the final week of August or sign up here for the month of September. Thanks in advance for your help!
Fundraising (back to top)
Jefferson Trivia Night: Save the date! Jefferson Parents mark your calendars, book your sitters, and get ready to have fun. The second Jefferson Trivia Night will take place on November 15th at 7PM at Knights of Columbus. This is an adults only event. More details coming soon. If you would like to help organize the event, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
Nightmare on York Street Halloween Party: We have a couple more tickets available for the Jefferson Parents’ Halloween Soireé, on October 26th, 7PM at Cottage Hill Station's Nest. Costumes are a must! This is an adults only event. All proceeds from tickets benefit Jefferson PTA. Tickets are $50/person. The ticket includes DJ and appetizers. Cash bar. JOIN US IF YOU DARE…FOR A NIGHT THAT’S SURE TO SCARE! If you would like to be part of the fun, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
REACH (back to top)
The REACH Parent Group continues its efforts to provide valuable and timely information to our parents. Please join us for our first REACH Parent Informational Meeting of the year on Thursday, Sept. 12th, 7:00PM, Sandburg MS library (park in the north lot, enter door 7) or on Friday, Sept. 13th, 8:30-10:00AM, Sandburg Maker Space (enter door 1, through office).
Invited speaker is Leslie Weber, Director of Curriculum. The presentation will cover a program overview, identification, expectations, appeals, as well as information on the REACH Program Analysis this year. There will be an added focus on those families new to REACH. In addition, experienced REACH parents will be on hand for questions and to provide further insight into the program. This meeting is open to ALL D205 parents including second grade parents wanting to learn more about the program. Contact Patti Berner, Chair, REACH Parent Group, with any questions.
Boy Scouts (back to top)
Be A Scout: Jefferson has a great group of scouts and we would love to add your son(s) to our tribe! Drop-in registration is this Tuesday, August 27th, 6:30-8:00PM in the Jefferson lobby. This is for NEW SCOUTS only (returning scouts need not attend.) Events planned for this year include: Go Ape, Boat Regatta, Pinewood Derby and a Cantigny Museum Sleepover! First pack meeting is Friday, September 13th, kicking things off with a Taekwando demonstration. Please bring dues and submit all forms. Reach out to Erin Arquilla, Tricia Buhrfiend or Mike Reardon for further information or if you have questions.
Jefferson Moms Bunco Night (back to top)
Who wants to play Bunco!?! The next Jefferson Moms Bunco night is Thursday, September 12th, 7:00PM-10:00PM at Melissa Walsh's house! Don't know how to play? We can teach you! We hope you can join us! We are always looking for volunteers to host Bunco evenings. Please contact Laura West, Kelly Perry or Jen Taylor for more details. For more information and to sign up click here Bunco.
Curriculum Night Schedule (back to top)
A night for parents filled with all the wonderful things your child(ren) will be learning this 2019-2020 school year at Jefferson. This Thursday, August 29th, Dr. Podraza and teacher presentations will be offered twice to enable families to create a schedule that works best for them.
Schedule of events:
- 5:30PM - Principal Presentation in Gym
- 5:30PM - REACH Presentation in Mrs. Sellers’ Room
- 6:05PM - Classroom Teacher Presentation
- 6:40PM - Classroom Teacher Presentation
- 7:15PM - Principal Presentation in Gym
District News (back to top)
D205 State of the Schools Address by Dr. Moyer: Share in the success story of our schools on Monday, September 9, 7:00PM-8:30PM in the York High School Commons. The presentation is free and open to the public. Parents and our school community are invited to attend this special annual address hosted by Superintendent Dr. David Moyer designed to celebrate recent successes, share updates on key endeavors like the District’s Master Facility Plan, the coming of All-Day Kindergarten, the Business Incubator Program and Manufacturing Lab at York High School as well as Thrive D205, the district’s new school and community wellness partnership. D205 is poised to be a national leader in future-ready learning.
Student Late Arrival Days: Student Late Arrival days (Staff Professional Development days) occur on Wednesdays, once or twice per month. The focus for professional learning and growth on each Late Arrival will be connected to Jefferson's school goal of Unlimited Growth and Connection. Please refer to the Elmhurst D205 school calendar for specific dates. Supervised student arrival will begin 15 minutes prior to the start time. Start and dismissal times are as follows:
- AM Kindergarten: 9:45AM - 11:55AM
- PM Kindergarten: 12:55PM - 3:00PM
- Grades 1-5: 9:45AM - 3:00PM
Mark your calendars to include the following 2019-2020 Student Late Arrival dates: 8/28, 9/11, 9/25, 10/23, 11/20, 12/11, 1/15, 2/5, 2/19, 3/4, 3/18, 4/8, 4/22, 5/6.
Important Dates and Upcoming Events (back to top)
- August 28 - Student Late Start Day
- AM Kindergarten - 9:45AM-11:55AM
- PM Kindergarten - 12:55PM-3:00PM
- Grades 1-5 - 9:45AM-3:00PM
- August 29 - Curriculum Night 5:30PM-7:30PM
- September 2 - Labor Day, No School All Students
- September 4 - Jefferson Running Club begins
- September 6 - Jefferson Fun Run, 7:00PM-9:00PM, Jefferson School
- September 10 - Coffee Talk with Dr. Podraza, 8:15-9:15AM, Jefferson MPR
- September 12 - Jefferson Moms Bunco Night, 7:00PM-10:00PM
- September 12 - REACH Parent Informational Meeting 7:00PM, Sandburg MS Library
- September 13 - REACH Parent Group Meeting 8:30-10:00AM, Sandburg MS Maker Space
- September 17 - Picture Day
- September 18 - Jefferson PTA Meeting, 7:00PM, Jefferson Library (new location)
- September 23 - Book Fair Week
Week 5: September 3
- Jefferson Elementary PTA
- School Events & Activities
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Fundraising
- Jefferson Moms Bunco Night
- District News
- Important Dates & Upcoming Events
JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY PTA (back to top)
Join the PTA: Joining is easy - just register on the new Membership Toolkit site. Joining the PTA allows you to participate as a voting member in an organization that not only benefits your child, but ALL children at Jefferson! If you haven’t done so already, please sign up, pay your membership dues and get access to the online student directory.
SCHOOL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES (back to top)
Jefferson Running Club (JRC): The Jefferson Running Club (JRC) kicks off this Wednesday, September 4th and will continue during your child's recess on Mondays and Wednesdays through early November (weather permitting). If your child is interested in running, please turn in the Running Club Permission Form to your child's respective teacher. Kids will only be allowed to run if they wear appropriate running footwear. This is at the request of Jefferson School and required in order to keep students safe.
In order for Running Club to run safely and efficiently, we need volunteers! Family members are welcome to cheer on the kids too: aunts, uncles and grandparents! Please volunteer in sign-up genius for your preferred session(s). We need all hands on deck for September 4th so the more the merrier! A big thank you to the parents who have already signed up to volunteer!
JRC Volunteer Sessions (Mondays & Wednesdays):
- First session (3rd, 4th and 5th grades) - 10:50AM-11:25AM
- Second session (1st and 2nd grades) - 11:25AM-12:00PM
If you have any questions regarding Running Club please contact: Patty Gorski, Shannon Jackson, Maggie Schweitzer or Jen Taylor.
Jefferson Fun Run: Join us for the 4th Annual Jefferson Fun Run on September 6th at 7:00PMin it's NEW location at Jefferson School! All students, families, faculty and staff members are invited!
The event kicks off with some fun warm-ups and music. You choose your distance; 1 lap, 1 mile or a 5K! Don't like to run? Walk your way around the path, volunteer to help set up, pass out water or be on course safety patrol. Sign up to volunteer here or contact Meghan Hood.
5th Grade Junior Great Books: Our discussion groups will meet for 7 weekly sessions on Fridays during lunch. The sessions will run September 13-November 1, 2019.
For those of you who are not familiar with Jr. Great Books, it is a short story discussion group that offers a fun way for students to read and discuss age-appropriate literature through the Shared Inquiry Method. This program strengthens retention, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, as well as, is a strong compliment to the Reading Street program taught in the classroom. For more information on Jr. Great Books and the Shared Inquiry Method, please visit www.greatbooks.org.
This year we are going to use our collection of used books to make Jr. Great Books a FREEprogram for any Jefferson student that wants to participate. Each child receives their own book of short stories that are read for the program. We ask that the students read each story two times before each meeting. This helps them to develop a strong understanding of the story for discussion. At the conclusion of the program, we ask that the books be returned to the leaders to use in future sessions. At this time, there is no cost to participate.
If your 5th Grade child would like to participate in Jr. Great Books, please sign up here by Friday, September 6th. The book will be delivered to your 5th Grader's classroom next week. Jr. Great Books is sponsored by the Jefferson PTA and the REACH PTA. Contact Lesley Samuel or Stephanie Drolett with any questions.
Science Olympiad: Sign up today for Science Olympiad is here! Is your child interested in science? Our annual Science Olympiad is one of Jefferson’s favorite events all year. Whether you’re a new student or a returning Einstein, this year’s event won’t disappoint. This year’s event will be on October 17, 2019, 6:15-8:00PM. The sign up forms are accepted online. Click here to sign up! In order for this year’s event to be successful, we are in need of parent volunteers. The Science Olympiad is a great way to get involved! Please indicate on the sign up form if you’re willing to help. Please direct any questions to Carly Scharfenberg & Meredith Vogel at JeffersonScienceO@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES (back to top)
Lunchroom/Playground Volunteer: Your help is needed! Please consider volunteering for our Lunchroom & Playground Helper program. Volunteers assist the Lunchroom & Playground Supervisors in supporting the needs of all Jefferson students during lunch/recess time. Volunteers work the entire lunch/recess shift, from 10:50AM–12:30PM. Parents may sign up to volunteer for as many times as they wish. It’s a great way to see your child(ren) in action at school! Please sign up here for the month of September. Thanks in advance for your help!
Scholastic Book Fair Week: It's still hot outside but we are cooling off by getting ready for our upcoming Arctic Adventure Book Fair at Jefferson which runs September 23-26, 2019. Check out the amazing new titles in the interactive book flyer. There is Snow much to read! Please visit our Book Fair Homepage for hours of operation, special events, and online ordering.
- New this year! Scholastic eWallet. Give your child a secure, cash-free way to shop the book fair. Simply create a free account for your child, preauthorize a spending limit, and have funds immediately available. Your credit card will only be charged for the amount your child spends. Sales tax does apply. Sign up here for an eWallet account.
- School Day Visits (Tuesday 9/24 and Wednesday 9/25): During the school day, students select their free book from the PTA and may also shop with cash from home in a clearly marked resealable bag or their eWallet account. The PTA will provide a receipt for all purchases. Sales tax does apply.
- Family Night (Tuesday, September 24, 5:00-8:00PM): There will be crafts and games for students and story time with Dr. Podraza. To RSVP is quick & easy, simply click on Tuesday on the Book Fair homepage so we are prepared for all who plan to attend Family Night.
- GRAND Event (Wednesday, September 25, 8:30-9:30AM): Family, friends and neighbors are invited to come in before school to shop the Book Fair with their Jefferson Tigers! This is a great opportunity to spend time with someone GRAND (Grandparents, Relatives, Aunts/Uncles, Neighbors, Devoted Caregivers)!
Nightmare on York Street Halloween Party: We have a couple more tickets available for the Jefferson Parents’ Halloween Soireé, on October 26th, 7PM at Cottage Hill Station's Nest. Costumes are a must! This is an adults only event. All proceeds from tickets benefit Jefferson PTA. Tickets are $50/person. The ticket includes DJ and appetizers. Cash bar. JOIN US IF YOU DARE…FOR A NIGHT THAT’S SURE TO SCARE! If you would like to be part of the fun, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
Jefferson Trivia Night: Save the date! Jefferson Parents mark your calendars, book your sitters, and get ready to have fun. The second Jefferson Trivia Night will take place on November 15th at 7PM at Knights of Columbus. This is an adults only event. More details coming soon. If you would like to help organize the event, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
JEFFERSON MOMS BUNCO NIGHT (back to top)
Who wants to play Bunco!?! The next Jefferson Moms Bunco night is Thursday, September 12th, 7:00-10:00PM at Melissa Walsh's house! Don't know how to play? We can teach you! We hope you can join us! We are always looking for volunteers to host Bunco evenings. Please contact Laura West, Kelly Perry or Jen Taylor for more details. For more information and to sign up click here Bunco.
REACH: The REACH Parent Group continues its efforts to provide valuable and timely information to our parents. Please join us for our first REACH Parent Informational Meeting of the year on Thursday, Sept. 12th, 7:00PM, Sandburg MS library (park in the north lot, enter door 7) or on Friday, Sept. 13th, 8:30-10:00AM, Sandburg Maker Space (enter door 1, through office).
Invited speaker is Leslie Weber, Director of Curriculum. The presentation will cover a program overview, identification, expectations, appeals, as well as information on the REACH Program Analysis this year. There will be an added focus on those families new to REACH. In addition, experienced REACH parents will be on hand for questions and to provide further insight into the program. This meeting is open to ALL D205 parents including second grade parents wanting to learn more about the program. Contact Patti Berner, Chair, REACH Parent Group, with any questions.
D205 State of the Schools Address by Dr. Moyer: Share in the success story of our schools on Monday, September 9, 7:00-8:30PM in the York High School Commons. The presentation is free and open to the public. Parents and our school community are invited to attend this special annual address hosted by Superintendent Dr. David Moyer designed to celebrate recent successes, share updates on key endeavors like the District’s Master Facility Plan, the coming of All-Day Kindergarten, the Business Incubator Program and Manufacturing Lab at York High School as well as Thrive D205, the district’s new school and community wellness partnership. D205 is poised to be a national leader in future-ready learning.
District 205 School Calendar: Refer to the Elmhurst D205 school calendar for the 2019-2020 school year & specific Student Late Arrival dates.
IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING EVENTS (back to top)
- September 4 - Jefferson Running Club begins
- September 6 - Jefferson Fun Run, 7:00PM-9:00PM, Jefferson School
- September 10 - Coffee Talk with Dr. Podraza, 8:15-9:15AM, Jefferson MPR
- September 11 - Student Late Start Day
- AM Kindergarten - 9:45AM-11:55AM
- PM Kindergarten - 12:55PM-3:00PM
- Grades 1-5 - 9:45AM-3:00PM
- September 12 - Jefferson Moms Bunco Night, 7:00PM-10:00PM
- September 12 - REACH Parent Informational Meeting 7:00PM, Sandburg MS Library
- September 13 - REACH Parent Group Meeting 8:30-10:00AM, Sandburg MS Maker Space
- September 17 - Picture Day
- September 18 - Jefferson PTA Meeting, 7:00PM, Jefferson Library (new location)
- September 23 - Book Fair Week begins
- September 25 - Student Late Start Day
Week 6: September 10
- Jefferson Elementary PTA
- School Events & Activities
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Fundraising
- Jefferson Moms Bunco Night
- Acknowledgments
- District News
- Important Dates & Upcoming Events
JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY PTA (back to top)
Join the PTA: Joining is easy - just register on the new Membership Toolkit site. Joining the PTA allows you to participate as a voting member in an organization that not only benefits your child, but ALL children at Jefferson! If you haven’t done so already, please sign up, pay your membership dues and get access to the online student directory.
SCHOOL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES (back to top)
Jefferson Running Club (JRC): Jefferson Running Club had a fantastic start with 53% of students running a total of 204 miles! What a great time to introduce our new mileage reward program - click here for details. Students have a chance to earn a prize for each big milestone! We hope this attracts new runners and encourages our younger students to stick with running as they enter higher grades.
If your child is interested in running during recess on Mondays and Wednesdays, please turn in the Running Club Permission Form to your child's respective teacher. Kids will only be allowed to run if they wear appropriate running footwear. This is at the request of Jefferson School and required in order to keep students safe.
Volunteers are needed in order for Running Club to run safely and efficiently. Family members are welcome to cheer on the kids too: aunts, uncles and grandparents! Please volunteer in sign-up genius for your preferred session(s). A big thank you to the parents who have already signed up to volunteer!
JRC Volunteer Sessions (Mondays & Wednesdays):
- First session (3rd, 4th and 5th grades) - 10:50AM-11:25AM
- Second session (1st and 2nd grades) - 11:25AM-12:00PM
If you have any questions regarding Running Club please contact: Patty Gorski, Shannon Jackson, Maggie Schweitzer or Jen Taylor.
Science Olympiad: Is your child interested in science? Sign up for Science Olympiad! Our annual Science Olympiad is one of Jefferson’s favorite events all year. Whether you are a new student or a returning Einstein, this year’s event won’t disappoint. This year's event will be on October 17th, 6:00-7:30PM. Sign up for Science Olympiad here.
In order for this year’s event to be successful, we are in need of parent volunteers. The Science Olympiad is a great way to get involved! Please indicate on the sign up form if you’re willing to help. Please direct any questions to Carly Scharfenberg & Meredith Vogel at JeffersonScienceO@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES (back to top)
Lunchroom/Playground Volunteer: Your help is needed! Please consider volunteering for our Lunchroom & Playground Helper program. Volunteers assist the Lunchroom & Playground Supervisors in supporting the needs of all Jefferson students during lunch/recess time. Volunteers work the entire lunch/recess shift, from 10:50AM–12:30PM. Parents may sign up to volunteer for as many times as they wish. It’s a great way to see your child(ren) in action at school! Please sign up here for the month of September. Thanks in advance for your help!
Scholastic Book Fair Week: It's still hot outside but we are cooling off by getting ready for our upcoming Arctic Adventure Book Fair at Jefferson which runs September 23-26, 2019. Check out the amazing new titles in the interactive book flyer. There is Snow much to read! Please visit our Book Fair Homepage for hours of operation, special events, and online ordering. To volunteer to help with this fun event, sign up now!
- New this year! Scholastic eWallet. Give your child a secure, cash-free way to shop the book fair. Simply create a free account for your child, preauthorize a spending limit, and have funds immediately available. Your credit card will only be charged for the amount your child spends. Sales tax does apply. Sign up here for an eWallet account.
- School Day Visits (Tuesday 9/24 and Wednesday 9/25): During the school day, students select their free book from the PTA and may also shop with cash from home in a clearly marked resealable bag or their eWallet account. The PTA will provide a receipt for all purchases. Sales tax does apply.
- Family Night (Tuesday, September 24, 5:00-8:00PM): There will be crafts and games for students and story time with Dr. Podraza. To RSVP is quick & easy, simply click on Tuesday on the Book Fair homepage so we are prepared for all who plan to attend Family Night.
- GRAND Event (Wednesday, September 25, 8:30-9:30AM): Family, friends and neighbors are invited to come in before school to shop the Book Fair with their Jefferson Tigers! This is a great opportunity to spend time with someone GRAND (Grandparents, Relatives, Aunts/Uncles, Neighbors, Devoted Caregivers)!
- Donate your used books! (September 20th-September 30th): Once again we are hosting a Book Drive in coordination with our Book Fair. This year's goal is to collect 1,500 books! That's only 4 books per student! What kind of books? New and gently used children's books, aged birth through 6th grade (please no textbooks, activity books, or reference books). Donated books will go to an organization called Bernie's Book Bank. Each day you donate will earn one raffle ticket for the prize drawing at the end of the fair.
- "All for Books!": Don't have any books to donate? Help us create a blizzard of books for our Jefferson Library by simply donating $1 to our All For Books fund. Watch for forms being sent home in your child's backpack. Additional forms will be available in the front office or can be printed here.
Eat & Earn at Portillo's (Tuesday, September 24, 4:00-8:00PM): What a great opportunity to eat out before or after Family Night at the Book Fair! Portillo's is the perfect place to have dinner or grab carry-out. Mention Jefferson PTA fundraiser or show this flyer when you order and Portillo's will donate 20% of the qualifying sales of food to our organization. What better way to raise money for Jefferson PTA? Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join. Portillo's is located at 155 South Route 83 in Elmhurst. This Eat & Earn event will last from 4-8pm. If you order takeout, please mention the fundraiser at the beginning of your order. We hope to see you there!
Nightmare on York Street Halloween Party: We have a couple more tickets available for the Jefferson Parents’ Halloween Soireé, on October 26th, 7PM at Cottage Hill Station's Nest. Costumes are a must! This is an adults only event. All proceeds from tickets benefit Jefferson PTA. Tickets are $50/person. The ticket includes DJ and appetizers. Cash bar. JOIN US IF YOU DARE…FOR A NIGHT THAT’S SURE TO SCARE! If you would like to be part of the fun, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
Jefferson Trivia Night: Save the date! Jefferson Parents mark your calendars, book your sitters, and get ready to have fun. The second Jefferson Trivia Night will take place on November 15th at 7PM at Knights of Columbus. This is an adults only event. Start thinking about your team of 8! More details coming soon. If you would like to help organize the event, please contact Ioana Fernandez.
JEFFERSON MOMS BUNCO NIGHT (back to top)
It's not too late! Who wants to play Bunco? The next Jefferson Moms Bunco night is this Thursday, September 12th, 7:00-10:00PM at Melissa Walsh's house. Don't know how to play? We can teach you! We hope you can join us! We are always looking for volunteers to host Bunco evenings. Please contact Laura West, Kelly Perry or Jen Taylor for more details. For more information and to sign up click here Bunco.
Jefferson Fun Run: Thank you to Meghan Hood who organized & made the 4th annual Jefferson Fun Run a success! Thanks to our very own Jefferson Tiger who led the warm-ups and to the many volunteers who set up, handled refreshments, created fun with face paint & glow sticks, etc. It's always a great time when the Jefferson community comes together!
REACH: The REACH Parent Group continues its efforts to provide valuable and timely information to our parents. Please join us for our first REACH Parent Informational Meeting of the year on Thursday, Sept. 12th, 7:00PM, Sandburg MS library (park in the north lot, enter door 7) or on Friday, Sept. 13th, 8:30-10:00AM, Sandburg Maker Space (enter door 1, through office).
Invited speaker is Leslie Weber, Director of Curriculum. The presentation will cover a program overview, identification, expectations, appeals, as well as information on the REACH Program Analysis this year. There will be an added focus on those families new to REACH. In addition, experienced REACH parents will be on hand for questions and to provide further insight into the program. This meeting is open to ALL D205 parents including second grade parents wanting to learn more about the program. Contact Patti Berner, Chair, REACH Parent Group, with any questions.
Coffee with the Superintendent (Wednesday, September 18, 1:30PM): The first Superintendent's Coffee of the 2019-20 school year will be September 18, 2019 at 1:30 PM at Lincoln Elementary. Parents and the school community are invited to attend.
District 205 School Calendar: Refer to the Elmhurst D205 school calendar for the 2019-2020 school year & specific Student Late Arrival dates.
IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING EVENTS (back to top)
- September 11 - Student Late Start Day
- AM Kindergarten - 9:45AM-11:55AM
- PM Kindergarten - 12:55PM-3:00PM
- Grades 1-5 - 9:45AM-3:00PM
- September 12 - Jefferson Moms Bunco Night, 7:00PM-10:00PM
- September 12 - REACH Parent Informational Meeting 7:00PM, Sandburg MS Library
- September 13 - REACH Parent Group Meeting 8:30-10:00AM, Sandburg MS Maker Space
- September 17 - Picture Day
- September 18 - Coffee with the Superintendent, 1:30PM, Lincoln Elementary
- September 18 - Jefferson PTA Meeting, 7:00PM, Jefferson Library (new location)
- September 23-27 - Arctic Adventure Book Fair Week
- September 24 - Book Fair Family Night, 5:00-8:00PM
- September 25 - Book Fair GRAND Event, 8:30-9:30AM
- September 24 - Eat & Earn Event at Portillo's, 4:00-8:00PM
- September 25 - Student Late Start Day