Dear JES Families,

As we begin the final month of 2025 at Jericho Elementary, we are excited to welcome December, a month filled with joy, community, learning, and celebration. Students have already enjoyed a few bouts of snow and are delighted by our freshly covered playground and outdoor areas. Please remember to send your child to school with proper winter gear each day so they can stay warm, dry, and comfortable while playing outside. Snow pants, boots, hats, and waterproof gloves help ensure that every student can enjoy the season to the fullest.

This month, students across all grade levels continue to be deeply engaged in research projects. They are developing their skills in reading informational texts, exploring high-interest topics, and writing to teach others about what they’ve learned. I’m proud of how thoughtfully our students are approaching their work and how eager they are to share their discoveries.

In mathematics, teachers continue to make their way through Investigations, our core math curricular resource. Through rich collaborative discussions and ongoing data collection, teachers are adapting their instruction to meet student needs and strengthen conceptual understanding. It is exciting to see such thoughtful, responsive teaching happening across classrooms.

Students have been learning new songs for our all-school winter sing-along, which will take place during December’s Cheetah Connect assembly. They have also been creating beautiful lanterns for our Welcome to Winter evening event later in the month. This special celebration will invite families to walk our lit trails together as we usher in the winter season.

Speaking of togetherness, we are looking for volunteers to help put up our community ice rink up this Saturday at 10am. This effort brings our school community closer each year and provides a beloved winter recreation space for our students.

Throughout December, students are working to earn Cheetah Spots by practicing self-management, one of the CASEL core competencies and a timely focus as the excitement of the season builds. We are encouraging students to have calm, safe bodies and remain engaged in their learning, even during this festive time of year. We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these important skills at home and supporting your children as they navigate both the joy and the energy that December brings.

A reminder that our lost and found is overflowing. Any unclaimed items will be donated over December break. Please encourage your child to take one more look to retrieve anything they may have misplaced.

Our December safety drill will be a fire drill, scheduled to take place next week. Practicing these routines helps ensure that our school community remains prepared and calm in the event of an emergency.

Looking Ahead:

• December Early Release - December 10th 12:20pm Dismissal

• Welcome Winter JES Community Event - December 18th 4:30-6:30pm

• No School for Students: December 24th–January 2nd

As we move through the month of December, I continue to be grateful for the warmth, kindness, and collaboration that define Jericho Elementary. Our community brings light, and being a Cheetah is a joyful reminder that we shine brightest when we learn and celebrate together.

Warmly,

Katie Barea

JES Principal