Family Cheetah Tracks
December 3, 2025
December 3, 2025
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
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
December 10th - December Early Release 12:20pm Dismissal
December 18th - Welcome Winter Evening Event
December 24th-January 2nd - NO SCHOOL
School Happenings
Lost & Found Donation Cycles
We will be donating all items from the JES Lost & Found two times during the 2025-2026 school year. Once over December break and once in June. Please stop by JES and peruse our Lost & Found to see if any of your child's items can find their way home.
Periodic Reminder to Check Your Child for Lice and Nits
This is a reminder to check your child’s head for lice periodically - checking weekly is a good habit.
Head lice are tiny insects that live in the hair and on the scalp.. They do not fly or jump, but they can crawl from one person to another with close contact. Lice lay eggs called nits that stick tightly to the hair near the scalp, often behind the ears or at the back of the neck. Nits look like small white or brown specks and can’t be easily brushed away.
If your child is scratching their head or neck more than usual, it’s a good idea to take a close look. Head lice are common among school-aged children and can happen to anyone - they’re not a sign of being dirty or unclean.
If you do find lice or nits, your pharmacist or health care provider can help you choose a treatment. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, including retreating in 7-10 days if indicated. Additionally, it is essential to comb your child’s hair with a lice comb daily for at least 2 full weeks to remove nits. Following this treatment plan is the best way to keep lice from coming back.
December Safety Drill
December Safety Drill
Next week, we will have a fire drill. Safety drills are an important part of ensuring the well-being of all students and staff. They are conducted in developmentally appropriate ways to help prepare everyone for the event of an unexpected emergency.
Questions about these drills? Please don't hesitate to reach out!
NEWS FROM JES PIE
Partners in Education is an organization whose purpose is to enhance and strengthen the educational and social environment for the Jericho Elementary School students.
No Fundraiser Fundraiser
PIE used to host multiple fundraisers throughout the year in order to fund our efforts for the school. Last year, we switched it up and just asked for donations instead and it worked! We’re doing the same this year and we need your help! Our goal is $8,500 which comes to around $30 per student.
ONLINE SCHOOL STORE
Welcome to the JES Cheetahs Online Store, the place to score cheetah SWAG.
Get some JES swag for your whole family!
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Email: jesoffice@mmuusd.org
Location: 90 VT Route 15, Jericho, VT 05465
Phone: 802.899.2272