Joan Austin Jaguar Family Update

August 23, 2021

Para leer en un idioma que no sea inglés, abra el boletín haciendo clic en él. En el lado derecho, debajo de "Accessibility", haga clic en "Translate Newsletter" (traducir boletín informativo) y elija su idioma.

(To read in a language other than English, open the newsletter by clicking on it. On the right side under "Accessibility" click "Translate Newsletter", and choose your language.)

Principal's Message

As we get close to the start of school, I wanted to welcome all of you returning families back to school and to all those that are new to Joan Austin! We are VERY excited to welcome you to the Jaguar family!

We love our students and families at Joan Austin. In addition to teaching them academics, we also recognize how important it is to think about the whole student. Coming off the year we have had, showing the students we love them, and value them, and that they are welcome and in a safe place is very important to all of us.

We are excited to welcome our students back to school in person this year. In order to accomplish this, the district is going to be sure to follow all OHA and ODE requirements. At this time that includes...

Social distancing of 3 feet in all areas (6 feet distancing in cafeteria)
Requiring masks in school for staff and students
Keeping students home if they have colds (this is standard school practice, but even more important in the era of covid)
Greeting students as they enter school, visual health check, and providing hand sanitizer

While I tried to get as much information out in this newsletter as I could think of, it is likely that I didn’t get all of your questions answered. We will be providing additional communication as we approach the start of the school year.

We can’t wait to see you and your students in a few short days!

With gratitude,

Jen Bailey,

Joan Austin Principal

School Hours

School hours for all students K-5 are 8:00 - 2:40 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 9:00 - 2:40 on Wednesdays. As part of our safety protocols, all school doors will remain closed and locked until 7:50. Students will begin entering the building at 7:50 (8:50 on Wednesdays).

First Day Of School

The first day of school for K-5 graders is Wednesday, September 8th. The first day of school will be a regular start time at 8:00. Even though it is a Wednesday and normally we start at 9:00, the first day of school WILL NOT BE A LATE START WEDNESDAY. Please have students at school by 8:00.

Class Lists

Class lists will be emailed out on September 1st. Teachers and staff spend hours in the Spring and Fall creating class lists. We recognize that it is not always possible for students to be in the class with the friend or teacher they were hoping for. If that is the case for you please consider it an opportunity for your student and family to grow from new opportunities.

Supply Night

One of the questions I have been asked is about Supply Night. At this point, we are not able to bring that many people together at one time. Luckily this year Newberg School District has committed to purchasing school supplies for our students. Our staff is working on new ways to welcome our students to the start of the school year. There will be many staff supporting on the first days of school to be sure students all get to the right places.

Communication

Communication: We have multiple ways to communicate with parents. It is vital to be sure to have your email and phone numbers correct in our system in order to get these communications.

In addition please follow Joan Austin on Facebook and Instagram (@joanaustinjaguars) as you will find lots of information there as well as pictures and videos of all the great stuff happening at school. Classroom teachers will also have systems to communicate with you such as SeeSaw and Remind. As you get this information from your teachers be sure to sign up for these apps to stay connected. Of course, emails and phone calls with questions are alway encouraged as well.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Drop off and pick up: It is very important to follow a specific process in order to make drop off and pick up a SAFE, smooth, and calm experience for all. There are LOTS of people and cars that come to school during this time. If you drop off or pick up your student in a car we ask that you use the drop-off and pick up lane and pull as far forward as you can. There will be lots of staff directing you where to stop. We ask that you STAY IN YOUR CAR in the drop-off and pick-up lane. Staff will bring your student to you in your car. We understand that it takes a while to get the procedures down. Please help all of our students stay safe by following the safety rules.

Admin/Secretary/Counselor Contact Info

Office:
Mrs. Bailey, Principal – baileyj@newberg.k12.or.us
Mrs. Hyatt, Counselor – hyattm@newberg.k12.or.us

Mrs. Anita, Head Secretary - lefflera@newberg.k12.or.us

Ms. Benham, Secretary – benhamm@newberg.k12.or.us

Mrs. Woodruff, Bilingual Secretary - woodruffl@newberg.k12.or.us

Call the Office: 503-554-4550.
The office is open from 7 am to 3:30 pm each day. If it goes to voice mail, please leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as possible.