Jefferson-Houston School PTA

10/02/2020

Jefferson-Houston students will he displaying art at this years Art on the Avenue! Make sure you check it out! We’re so proud of our student artists!

We are just 10 DAYS AWAY from the launch of the virtual Art on the Avenue festival! We're thrilled to unveil our 25th Anniversary poster -- thanks to the incredible design team at Lucid Creative and our amazing illustrator, Chris Bishop, for perfectly capturing our goal -- to continue to support local artists and connect as a creative community while social distancing. #artontheavenue #AoAathome #AoAat25

09/30/2020

Mark your calendars for Reflections Night on October 5th from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.
​
Please join fellow JH students and art experts to learn more about the Reflections program, get your questions answered, and get help brainstorming ideas for your own works of art. There are 7 different categories for entries, and every student can enter as many times in as many categories as they choose! The categories are Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, and Special Artist. We hope to see you all there!

Link to Register for Reflections Night (Zoom): https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rduyorD0rG9b4qXVIcHL8WoU554VFDTD_%20

JH Reflections Website: https://sites.google.com/view/jh-reflections

Info Flyer:https://8387ea6f-a751-498f-b1ec-a041213e7deb.filesusr.com/ugd/a25ca1_d660046ec7ad403d829673cd3d462fb9.pdf

Entry Deadline: Wednesday, October 21, 2020

09/18/2020

Week 3- Continuing the Journey to Excellence

The latest issue of JHs weekly newsletter from our new Head of School, John McCain is out. Check it out! Important info about this year’s virtual back to school night! #jaguarsrock

09/17/2020

Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School

09/09/2020

ACPS Express | Getting Connected for the First Week of 2020-21!

Day 2! The latest edition of ACPS Express is out. Great updates and information, check it out! #jaguarsrock

Posted on September 8, 2020 by ACPS Getting Connected for the First Week of 2020-21! It is official! Yesterday, we launched our new school year with our Virtual PLUS+ model on the first day of a unique fall semester! Well done to our students, our families and our staff on an enthusiastic start to t...

09/08/2020

Happy first day of school JH Jaguars! Photos speak 1000 words and we’re so excited you are off to a great start! Thank you to all the parents, teachers and staff for making our first day awesome. #jaguarsrock

07/31/2020

ACPS Announces Virtual PLUS+, a Thoughtful Model for Fall Reopening - ACPS Express

JH Families - Please see the information below to learn about the VirtualPlus+ model we will be starting the 2020-2021 school year with. More specific information about what the fall will look like will be coming out next Friday, August 7th, with a final plan delivered to the Virginia Department of Education on August 14th.

We know that this continues to be a time where many of us have more questions than answers. The PTA Executive Committee met with Dr. McCain, our new Head of School, and are planning a Town Hall in mid-August for JH families to meet him and learn more about what the fall at JH will look like for our students. Once we have confirmed the date for the Town Hall, we will let our families know.

In the meantime, if you have questions, please email me at [email protected] and I'll do my best to answer or find the answer if I don't know it.

Alison
PTA President 2020-2021
Parent, Rising 2nd and Rising 3rd grades

http://www.acpsk12.org/news/?p=16759&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=acps-announces-virtual-plus-a-thoughtful-model-for-fall-reopening&fbclid=IwAR38ob7gpqqyDgEzFfBlb1p5rqcnys8oB-OixWXWBUu3LKYqYG3fFBcOjlc

Following months of collaboration, ACPS has determined the most feasible reopening model to begin the 2020-21 academic year. Virtual PLUS+ is a robust online learning experience that will engage students 100% virtually and provide additional supports for students, staff and families. Take the Fall 2...

07/07/2020

register.gotowebinar.com

Wednesday, July 8th @ 12pm. The Virginia PTA is offering Advocacy Afternoons - Supporting Special Education Students During COVID-19

Join Hank Millward the VDOE's Director of the Office of Specialized Education Facilities and Family Engagement within the Department of Special Education and Student Services (SESS) for this special webinar to answer questions that families have about supporting special needs children during COVID-19. Questions such as:

*** What are my parental rights during this time of distance learning;
*** What special education services are required under federal and state special education laws and regulations
*** How will my child's special education and related services be provided;
*** How do I effectively participate in my child's IEP meetings, especially if done through virtual means;
*** How can I best support my child while at home doing distance learning;
*** What questions should I be asking my child's IEP team?

These questions, as well others from participants will be discussed as well as a review of current guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and the Virginia Department of Education, and best practice tips.

Beginning on Wednesday, June 10th, and running through the summer every Wednesday afternoon from 12:00pm - 1:00pm the VAPTA will be hosting 'Advocacy Afternoons'.

These webinars are designed to connect parents and staff with policy makers and specialists to share information about topics that impact our students and school communities AND provide an opportunity to share feedback directly to policy makers. Although these are webinars, you can also always just call in on your phone to listen to the presentation.

Register here - https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/686971973572257808?source=Newsletter

06/23/2020

register.gotowebinar.com

Wednesday, June 24th @ 12pm. The Virginia PTA is offering Advocacy Afternoons - Mental Health and Suicide Prevention during COVID-19

Join Betsy Ball, the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs Coordinator for the Department of Criminal Justice Services, Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety, and Martha Montgomery, the Virginia Department of Education School Psychology Specialist for a discussion about suicide prevention and ways we can support the mental health of our students as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning on Wednesday, June 10th, and running through the summer every Wednesday afternoon from 12:00pm - 1:00pm the VAPTA will be hosting 'Advocacy Afternoons'.

These webinars are designed to connect parents and staff with policy makers and specialists to share information about topics that impact our students and school communities AND provide an opportunity to share feedback directly to policy makers. Although these are webinars, you can also always just call in on your phone to listen to the presentation.

Register here - https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1867361477573196556?source=Newsletter

06/17/2020

Yearbooks are still available!!! If you would like to buy one, please pay $15 by Venmo or PayPal (links below), and contact Yaël Mangum at [email protected] or at 501-309-5666 to coordinate delivery or pick-up. We have contact-free porch pick-up options at three different Alexandria homes (north Old Town and West End), or we will try to deliver to you, if possible. Also, Yaël will be at Jefferson Houston between 9:30 and 10:00 this Thursday, June 18th, with extra copies.

If you already ordered a yearbook but did not receive one, please let Yaël know. We have tried to get in touch with families who ordered, but we don't have contact info for everyone.

Yearbooks are $15. Please indicate "Yearbook" in the notes.:
***Venmo - www.venmo.com/PTA-Jefferson-Houston
***Paypal - https://paypal.me/JeffersonHoustonPTA

If you prefer to pay by cash or check, reach out to Yaël directly (contact info above).

06/16/2020

register.gotowebinar.com

Wednesday, June 17th @ 12pm. The Virginia PTA is offering Advocacy Afternoons - Supporting Military Families through PTA

Virginia is home to some of the nation’s largest and most important military installations and educates 80,000 military connected students. Frequent moves, family separations, making new friends and adjusting to new academic standards as a result of deployments can create unique challenges for our military students.
Join Military Child Education Coalition's, Amanda Woodward, and PTA member and Military Family Education Advocate, Julie P. Shepard, to learn about the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MiC3); the programs the Virginia Department of Education provides for military families; recent Virginia legislation impacting military families and resources that are available for military families through Military Child Education Coalition.

Beginning on Wednesday, June 10th, and running through the summer every Wednesday afternoon from 12:00pm - 1:00pm the VAPTA will be hosting 'Advocacy Afternoons'.

These webinars are designed to connect parents and staff with policy makers and specialists to share information about topics that impact our students and school communities AND provide an opportunity to share feedback directly to policy makers. Although these are webinars, you can also always just call in on your phone to listen to the presentation.

Register here - https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4639753658731236364?source=Newsletter

06/12/2020

JH End of Year Events 2020 - https://mailchi.mp/ac…/jh-jaguar-junction-end-of-school-2020

JH End of Year Events 2020 - https://mailchi.mp/acps/jh-jaguar-junction-end-of-school-2020

06/12/2020

Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School

Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School

Tomorrow, June 12, is the last day to apply!
Eligibility for Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Cards

ACPS is collaborating with the state to ensure all families who need it have access to food.

Any family with a student in ACPS who is already approved for Free or Reduced Priced Meals will automatically receive one of these cards, which can be used to purchase food during the crisis.

If your financial situation has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or for other reasons, and you were not previously receiving Free or Reduced Priced Meals, please make sure you complete a FARM application. These can be completed online or requested through [email protected]. Once the application is completed (preferably online) or by completing an application and forwarding to School Nutrition Services either by scanning or mailing to 1340 Braddock Place, #220, Alexandria, VA 22314 we will process your application. If your family is eligible you will be added to our existing list of families to receive the EBT card payment.

Questions? Please refer to the VDSS Pandemic EBT website.

https://www.schoolcafe.com/alexandriacps

06/10/2020

Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School

If your student has any medication at school, it will need to be picked up. Medication can be picked up at Jefferson-Houston School, June 10-19 between 8 am - 10 am.
Please drive to the front of the school and remain in your car and I will give you your student's medication. If you are unable to come during this time, please email me as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made. Per district policy, all medication that remains at the school and is not picked up prior to the end of the school year will be discarded.

06/08/2020

Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School

I Matter Because...

JH students are encouraged to start working on your reflections entry’s now. Start brainstorming on what “I matter because...” means to you! ‬Jefferson-Houston School PTA

06/06/2020

Jefferson-Houston School PTA's cover photo

06/05/2020

Community Connections

Now, more than any other moment in these past three months, we miss having a space where we can join together in person as a school community to grieve, talk, and listen. Despite being apart, we reaffirm our commitment as your Jefferson Houston PTA to advocate for and support all of our families.

We believe that black lives matter. We believe it is our responsibility as your PTA to ensure that black voices are heard in our meetings, in our school, and in our community. We believe that violence against black and African-Americans must end now. We believe that every child deserves a future where they are safe walking down the street, playing on the playground, and being in their own homes.

We stand with each and every one of you in this fight for racial justice and equity.

Your JH PTA

***Dr. Hutchings's message to ACPS released Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - https://youtu.be/Zukh8YtbOXg

*** Jefferson Houston Student Support Team
- https://www.smore.com/n9qp0

*** ACPS Virtual Town Hall with Virginia Secretary of Education and Virginia Senate Majority Leader held Wednesday, June 17, 2020 - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAz-6iaNkGHCPLS4kZwppZCnQEHj6lhyf9Ap1I_F0rzAxrgg/viewform

Community Connections

06/03/2020

Now, more than any other moment in these past three months, we miss having a space where we can join together in person as a school community to grieve, talk, and listen. Despite being apart, we reaffirm our commitment as your Jefferson Houston PTA to advocate for and support all of our families.

We believe that black lives matter. We believe it is our responsibility as your PTA to ensure that black voices are heard in our meetings, in our school, and in our community. We believe that violence against black and African-Americans must end now. We believe that every child deserves a future where they are safe walking down the street, playing on the playground, and being in their own homes.

We stand with each and every one of you in this fight for racial justice and equity.

Your JH PTA

06/03/2020

Wednesday, June 10th @ 12pm. The Virginia PTA is offering Advocacy Afternoons - TRAUMA INFORMED CARE DURING COVID-19

Trauma informed schools are not new, and their success has been proven through extensive data. Learn what makes a school trauma informed, how it is more vital than ever before, and how to be a trauma informed schools advocate.

Jenna White, Virginia PTA Health and Safety Chair, is the parent of a college age son and a middle schooler. Jenna is an ACE Interface certified presenter, and a member of the Safe and Sound Schools Leadership Council.

Beginning on Wednesday, June 10th, and running through the summer every Wednesday afternoon from 12:00pm - 1:00pm the VAPTA will be hosting 'Advocacy Afternoons'.

These webinars are designed to connect parents and staff with policy makers and specialists to share information about topics that impact our students and school communities AND provide an opportunity to share feedback directly to policy makers. Although these are webinars, you can also always just call in on your phone to listen to the presentation.

Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4672876446517309454?source=Newsletter

06/03/2020

PTA Survey: Return to School - Fall 2020

The Virginia PTA wants your input! This survey will close on June 3rd.

The VAPTA is participating in the following task forces and input can be shared directly with the representatives at the email addresses provided:
***Return to School Recovery Task Force: President Donna Colombo ([email protected])
***COVID-19 Education Work Group: President-Elect Pamela B. Croom ([email protected]) and Ann-Marie Martin Ward ([email protected])
***Accreditation Task Force: VP Advocacy Jenna Alexander ([email protected])

(This survey is ONLY for PTA MEMBERS WHO LIVE IN VIRGINIA. The survey will close on JUNE 3rd. All dues paying JH PTA members are also VAPTA members).

Our students, school staff and families have experienced unprecedented change in the last several months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that traditional in-person instruction could be interrupted again in the fall as a result of the pandemic. In order to best advocate for the nee...

06/02/2020

RSVP for Virtual Town Hall with Virginia Secretary of Education and Virginia Senate Majority Leader

Virtual Town Hall with VA Secretary of Education and VA Senate Majority Leader - Samuel Tucker PTA will be hosting a virtual town hall in a Zoom webinar format with the VA Secretary of Education Atif Qarni and State Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw on June 17th at 6pm. The town hall is open to all ACPS parents, teachers, and staff. We have invited Dr. Hutchings as well to participate. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions (if they have any) and RSVP using the google form from the link below, and the Zoom link will be sent out before the event.

RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/7VDU3edBNHgdQjgt5

Tucker PTA will be hosting a virtual town hall open to all ACPS parents, staff, and teachers with Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni and Virginia State Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw on June 17th, 2020 at 6pm. RSVP and submit a question (if you have one) now and we'll send you a link....