T. J. Tales

May, 2010                       

Our mission is to create a safe and respectful environment, promoting responsibility to ensure that all students have a quality education, experiencing success and joy.

Nancy Van Wyk, Principal                vanwykn@newton.k12.ia.us

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL…

We have had a busy year at TJ and we can’t believe we are this close to the end of the year.  We will try and keep you updated on special events through our e-mails and notes home.

Since the district has changed its boundaries, some students will be attending another school in August.  If you are unsure of where your child should attend, give the office a call.  The new map is also on the district website. 

I will be following our 4^th-6^th grade classes to WW.   I am excited about focusing on this age-group of students.  My passion for literacy and math still remains strong.   Lisa Sharp will be the new principal at TJ.  Her teaching background includes K-2 special education. 

Questions may arise through this transition phase, so don’t hesitate to call us with your questions!

Nancy Van Wyk, Principal

We want to thank all the parents, grandparents, and community members that volunteered at TJ this year.  We  appreciate the difference you make in our students’ lives!!

CALENDAR:

	May
3	DIBELS and STAR testing for students all of this week. 6:00 – Cub Scouts, Cafeteria 6:30 – TJ PTA Mtg. - LMC
4	8:30 – 4^th gr. field trip on character              sponsored by Hy-Vee
5	2:08 Dismissal 6:00 – Tiger Scouts (Cafeteria)
6	8:30 – 4^th gr. field trip to Krumm
7	9:00 – 4^th gr. band presentation by            Mrs. Stoulil 10:00 – 1S Mother’s Day Tea 2:00 – 1J Mother’s Day Tea
10	5^th gr. field trip to Ashton Park 6:00 School Board Mtg. – Annex
11	1:30 – 4^th-6^th grade Spring Concert-Gym
12	6:00 – Tiger Scouts –Cafeteria
14	8:30 – 4^th grade field trip to Civic Center 12:30 – 5^th and 6^th gr. Track Meet
17	10:30 – 3^rd-6^th gr. Orchestra Presentation
18	12:30 – 5^th and 6^th grade Track Rain Date
19	Round Up Make Ups at TJ 6:00 – Tiger Scouts (Cafeteria)
21	Mad Scientist Assembly 11:30 – Student Council Service Project
24	2:15 – BBBS Ice Cream Party 6:00 – School Board Mtg. - Annex
26	10:00 – Envision Kids to Project Expo. at           EH with Mrs. Latcham 6:00 – Tiger Scouts - Cafeteria
28	10:00 – 3^rd grade field trip to Jasper Co.                Museum 1:30 – DARE Graduation
31	Memorial Day – No School

^{5th and 6th Grade TRACK MEET:}

^{DATE: May 14, 2010}

^{TIME: 12:30 P.M.}

^{PLACE: H.A. Lynn Field}

STUDENT COUNCIL:

3^rd QUARTER CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY:

Dr. Nose shared letters he had received from students and gave out advice on how to get along with friends, share, take a break when you need to, and how to be respectful and responsible. 

PTA:

Thomas Jefferson PTA would like to thank each and everyone of you who helped in one way or another throughout the year! Homeroom parents, thank you for planning your child's classroom party. Thank you for sending Box Tops/Soup Labels, your participation in fundraisers, for volunteering your time to help our children. We were able to pay for field trips & transportation for the classes, we provided a free family event, and were able to purchase $1000 for math manipulatives to help our students with math skills, among many other things. This has been a great year! Thank you for all you do for our children!

TALENT SHOW:

The T.J. Talent Show was a big hit again with several students participating!  The audience was great as well!  We are so proud of the many multi-talented students that attend T.J.

GUIDANCE NEWS:

4^th grade students are involved in a self-care program for parents and children entitled, “On My Own and Okay.”  This program is provided through the Iowa State Extension Service.  The purpose of the program is to:

¶ Increase knowledge and skills in personal safety and emergency response

¶ Clarify the self-care rules that are established in your home

¶ Improve family communication regarding self-care issues

Mrs. Motta is presenting this curriculum to students during their guidance sessions.  Parent participation is necessary in promoting safe self-care.  You can help by teaching self-care skills, developing appropriate rules, constructing a physically safe and emotionally satisfying environment for our child, and monitoring your child’s performance.

You’re invited!

Thomas Jefferson Spring Concert

4^th, 5^th, and 6^th Grades

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 1:30 PM

        TJ Gym