Teamwork makes the dream work! Our third graders have worked hard in Writer’s Workshops this year, under the watchful and supportive direction of our third grade team, to improve upon their writing, in anticipation of their WVGSA writing assessment this week. During this session, the students collaborated together to create a well-written personal narrative. We are very proud of their focus and commitment to perfecting their writing! Well done, Third Grade! 📝
Braylon Shultz is showing us what perseverance, commitment and dedication looks like. He was nominated for a Positive Office Referral by his teacher, who shared that Braylon has been working on his writing, during his free time. Braylon wants to improve with his writing, adding details, citing evidence and defending his opinions in his writing. How impressive is that!? I am positive that Braylon is going to reach his goals and I’m just happy that I have the honor of witnessing it! Fantastic work, Braylon! 💛💜
Third grader, Dylan Michaels, received a Positive Office Referral from his teacher for comforting a classmate who was having a rough time. Dylan immediately came to the aid of the other student and helped. These are the types of moments that we love to see at SJES—-our students showing kindness, respect and compassion to others. Without being asked. Without any hopes of anything in return. Just putting good out into the world. Well done, Dylan! We are proud of you! 💛💜
Our third graders in Mrs. Hipp’s and Miss Potts’ classes took their learning to another level this week. The students were investigating and applying their knowledge of area by “mapping” the area of farm animals, using our hallways! Check it out!
Mrs. Nedorostek’s 4th grade class has been participating in a postcard exchange with other schools in the United States. As part of this program, they’ve been learning about other states and schools. Congratulations to Riley Thomas, whose postcard design was selected to be SJES’ representation in this project. Our fourth graders will color Riley’s design and send out a note to other schools in the nation. So cool!
JCS Update: Jefferson County Schools is experiencing internet and phone outages today, April 11, 2025. We are working with our service provider to resolve the issue. If you are unable to reach your student's school, please use the alternative school phone numbers: https://www.jcswv.org/page/secondary-numbers
South Jefferson's own Ms. Mahoney is the 2025 Jefferson County Schools Administrator of the Year!
She builds strong relationships with students, staff, and families, encouraging open communication and celebrating successes. She believes education extends beyond the classroom and works to ensure students feel valued and supported. Ms. Mahoney leads by example with a hands-on approach, stepping in wherever needed from greeting students at bus drop-off to mentoring staff. Having worked in nearly every role within the school, she understands the importance of teamwork and is deeply committed to creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment. Under her leadership, SJE hosts events that bring the school and community together, including fun runs, movie nights, and after-school programs. She is a strong supporter of PTO initiatives and enrichment activities that extend learning beyond the school day.
Through her commitment and leadership, Ms. Mahoney has made SJE a place where students thrive, staff feel supported, and families stay connected.
Second grader, Colton Miranda, was nominated by all three 2nd grade ECCATS for his responsible and respectful leadership in the cafeteria. He follows the rules and encourages his fellow classmates to do the same. He is always leading by example and they wanted to recognize him for his character and manners. Way to go, Colton! 💜💛
Kate Magaha, 4th grader at SJES, was nominated by her teacher for a Positive Office Referral. Kate is the type of student that sees something that needs to be done and she tackles it herself. She recently straightened up and put away materials that others had left behind, making sure the classroom was tidied up and safe. She is always the first one to help others with a task or to assist someone who may need a bit of encouragement or support. Kate—-you are EXACTLY the type of student that we love to have at SJES! Thank you for all that you do! 💜💛
Happy Assistant Principals Week to Mrs. Duggan, our energetic, enthusiastic and awesome AP at SJES. What exactly does an Assistant Principal do? The better question, in this case, is what DOESN’T Mrs. Duggan do? From the moment she was hired, she put in the work, organizing every Chromebook in the school, rearranging furniture, painting the front sidewalk, scrubbing the entrance mat, helping with class lists and painting classrooms. That was just in her first summer. She manages technology, SAT meetings, attendance and everything in between. Although this is her first year with us, it feels like she’s been a part of our team and family forever. Thank you, Mrs. Duggan, for bringing your energy, passion, dedication and your fun to SJES! We are grateful for you! 💜💛
Fourth grader, Dylan Brick, was nominated for a Positive Office Referral by his teacher for choosing to rise above a situation when it happened. When a fellow classmate was disrespectful, Dylan ignored it, chose to remain respectful and to lead by example. His teacher wanted him to know that SHE noticed and now WE can all celebrate Dylan and the respectful choices he makes. Well done, Dylan! That’s what leadership looks like! We are very proud of you! 🤩
Please don’t forget about our annual SJES Food Drive to support Jefferson County Community Ministries! Our last day to collect is this Thursday. The class that brings in the most items will get an extra recess! Last year, we donated over 1,000 pounds of food. Let’s see if we can top that this year!
Marion Grantham was nominated for a Positive Office Referral by her teacher for always being one of the first to jump in and help others. She is kind and comes to school every day, ready to learn. Thank you for being an exemplary role model for all of us, Marion! We are proud that you are an SJES Roadrunner! 💛💜
“Let nature be your teacher.”
William Wordsworth
It was 4th grade’s turn to visit Cool Spring Preserve and to conduct their watershed lessons together this week. It was a beautiful day and a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our watershed and the impact we have on the waterways throughout our area. They planted a tree to commemorate the visit and to positively impact the environment. As always, we appreciate Cool Spring Preserve for their generosity and partnership. 🌎🍃🌳
JCS Families: Please read this important attendance update from Superintendent Bishop: https://jcs.edurooms.com/engage/jefferson-county-schools/newsletters/attendance-update-from-dr-bishop
“Time in nature is not a luxury. It is a necessity. And we must give our children time to explore, discover, and get to know the world, which brings endless delights and lessons that never cease.” -Ainsley Arment
We love our relationship with Cool Spring Nature Preserve! Our kindergarten classes visited them this week and had so much fun investigating and exploring the beauty of the natural world. It’s such a valuable experience, to expand beyond the four walls of a classroom and bring the outdoors to our students.
Our annual Food Drive is here!
March 31st - April 10th
As part of our relationship with our community, South Jefferson is going to collect food and other important items for Jefferson County’s Community Ministries food pantry. We will be working with Cub Scout Troop 420 to collect as many items as possible. You may begin to send in items on Monday, March 31st.
Items that are needed:
o Canned foods (soup, vegetables, fish, chicken, fruit, beans, stew, etc.) Better to have cans that do NOT require a can opener---cans with “pop tops”
o Peanut butter and jelly
o Syrup, boxed Pancake mix
o Pasta, spaghetti sauce (plastic bottles preferred)
o Rice
o Applesauce
o Shelf stable milk
o Granola bars, cereal bars, cereal
o Boxed foods (meals in a box, mac & cheese,
o Toiletries/hygiene products (toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc)
o Baby items (diapers, wipes)
o Pet food
Thank you for your support of Jefferson County Community Ministries and South Jefferson Elementary!
April's Menu
We are heading into the home stretch for yearbooks! The final sale date is quickly approaching---this is the final week to purchase one! There will be no extras ordered, so if you're interested, now is the time to do it!
Purchase online at ybpay.Lifetouch.com
Code: 11890125
The online price is $22
You can also order with cash or checks made payable to SJES.
Thank you!
We have amazing students in our school and these three young men are shining examples of the good things happening at SJES every day. Elijah Kauffman, Owen Simon and Cayleb Shade were all recipients of Positive Office Referrals. They were nominated for helping others, having growth mindsets, showing kindness and bringing positive energy to our school. Well done! 💜💛
