It’s that time, parents! Time to get those school supplies ready. Here’s what 1st through 4th grade students will need…

This list is for all teachers for the 2012-2013 school year. All students must have a 3-ring communication binder with 6 dividers. Please replace items as needed. Thank you!

Math and Language Arts (grades 1 – 4)

• 2 packs of sharpened #2 pencils Grades 1-4
• 2 erasers 1-4
• 1 gluestick or glue 1-4
• 1 pair of scissors 1-4
• 1 red pen 1-4
• 2 erasable black pens for 2-4
• 1 12 in. wooden ruler with customary and metric markings 1-4
• 1 thin, flat plastic pencil holder 1-4
• 1 inexpensive calculator for 3/ 4
• 1 box of 24 crayons 1-4
• 1 box of markers 1-4
• 1 box of 24 crayons 1-4
• 1 box of markers 1-4
• 1 lightweight backpack, which will fit in your locker 1-4
• 1 highlighter 1-4
• 1 box of colored pencils for 3/4
• 1 spiral notebook for 1/2
• 2 spiral notebooks for 3/ 4
• 1 two inch binder for 3/4
• 1 pack of divider tabs for 3/4
• 2 packs of index cards for 1-4
• 2 packs of posted notes for 1-4
• 1 pencil sharpener for 1-4

For Science (grades 1 – 4) and Social Studies (grades 1 – 3):

• 2 spiral notebooks 1/2/3
• 1 spiral notebook 4
• 1 folder with pockets 1/2/4
• 2 folders with pockets 3
• 1 package of pencils 1/2/3/4
• 1 pack of index cards 1/2/3/4
• 1 package of looseleaf paper 3/4

For Social Studies (grade 4):

• 1” 3-ring binder
• Looseleaf paper
• pencils

For Spanish (grades 1 – 4):

• Paper folder (NOT glossy) with brads and pockets
• Composition book (sewn type)
• Scotch tape
• 3×5 index cards

(Donations of old magazines would be greatly appreciated.)

For Computer Class:

• 1 Flash drive anywhere from 256MB to 1GB or more.

It’s that time, parents! Time to get those school supplies ready. Here’s what Prek-K students will need:

• Box of  Crayola crayons in 16 basic colors; large “fat” size crayons

• Crayola washable large markers in basic colors

• Bottles of Elmer’s washable white glue

• 2 large glue sticks

• Pair of child size Fiskar scissors (this kind works the best) either blunt or point blades

• 2 primary “fat” pencils

• Two zipper fabric pouches about 6 x 8 inches. These are used for organizing supplies.

• Complete change of clothes including socks in a plastic zip lock bag.

Please label everything!  These items are to be left at school in the child’s cubby.

 It’s that time, parents! Time to get those school supplies ready. Here’s what TK students will need…

• Box of  Crayola crayons in 16 basic colors

• Crayola washable large markers in 16 basic colors

• 2 large bottles of Elmer’s washable white glue

• 4 large glue sticks

• Pair of child size Fiskar scissors (this kind works the best) either blunt or point blades

• Box of colored pencils

• 2 primary “fat” pencils

• Two zipper fabric pouches about 6 x 8 inches. These are used for organizing supplies.

• Complete change of clothes in a plastic zip lock bag.

These items are to be left at school in the child’s cubby.     PLEASE  LABEL  EVERYTHING!

It’s that time, parents! Time to get those school supplies ready. Here’s what kindergarten students will need…

1. A sturdy zippered pencil case (a zippered bank bag works well). Please do not purchase the small tubular type. They are too small.

2. At least 4 regular pencils (sharpened) and a couple of erasers (NO TOY ERASERS!) The pink erasers work best.

3. Safety scissors your child can work comfortably (Fiskars scissors work very well).

4. A box of 24 Crayola crayons. Please do not bring more than 24! (To prevent your child’s crayon from being lost, write your child’s first name on each crayon.)

NOTE: Items 2, 3, & 4 should be the only items in the zippered pencil case.

5. 4 oz. bottle of Elmer’s white glue (not the blue glue)

6. Another zippered pencil bag to hold:

•  8 large wide tip Crayola markers

•  8 thin tip Crayola markers

REMEMBER: Please label all supplies. First name (or initials) on each crayon and marker, please!

7. Two coloring or activity books to use during homeroom.

PLEASE: NO BACKPACKS, JEWELRY, OR TOYS. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

It’s that time, parents! Time to get those school supplies ready. Here’s what 5th through 8th grade students will need…

All students must have a 3-ring communication binder with 6 dividers.

Science

• Sewn composition book
• Pencils/pens
• Folder with pockets
• Scotch tape

Language Arts

• 3-ring binder
• College-ruled looseleaf paper
• Pencils
• Single-subject notebook (for journal)

Social Studies

• 1” 3-ring binder
• Looseleaf paper
• Pencils

Math

• Inexpensive calculator (more details when we have hired a math teacher)

Spanish

5^th grade:

• Paper folder (NOT glossy) with brads and pockets
• Composition book
• Scotch tape
• 3×5 index cards

6^th – 8^th grades:

• Composition book
• Scotch tape
• Dry erase marker and eraser
• 3×5 index cards

**Donations of old magazines would be greatly appreciated**

Art

• Sketchbook (approx. 8.5 x 11 or 9 x 12,) spiral or sewn binding

Students may bring the following if they wish to use their own supplies – be sure to label:

• Colored pencils (large variety of colors, 24-48 ct. +)
• Sharpies – fine point and very fine point (lg. multi-colored pkg., plus a few extra black ones)
• Scissors
• 12 inch ruler

The following items are always needed in art class.  If you wish to donate any of them, we will be very appreciative.

• Scotch tape
• Dry-erase Markers
• Scotch double-sided tape
• Elmer’s Glue
• Copy/printer paper
• Package of baby wipes
• Clorox wipes
• Tissues

Computer

• 1 Flash drive anywhere from 256MB to 1GB or more.

Bullying has been in the news a lot lately and therefore has risen to the forefront of parent’s minds. The recent stories of suicides due to bullying are quite distressing and parents are wondering what they can do to equip their child to be adequately prepared in the event of bullying.

A bully can turn something like going to the bus stop or lunchtime into a nightmare for kids. Being bullied can leave deep emotional scars that last for a lifetime.

It’s important to take bullying very seriously and not just shrug it off as something that kids have to “tough out” or deal with on their own. The effects can be serious and damage kids’ sense of self-worth and overall confidence.

If your child is being bullied, there are ways to help him or her deal with it. And even if bullying isn’t happening to your child right now, it’s important to have a discussion about it so your kids will know how to handle themselves.

Here’s an excellent article from the Mayo Clinic to help you help your child handle a bully. And remember, let your child know you are on his side and will help him through this. This will go a long way in helping him or her deal with bullying.

A place for everything and everything in its place.

We’ve all heard this familiar saying before. It’s true. There is a place for everything and everything should have its place. However, this may not be true in your home right now. Clutter is king and you feel like overthrowing the throne!

Well, there is good news. There truly are some simple ways to help you get organized and stay organized! It may take a little getting used to these ideas, but give yourself some time. You’ll be amazed at the transformation when these tips become routine!

1. Assign a place for books, backpacks, & lunchboxes to go. Teach your kids to always put them in that spot. This way you can avoid hearing, “I can’t find my backpack!”

2. Before bedtime, have a clean-up time! Make sure everybody puts things where they belong. Clothes are laid out for school & homework is packed in backpack for next day.

3. Create a big family calendar in a central location. This way everybody can see what everyone is doing and there are no surprises!

4. Make a chore list for each child. Have your child check their chore list daily and complete required tasks!

5. Go through closets monthly and get rid of or donate clothes that no longer fit.  Closets will stay  more organized and less stuffed!

6. Finally, communicate to your family that you are a team and you work together as a team to keep the house running smoothly! This means doing your part to keep it organized.

These are just a few ways to help you organize your kids. There are many good resources out there on the internet! Take one step at time and eventually you’ll get the chaos under control!

Summertime is in full swing and we hope all our JRA families are enjoying it to the fullest!  Many of you are traveling to your favorite summer destinations and enjoying the time together as a family.

Traveling with kids can be fun but also a little overwhelming. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or something else,  traveling with kids requires a little more attention to detail when getting ready for your trip. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can reduce those travel hassles so you can focus on the fun!

Check out these helpful tips for traveling with kids. Be safe and enjoy your travels this summer!

Let’s face it…students need time to recharge their batteries and regroup after a busy and demanding academic year! They need to time to play, sleep in, and relax.

Yet, we don’t want them to lose what they’ve learned during the school year. Does this mean you keep crackin’ the books all summer and make everyone in the house miserable so they don’t fall behind?

No! There are ways to keep your child learning and loving it through the summer!  Here are 3 simple ways to keep your child’s brain sharp and help them hold on to what they’ve learned throughout the school year.

Display Your Own Love of Learning

If your kids see you learning and loving it, they will want to do it as well! Kids love to do what mom and dad are doing. If you are learning a new skill or hobby, talk about it with them and include them if you can.

Look for Daily Opportunities of Learning

Find ways to teach your child math and reading skills without them even knowing it! For example, ask your child to add up how much you’ll save with coupons or  have her measure ingredients for a recipe. Ask him to read a magazine to you while you cook or clean. Track the weather and temperature every day. Find different types of flowers when you go to the park. There are  many ways to be creative so keep on the look out for the chance to stimulate young minds!

Go to the Library

This is a GREAT way to encourage your child to keep reading! Let them choose books they like and keep them reading all summer long. Also, encourage them to check out a book they may not normally check out and read it together. Maybe it’s a book about science or a history book, but read it together and learn together!

Raise your hand if you would like to hear children use the words “please” and “thank you” more frequently? We would! We here at JRA  think manners are really important. We work hard to instill social manners into our students!

We believe it’s important to teach our students how to behave appropriately in social situations with respect and manners. We would like to share a few pointers with you to help you raise  mannerly children.

Model Good Manners

Children often do what we do, not what we tell them to do —so be sure to model good manners for them! When a child sees his parents being considerate and thoughtful, it will rub off!

Rehearse Good Manners

Help your child practice good manners. Ask your child what to do in certain situations, i.e. “What do you say if someone asks how you are doing?” Practicing and reinforcing good manners helps prepare your child in advance.

Praise Your Child for Using Good Manners

Recognize when your child is using good manners and praise them for doing so! Compliment her by specifically repeating what she did, i.e. “I love the way you said thank you to the waitress when she gave you your milk.”

Teach Polite Words

Teach your little ones all about polite words. Here’s a great list!

• Please
• Thank you
• You are welcome
• Excuse me
• I’m sorry
• Greetings/Farewells

We hope this helps you with teaching manners to your kids. Respect and courtesy go a long way!