Message from Principal:

Happy almost–winter break, JDES families!

I hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying the excitement this season brings. As we move into our final week before the holidays, I want to express how proud I am of our students and staff. December is always a busy month, and our Panthers continue to show kindness, hard work, and joy in everything they do.

A quick heads-up: the beginning of next week is expected to be bitterly cold, so please be sure students come to school with warm coats, hats, and gloves. We want everyone to stay safe and comfortable as temperatures drop.

To celebrate the season and keep spirits bright, we’re planning a fun Spirit Week for all students and staff. We hope this brings a little extra cheer into the building each day!

 Spirit Week: Countdown to Winter Break!

✨ Monday – “Shine Bright Monday”
Celebrate the spirit of Hanukkah by wearing something that glows, sparkles, or shines in blues, whites, or silvers!

💚 Tuesday – “Grinch Day”
Wear anything (or everything!) green!

🔔 Wednesday – “Jingle Bell Day”
Bring the holiday cheer and wear all your festive bling!

😓 Thursday – “Don’t Sweat the Holidays”
Get comfy in your sweats—holiday-themed sweats encouraged!

🎄 Friday – “Ugly Sweater Day”
Wear your favorite ugly holiday sweater. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are grateful for our amazing community and look forward to a joyful week ahead. Wishing everyone a wonderful, restful winter break beginning December 19th!  Happiest holidays to you all!

Students on Tracks 1 and 3 will return to school Monday, January 5th, 2026.

Warmest wishes this holiday season,
Caroline Godwin, Principal

Updates For This Week:

Please take a moment to read the PTA December Newsletter linked here.

Panera Flyer - Spirit Night Dec. 17th 
December 17th from 4:00-8:00pm

JDES Open House 25-26 

Reminders:

• Traffic Reminder - Carpool participants are asked not to block businesses, neighborhoods, entrances, and exits.  Please help us ensure our neighbors are not blocked during arrival and dismissal carpool.  We truly appreciate your assistance.

• If your child is not going to ride an outside provider bus home, please make sure the provider and the teacher are aware to ensure safety and avoid miscommunication with transportation.  This includes YMCA, Kids Ed, and Big Blue Marble.

• Volunteer applicaions with WCPSS must have been updated by October 31, 2025.  If your application was not updated, you will be required to complete a new application.  See this link for more information.

• Cold and flu season is upon us. If your student is not feeling well, please email the attendance email and keep them home until they are fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medicine.  This will help all students stay healthy!

• If you know of a family member or friend with a rising kindergartener, the registration window is now open.  Tell your friends and families to complete the online application.  Registration has begun for the 2026-2027 school year!

• Please consider following Jones Dairy on our social media sites.  Click on this link for QR codes to our Facebook and Instagram accounts.

• When submitting an absence to the attendance email, attendance453@wcpss.net, please include in the subject line your student's full name, track and teacher.  Remember to include the reason for the absence and/or attach your doctor's note for documentation.

• Exciting news!  2025-2026 Yearbooks are for sale!  Don't miss out on the early bird special!  More information to order your child's yearbook is at the following link:  https://tinyurl.com/bdhp7z8y