Dear Jefferson Families, 

As we move deeper into November, I’ve been reflecting on how much growth we’ve already seen this school year in both our students and our school community. Each day, I’m reminded that learning isn’t just about academics; it’s about building character, resilience, and connection. Our students continue to show The Jefferson Way , being Kind, Helpful, and Safe, in small but meaningful ways: lending a hand to a classmate, showing care on the playground, or taking responsibility in the classroom. These moments, though simple, are what make Jefferson such a special place. I also want to take a moment to thank our incredible PTO for their ongoing support. From hosting the McDonald’s fundraising night to organizing a wonderful Book Fair, their efforts make a real difference for our students and staff. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and care they put into creating opportunities that bring our community together.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we’re helping our students grow not only as learners but as kind, capable, and connected members of our community.

Warmly, 

Lady Jones

Scholastic Book Fair 

School Spirit Store - Now OPEN!

Are you looking to order your student or yourself Jefferson gear? Look no further! Our school spirit store is now OPEN at this link! A portion of the proceeds go back to the Jefferson PTO to help support fun events and activities at Jefferson. Orders will be shipped directly to your address. 

🍿 Popcorn Fridays

Popcorn Fridays are back! PTO hosts popcorn for our students four times a year. For just $2.00, your student can enjoy popcorn on Friday as they are leaving school for the week. You can contribute via the School Store under Fundraising → “Jefferson PTO Popcorn Sale” or send money with your student (please place it in a bag or envelope and give to their teacher). Let’s make Fridays a bit more fun! 

! 

Walking Field Trip

Action Needed: Please fill out your student(s) walking field trip form in your school store. This is required for our fall fest costume walk, South Park field trip at the end of the year, etc. If the form is not filled out for the student, they will not be able to participate in these events.

Video Directions: Field Trip

Step by Step : Field Trip Sign-Up

Notes from the OfficeCold Weather Reminder — Dress for the Outdoors

Soon the temperatures will drop, and we want to make sure all students stay safe, warm, and comfortable while outside. Below are our guidelines and a friendly reminder of what children need to dress for chilly days:

Recess & Outdoor Time Guidelines

• We hold outdoor recess time before school and twice during the day. 
• Students will be outside whenever the temperature is 10 °F or above, or when the wind chill is above 0 °F.
• We stay indoors if it’s below 10 °F, or the wind chill is 0 °F or below, or if it’s raining.

In cooler months, student should come to school with a winter coat, hat, gloves, and snow pants and boots once snow begins. If students do not bring snowpants or boots, they will need to stay on the blacktop when we have snow. If your family needs assistance obtaining winter gear, please contact the office at 920-424-0165.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students warm, safe, and ready to enjoy outdoor time as weather allows!

Attendance:

All reports of a student absence must go through the office. If your child(ren) are sick multiple days, please let us know each day they are absent.   All communication regarding your student's attendance (appointments, late arrival, early departure, etc.) must go to the office. You can copy in your child's teacher in the email or the office will then pass this information on to the classroom teacher.  You can also request absence time off through your parent portal in Infinite Campus. Our school secretary's email is: katie.ascher@oshkosh.k12.wi.us and the school phone number is 920.424.0165. Thank you for your help with this important communication.

Student Drop off Instructions and Map:

• Beginning at the end of the blacktop on 11th Ave and continuing down to Oregon St. is a parking zone. You are able to park along the street here and exit your vehicle, walk your student to the blacktop in the morning or wait on the blacktop for your student in the afternoon.
• Minnesota Street along the school is a loading zone only.  You will not be allowed to park and exit your vehicle here. This area will be for pulling up and immediately dropping off your student in the morning, or pulling up to allow them to enter the vehicle while picking up in the afternoon.
• The area along the blacktop in front of the playground on 11th will remain a bus zone only. Vehicles are not permitted to park or load in this area. 
• We also ask, if possible, to keep the traffic flow on Minnesota heading north. We prefer vehicles that do not drive south and stop in the middle of the road to drop off their student(s), leaving them to cross the road in front of oncoming traffic. If traffic only flows north, we can avoid this safety hazard by using the designated loading zone on the same side of the street as the school.
• Jefferson Traffic Flow/Parking Map

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures:

Supervision on the blacktop begins at 7:30 AM. Students should arrive no earlier than 7:30 am. At 7:30 am, students may arrive the blacktop and go to their classroom line-up spots. The first bell rings at 7:40 am, where students will enter the building with their teachers and classes. Students are expected to be in their classrooms at 7:45 am when the second bell rings. Any students arriving late should be dropped off at door 1 and the student will be let in to the office to check in and receive a late pass. Parents/Guardians can say goodbye to their students outside of the building at door 1.

Students will be dismissed at 2:45 pm and all adults picking up students should remain on the blacktop away from the pavement pad next to the door. Teachers will bring your students to their line-up spots on the blacktop to meet you. Please stand behind the cones that will be put out.

If a parent/guardian is visiting Jefferson Elementary, they must ring the doorbell to be let in through the office. Do not enter the building when students are entering or leaving the building. Parents are not permitted to walk students to their classrooms.

Jefferson PTO

Stay informed and involved by joining our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Our next meeting is on Monday, December 1st at 5:00 PM in the media center and all are welcome! Check out their Facebook page here. 

The PTO plays a vital role in supporting our students through various events and activities, including field trips, Opera for the Young, and school events. We’d love to see you there and share how you can help make a difference!

Upcoming Jefferson EventsNovember

• 11/11-11/18 - Book Fair at Jefferson
• 11/14 - PTO Movie Night @ Jefferson
• 11/26-11/28 - No School | Thanksgiving Break

December

• 12/1 - PTO Meeting in the Library Media Center @ 5:00 PM
• 12/3 - Jefferson Holiday Treasures Night 
• 12/22 - 01/01 - Winter Break

Parent/Guardian Resources:

• Parenting the Love and Logic Way 
• Free Immunization Clinic (English)
• Free Immunization Clinic (Swahili)
• Tri-County Dental - LINK for more information regarding the Robert Class Focus on the Children program at Tri-County Dental that provides free dental care to qualified students right here at Jefferson via Tri-County Dental's mobile clinic.

Community Events

• Please see this link for community events.

 

Volunteer Reminders

As a reminder, if you are interested in volunteering by helping in your child's classroom or chaperoning a field trip, you must have a pre-approved volunteer application on file before the volunteering event. Applications are good for 3 years, and are effective for all OASD schools. You can find the application HERE.

Important!: Once you have completed your application, let the office know so that we can request that the application be processed; this does not happen automatically, and can take up to 48 hours, so please plan accordingly! 

Important Information

Jefferson Elementary 2025-2026 Handbook