Dear Parents,

Welcome back to the 2011-2012 school year! I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you. To all of our new families, thank you for choosing our school to serve you and your children. Many learning experiences are in place for your child this year.

Did you know that if your child/children understand that you find their school work important and interesting that they are more likely to feel motivated to do better in school? Research has shown that when students are motivated, they strive to do their best. We need your help in motivating them to do their best. As parents, you and I play a large role in whether or not our child/children are motivated about school.

The teachers and I are working very hard to increase the skills of your child/children. All learning does not happen in school; it also happens at home. Our theme is “Working Together to Make a Difference”. It takes a collaborative effort among parents and school staff to educate our children.

Listed are ways that you can motivate your child.

· Make time to talk to your child.

· Be a good listener.

· Encourage your child to read daily.

· Praise your child; acknowledge efforts, not just results.

Our mission at Jones Paideia Magnet School is to address the needs of the whole child in a nurturing environment that develops intelligence, creativity, and productive citizenship.

As we embark upon our journey together, the teachers and I are looking forward to a successful school year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Debra M. Smith

What is Paideia?

Ever wondered what makes a Paideia school different?

Paideia is a Greek word which means the “upbringing of a child”. As a Greek system of education and training, it was designed to produce well-rounded, fully educated citizens, not necessarily persons trained for specific vocations. In that tradition, Paideia relies on three pillars:

· Didactic Instruction increases factual recall.

· Intellectual Coaching develops literacy skills.

· Seminar Dialogue teaches critical and creative thinking.

Jones will host a Paideia night in October. When the date has been confirmed, this information will be sent to you.

Attendance Matters

Did you realize that the attendance of your child affects his/her academic achievement? It is very important that your child attends school and arrives to school on time. Teachers cannot teach students who are not in school. When your child arrives late, he/she misses the morning meeting and morning review. Sometimes, this causes the student to have a bad day.

Why does attendance matter?

· Your child is likely to get better grades. Research shows that a child who comes to class does better in school. If the child is not in school, he/she cannot learn.

· Your child is more likely to graduate. When a student misses too many days and it continues through middle school and high school, this is usually the first step toward dropping out.

· Your child is likely to get a better job. If a child is accustomed to getting to school and to other appointments on time, this will carry over into the workplace. It is up to us to instill punctuality into our children and set an example.

Remember, regular attendance is one of the keys to school success.

Tardiness/Dismissals/Late Pick-up

Students are expected to arrive on time for school each day and be picked up on time each day. Excessive tardiness, early dismissals, and late pick-ups are documented and may be turned over to our social worker if deemed necessary. Tardiness, early dismissals, and picking your child up late after school could prevent you from returning to Jones Magnet School during the 2011-2012 school year. Students on time every day will receive recognition at the end of each 9 week marking period. If your child is sent to YMCA due to your late arrival at dismissal, you will have to pay a fee for your child being there.

Arrival

School begins at 8:00 a.m. School doors open at 7:35. A few students are being dropped off VERY EARLY. Jones Paideia Faculty and Staff will not held responsible if something should happen to your child before 7:35.

Dismissal

Dismissal begins at 3:00. Your child should be picked up no later than 3:25. If you arrive after 3:25, you will have to come inside the building and go up to the playroom to sign the tardy pick-up book. If you have not arrived by 3:45, your child/children will be sent to FUN COMPANY. A $10 fee will be charged for each child. If your child/children are not picked up from FUN COMPANY by 4:15, Department of Children Services will be contacted. PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME, my teachers and I have other obligations and responsibilities after school. We appreciate your cooperation.

SWIM LESSONS FOR 1^ST GRADE

The first grade classes are going to the YMCA for swim lessons for seven weeks. The YMCA provides the transportation to and from the YMCA on Clarksville Highway. Only one class attends the session each day. The schedule is as follow:

· Monday- Adkisson’s Class

· Tuesday – Battenfeld’s Class

· Wednesday- Dement’s Class

· Thursday – Weathersby’s Class

Dates to Remember

MNPS maintains an official complaint procedure that complies with the standards set aside by Federal Programs under No Child Left Behind. Complaints regarding Public School Choice and Supplemental Educational Services (SES) are covered under this procedure. It can be found by clicking on Complaint Process.

Click on the links provided for more detailed information. <Complaint Process.>