Whether March comes in strong like a lion or soft as a lamb, our students are coming in healthier than our past month finally, and for that I am so very thankful! Spring is upon us with so much to teach, learn, and enjoy and we are all looking forward to doing it all in a healthier, warmer environment!

This is my last request to ask you to please complete a survey electronically to have a voice in your opinion related to the conditions for learning in our school. This information is very insightful in our understanding of communication and implementing changes or continuing successful practices. You have until March 14th to complete the survey. Parents/caregivers can access the survey at: https://forms.office.com/r/jmP9p9p10b and the Parent/Caregiver Survey Login Code is P037205

In February, we all celebrated the month with providing and acknowledging Random Acts of Kindness, and this month we are full of March Madness activities, as well as "It's Silly to Miss School." Please check out our calendar below to note dress-up and special days.

We will hold our school science fair on March 19th and parents can come visit the fair's projects that evening at our SEA meeting. We hope to see many of you there so you can be prepared to participate if your child shows interest in next fall's school/county fair.

Kindergarten Registration has been set for Monday, April 28, 2025. Please let families and friends know of this date and to begin the process of registering on the JCS website.

I want to thank MANY of our parents who took the time to write kind notes of appreciation for a staff member in the school while at Parent Teacher Conferences. I was so proud to hand them out and let them enjoy your words of kindness.

I want to remind you that there are 2 days students will not be in school this month, Friday, March 7 and Monday, March 10.

I want to remind our families about the safety needed at morning drop off on the sidewalk. Please continue to use the extra lot for parents to park in and do not pull off the street to park on the grass. Also, please do not pass cars who are in the drop off lane to ensure the safety of our students getting out of their vehicles. Thank you for understanding our responsibilities we have to ensure the safety of all students at all times.

As I am starting to plan and prepare for our new school building next year, I am feeling so very excited for all the possibilities and conveniences that the new building will bring to everyone. I visualize our school community thriving in our new environment and beginning new traditions and experiences together. I will have updates and pictures to share at our next SEA meeting on the 19th of March.

Embracing March, I am LUCKY to have found my pot of gold in SES!

Le meas (Irish - with respect),

Mrs. Payne

3/5/2025 - Spring Pictures

3/5/2025 - 5th Grade Chorus leaves for All State

3/7/2025 - No School for Students; End of 3rd 9 weeks!

3/10/2025 - No School

3/13/2025 - 2nd Graders visit Shepherdstown Library (9-11:00)

3/14/2025 - Report Cards

3/14/2025 - Club Shep 6-8:00 p.m.

3/18/2025 - Science Fair at SES

3/19/2025 - Open House Science Fair Projects 5-6:00 p.m.

3/19/2025 - SEA Mtg. 6:00 p.m.

4/5/2025 - Spring Carnival Fundraiser at SES 3-6:00 p.m.

4/9/2025 - Storybook Parade beginning 1:15 p.m.

4/11/2025 - Talent Show

4/11/2025 - 2 hr. early release

4/14/2025 - 4/21/2025 Spring Vacation

4/22/2025 - Students Return to School

Stephanie Adams has been a pediatric occupational therapist for 26 years. Prior to joining Jefferson County Schools in January of 2024, she worked for Loudoun County Public Schools for nine years and West Virginia Birth to Three for sixteen years. Stephanie really enjoys working at Shepherdstown Elementary School and has felt so welcomed by the staff and students. She loves being an occupational therapist and working with children. Her most favorite moments are when a student gets excited about accomplishing a task that they have been struggling with. Her daily goal is to not only make occupational therapy sessions fun, but to help students gain confidence and feel proud of all they can do.

As we are striving to achieve our Attendance Goals at SES, we understand our limitations with the flu interrupting many lives in our school family! Although we finished February with 93% positive attendance, I have high hopes that we will rise to our goal of 95% in March! Our school-wide Cupid Shuffle was full of loving fun on Valentine's Day as captured below!

In March we are going to encourage how SILLY it is to miss school and have some goofy plans in place with students sharing goofy jokes on the morning announcements, classroom competitions to hold on to the school trophy for a week and highest attending grade levels being rewarded with silly band bracelets each week.

So much has happened this year, and we want to take a moment to share some highlights:

· A huge thank you to Mrs. Gleason for stepping up and teaching during the first quarter. You did a fantastic job!

· We are thrilled to have Mrs. Crouse back with us. She was truly missed by both the students and staff.

In September, students had the unique opportunity to experience what soldiers went through during the Battle of Harpers Ferry.

In Math, we've been expanding our skills in multiplication, division, and decimals.

In ELA, we've been exploring personal narratives and learning about the Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations. We are now excited to jump into learning about opinion writing!

Recently, students had their move-up meeting, where they discussed the classes they can take next year as they prepare for middle school. This is a significant transition, but with our support, we are confident that our students will finish this year with great success.

You can always find the latest information on the "Shepherdstown Elementary School SEA (PTO)" Facebook page, and are welcome to reach out to the SEA Executive Board at shepherdstownSEA2024@gmail.com with any questions, comments or ideas!

The next SEA meeting is March 19 at 6 p.m.