As you may heave reviewed in the state newspapers

= &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; December 2008

= Dear Jenkins Families,

Cops for Tots

= As a contribution to the children of our community we will be collecting for Cops for Tots. We are encouraging students to donate new or gently used toys for children less fortunate at t= he holiday season. Donations will be accepted through December 8 and can be deposited in the Cops for Tots box located in the mall. We thank you for yo= ur generosity.

Family Involvement Night December 9, 2008 7:00 Media Center

= The October Parent Involvement Meeting was an overview of state assessments specific to each grade level with an explanation of what students can expec= t on a standardized test. Terri Hall, technical coordinator for Hickory Public Schools, will present the results of the 2007-2008 EOG reading and math tes= ts to parents on December 9. Ms. Hall will share detailed student performance data, areas of strength and need for student subgroups and all Jenkins thir= d, fourth, and fifth grade students. Her presentation, Testing 101, will expla= in the NC ABC accountability plan, student performance data specific to Jenkins and how our students compare to the state mean.

Did you know?

= Third through fifth grade students will be enjoying a class read aloud and litera= ture dialogue about the book Blue = by Joyce Moyer Hostetter. A local author, Joyce wi= ll be joining Jenkins students on Jan. 13 for day time literature activities and a family evening PTA event. Study Island is web based program offering students the opportunity to practice reading = and math skills specific to their needs. We encourage our third, fourth and fifth gr= ade students to visit www.studyisland.com and log in with their username (Last = name and first two letters of their first name ex. Doejo) and their lunch number as the password.&nb= sp; There is a North Carol= ina discussion group to keep the public informed about the NC school system. As a member of this group, you will receive information about North Carolina Schools, including updates from the General Assembly, the State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction. To subscribe via email, send an email to:= join-ncpartners@lists.dpi.state.nc.us = and leave the subject line and the body of the message blank= . Once you have successfully subscribed, you will receive an email with additional information on how to confirm your membership in the discussion group.=

Happy Holidays

= During the month of December students will be learning about holidays, traditions = and customs shared around the world. Parents, grandparents, friends and communi= ty members visit classrooms to share cultures and traditions unique to their families = and beliefs. Regardless of our diverse backgrounds and traditions the holiday season is a time to recognize and give thanks for our good fortune and celebrate traditions with our family and friends

= .

= The Jenkins staff wishes each student and family a safe, restful and joyous win= ter break.

December

4 Reflections Contest Entries are due

5 12:00 dismissal for students

6 Good luck to our Jenk= ins Girls on the Run who will be participating in a 5K

8 Last day for Cops for Tots donations

9 PTA Board Meeting 9:00 & Parent Involvement Meeting 7:00 Media Center

10 Spelling Bee for grad= es 4 & 5 at 1:30 in the gym

17 6 week progress repor= ts sent home

22 – January 2 Wi= nter Break

January 5 Students return to school

= Sincerely,

<= o:p>

Stephanie Feller=