Welcome back Jahn Families!
I hope you had a fun and safe summer break. Getting out of town is always fun, but I don’t think there is a better place than Chicago in the summer. We really show off, and I hope you were able to spend time in our amazing city.
Most of you receiving this are returning families to Jahn, but we are lucky to have new kids joining our community too! I assure you that Jahn will welcome you with open arms, and that you and your children will have a lot of fun celebrating with us and taking part in traditions.
I hope to see and meet many of you today, Friday August 21st, for our Back to School event from 2:00-3:30. We welcome you to see our school, meet our teachers and staff, drop off supplies and engage with teams, groups and vendors in our community.
Below are a lot of reminders and information that is important for you to review so we can have a smooth and orderly start to the year. Thank you in advance for your help.
Volunteer Forms: We offer two different levels of volunteer involvement and commitment, Level I and Level II.
All prospective volunteers must register with Family and Community Engagement (FACE) by completing the required CPS volunteer application forms and satisfying the requirements of the applicant review process.
CPS volunteer link must be done annually. Do not delay! This is required for field trips, classroom parties or volunteering at Jahn. We need your help, and do not want this to be a barrier. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, what is being asked of you or if your application has been processed correctly, please reach out to Ms. Margo in the main office.
Our entrance and exit doors will remain the same as SY26. Kindergarten through 3rd grade will line up in front of Door #1 and 5-8 will enter and exit through the Belmont doors.
K-8 students will line up in the play lot, and our PreK students will enter and exit through the Fletcher doors and stagger their dismissal to prioritize safety.
Each child must know and be able to articulate their pick-up routines to school personnel. Set a clear routine with your child and talk to them about it regularly. This includes if they are walking home with a sibling, or meeting you at a designated place each day. In the event that you are running late for pick-up, we need you to call and let the main office know. This is best for everyone involved.
Parking reminders: Parking is difficult around our building, and Wolcott can be dangerous to cross during arrival and dismissal times. Please do not park along Wolcott between Fletcher and Belmont in the morning or afternoon. This is for drop and go only, and the cross walks must be respected.
Required paperwork: Each year we update all of the permissions and family information. It feels like you have to write down the same thing 15 times, and the District asks for personal family information regarding income and living situations. This information is essential for us to know so we can support you and your child the best way we can. It also determines the amount of funding we receive for next school year. Please make this process easier on Ms. Margo by returning all of the forms immediately. Do not forget to include all of the names and contact information of people you give permission to pick up your child. Your child will not be released to their grandparent if they are not listed on the form. Additionally, if there is a court order of protection that involves your child, a copy of that should be provided to the main office. This is for your child’s safety.
If you have any questions about the forms, their purpose or how to complete them, please let me or our amazing clerk Ms. Margo know. We are here to help!
OST: Out of School Time Jahn did apply for and receive funds to run after school. This year there will be some vendors supplementing the Jahn run program. OST will consist of both academic interventions, clubs and opportunities for art, music and dance. More information will be sent to you in the upcoming weeks.
Ms. Rashida Garrett is our new Assistant Principal. If you have had the opportunity to meet her, you know what a wonderful person and leader she is. I am excited for you all to meet her and feel more supported by our school.
Our Open House is another opportunity for you to spend time at Jahn with your kids. Please mark your calendar for Thursday, September 10th from 4:00-6:00pm.
New Whole School Expectations will be in effect on Day 1 at Jahn. Our Climate and Culture team have been hard at work designing incentives for classroom attendance percentages and to celebrate students who are Respectful, Responsible, Analytical and Kind. Be sure to ask your child about how they demonstrate these values in different parts of our building.
If you have any questions about these expectations or attendance, please reach out to your child’s teacher. They would be happy to share!
The first day of school is like my superbowl. I’ve been anticipating and working towards this day all summer, and I cannot wait to see you all and start the best year ever!
Kinder-8th grade families- we will see you Monday, 8/24!
PreK-will start on Tuesday, 8/25.
Dr. Margaret Byrne