NewsFlash | Early Release, Teacher Appreciation, and Study Buddy Volunteers Needed

Posted on by Cyndi O'Neil

Thanks to the Jamboree co-chairs–Tiffany Chenery and Anna Misenheimer–all the wonderful parent volunteers and Joyner staff who kept the night fun and safe for all. Got Jamboree pics? Send them to joyneryearbook@gmail.com for consideration for the yearbook! Please send “actual size” photos.

 

Early Release and Teacher Appreciation This Friday – “You Are FaBOOlous!”

This Friday is an Early Release day. School will let out at 12:30 pm. It’s also a teacher appreciation day, and of the theme for this day is “You are FaBOOlous!” Students are invited to bring their teachers and staff representative a special treat that will make them feel faBOOlous! (giftcards to favorite food/drink/sweet treat, etc.). Click here to remind yourself which staff members your child’s class is responsible for celebrating!

 

Study Buddy Volunteers Needed

Do you have 15-30 minutes a week to share with a student who will benefit greatly from a little extra help with school work? If you are looking for a wonderful volunteer opportunity at Joyner, Study Buddies needs you! Join us for an informational meeting on Thursday, Nov. 8, at 8 a.m. in the media center to learn more. Time slots will be varied between early morning, lunch and afternoon. Instead of sitting in carpool waiting for school to get out, come inside and read with a student in need of a little more academic encouragement! The goal is to match adults and students for the remainder of the year. Parents, grandparents and friends are welcome, just please be sure to register as a WCPSS volunteer. No prior teaching experience needed. You can sign up on the 8th for a time slot that works for your schedule. Study Buddies is not only a great way to help support academic growth at Joyner, but to help our kids reach their full potential as learners. If you are interested, please email Kate Parke at kparke24@gmail.com.

Odyssey of the Mind needs several 3rd, 4th, or 5th graders!

The great news: Joyner is fielding THREE Division 1 teams this year!
The opportunity: Two of these teams need a couple of additional members who can meet weekly on Sunday afternoons around 4:00 p.m. between November and March.

Join our Odyssey! It’s a blast, and sure to develop your child’s creative thinking skills while they make new friends. Email us at joynerom@gmail.com ASAP if your child is interested in participating.

 

JYJ Science Olympiad Parent Info Sessions – THIS MORNING and Thursday afternoon

Does your kid love learning and experimenting with science? Is she curious about volcanoes, plants, space, nutrition, forensics, math, animals, fossils, earthquakes, energy or weather? Would he enjoy building a rocket, a roller-coaster, a tower out of duct tape or a bridge out of pasta? If so, then we would love to tell you more about how to get involved with our award winning Science Olympiad team! Come to one of two short parent information sessions:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 18, 8:30-9:00 a.m. in the Media Center
  • Thursday, Oct. 19, 5:30–5:50 p.m. in the Media Center

These are identical sessions so parents only need to attend one. New and returning families are welcome. Kids can attend, but this meeting will be geared toward parents. There will also be an information session for the kids. Interested 3rd – 5th graders can learn more on Monday, Oct. 23, from 3:30-4:00 p.m in the Media Center. Stay tuned for more info. Questions? Click to email Jen Schrage or call 919-602-2432.

 

New Joyner Hub for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Being a parent of a child with special needs can feel isolating. Have you ever walked the hallways of Joyner, wondering if you are alone in your unique challenges? Do you wonder how to identify other parents of children with special needs at Joyner, in order to share information and experiences? Our new Special Education Hub was designed just for you. It can help you connect with and support other parents and share resources too. Parents and educators are welcome. This hub won’t serve to answer specific IEP or 504 questions but can be a great way to feel more connected and to communicate general information. Click here to join. During October, Wake County Public Schools acknowledges Disability History and Awareness Month. We will be sharing links and resources to promote awareness and acceptance of unique abilities each week of October. 

 

Congrats to our Dance Party Winners!

Congratulations to Ms. Piner’s class for winning the PTA membership drive contest with almost 80% of families joining the PTA! Ms. Piner and her students will get to celebrate their accomplishment with a highly sought-after prize: a dance party with Ms. Zezza.

Grade-level bragging rights go to:

  • 1st – Munster
  • 2nd – Ferrell
  • 3rd – Cameron
  • 4th – Jones
  • 5th – Lancaster

Many thanks to all who have joined the PTA! Having an increasing number of PTA members gives us — and the Wake and NC PTA — a stronger platform to advocate for all of our children and teachers. When our school is faced with issues like class size restrictions and other challenges, it’s important that our PTA organizations be able to demonstrate how many voices they represent through PTA membership. It’s not too late to join — just go to https://jyj.memberhub.com/dues. We promise you won’t be obligated as a volunteer!

 

Spanish Dance Performances Tomorrow

Get ready to be wow’ed! The first round of Spanish dancing for the year will take place tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. Students who are dancing should have already received a permission slip. The following grade levels are performing this time, and all classes well perform at some point during the year.

  • 1st grade – Oñate/Bell
  • 2nd grade – Oñate/Bell
  • 3rd grade – Oñate/Bell/Durette
  • 4th grade – Oñate/Durette
  • 5th grade – Oñate/Bell

 

Quick School Meals Survey from Wake County

Happy National School Lunch Week! NCPTA, the Wake County PTA Council, and child nutrition services are interested in learning more from parents about school meals here in Wake County. We are all invested in working together to improve, strengthen, and reimagine school meals in Wake County this year, and we are starting the process with a brief survey: Click here. This should take only 2-3 minutes of your valuable time.

 

Broughton Strategic Planning Informational Meeting

Broughton High School is holding a strategic planning informational meeting tomorrow night, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. in the Broughton High School Diane Payne Auditorium. Broughton High School: the Next Five Years and Beyond… will feature Principal Elena Ashburn outlining her strategic vision for BHS’s future. The program will also showcase BHS’s top organizations instrumental in helping support that vision: the Capital Foundation, Academic Boosters, PTSA, and Caps Club. Audience will include stakeholders interested in BHS’s future — current, future and former parents, students, grandparents, friends, neighbors and community members.

 

Kendra Scott Gives Back Event on Dec. 5

Love jewelry? Save your Kendra Scott Wish List for a holiday shopping event at the North Hills store to benefit Joyner PTA on Dec. 5 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Spread the word to friends and family, as Joyner will receive 20% back from all purchases. Plus the class with the most purchases will win a set of Kendra Scott jewelry for their teacher.

Free Resilience Film Screenings Explore Childhood Stress

There are several free screening times available to see Resilience, a 60-minute film directed by James Redford about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on health, quality of life, economics and education. Research shows ACEs are common, they affect all socioeconomic levels, and their lifelong impact on health and well-being is significant. “The child may not remember, but the body remembers.”

View this highly acclaimed film to learn what ACEs are, how they increase the likelihood of disease and illness, and how together we as a community can mitigate the impact of ACEs for Wake County residents.

  • Wake County PTA is hosting a screening at the Cary Theater on Monday, Nov. 20, at 7:00 pm. Tickets are free but required. Click here to reserve.
  • Advocates for Health in Action and Marbles Kids Museum are hosting monthly screenings through February. Click here for more information and to register.

 

Quick Links

Calendar Items

  • Oct. 18: Science Olympiad parent info session #1, 8:30-9:00 am, Media Center
  • Oct. 19: Science Olympiad parent info session #2, 5:30-5:50 pm, Media Center
  • Oct. 20: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 23: Science Olympiad student info session, 3-4 pm
  • Oct. 31: Teacher workday (no school)
  • Nov. 6: Special Education Open House, 5:30-8 pm, Martin Middle School
  • Nov. 9: Science-Go-Round
  • Nov. 10: Holiday (no school)
  • Nov. 16: JY Joyner Foundation Dance-a-Thon
  • Nov. 21: Early release day
  • Nov. 22: Teacher workday (no school)
  • Nov. 23-24: Holiday (no school)
  • Dec. 1: Classroom spelling bees
  • Dec. 4-8: Book Fair and Hour of Code
  • Dec. 5: Kendra Scott Gives Back Event, 4:30-7:30 pm, North Hills Shopping Center
  • Dec. 7: Picture re-takes

The NewsFlash is produced (almost) every week by the Joyner PTA communications chair. Have an announcement to include in a future edition of the NewsFlash? Submit your article via this form. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pta_joyner.

NewsFlash | Meet and Greet with Principal Zezza, Jamboree Volunteers, and Science Olympiad

Posted on by Cyndi O'Neil

Don’t forget to re-link your Harris Teeter VIC card to benefit the Joyner PTA with every purchase at no cost to you! Also shop Amazon.com through Amazon Smile and Amazon will donate part of the price of eligible purchases to the Joyner PTA.

 

Meet and Greet with Principal Zezza Tomorrow

The Joyner PTA is pleased to host two meet & greet sessions to welcome our new principal tomorrow, Oct. 12. Join us in the media center to hear from Ms. Zezza and help her get to know the Joyner family a little better. The first session is from 7:15-8 a.m. and second session is from 8:30-9:15 a.m. Pick whichever time works best for you to drop in and say hello.

 

Joyner Jamboree is This Friday!

It’s that time again! The Joyner Jamboree is this Friday, Oct. 13, from 5:30-8 p.m. This annual family fun event is back with the Haunted Hallway, Climb-N-Challenge, Chick-fil-a and more! Wristbands for kids are $5 to enjoy all the fun: pay at the Jamboree or skip the line and pre-order by sending in a check (payable to JY Joyner PTA) or cash to your homeroom teacher in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and grade, or stop by the table set up just inside the front door at drop-off. Kids need wristbands; parents do not.

A Quiet Zone will be available in the alcove outside the cafeteria entrance during the Jamboree for anyone needing a break from the excitement — look for the signs on Jamboree day.

 

Jamboree Volunteers Still Needed

We need lots of help to make the annual Joyner Jamboree a success. Volunteering at the Jamboree is always a blast, so click here to sign up on MemberHub and be a part of the action! Positions are available for both youth and adult volunteers — pick one shift and then relax for the rest of the event. We are particularly looking for a few stalwart Joyner alums (hey there middle and high schoolers!) to help out in the Haunted Hallway! To volunteer for the Hallway, contact Kenia Reynard directly at skreygirls@gmail.com.

 

Only One More Day to Win a Dance Party with Principal Zezza!

New PTA memberships through TOMORROW will be counted towards the big prize: the class with the highest percentage of families joining will win a dance party with Ms. Zezza. Here is the top class so far in each grade, but things are close so it’s still anyone’s game!
  • K: Piner
  • 1: Munster
  • 2: Carroll
  • 3: Cameron
  • 4: Davis
  • 5: Lancaster (Del)
Please grab this opportunity to join the PTA (it costs just $5 per person), and contribute anything beyond that you wish — every dollar above the $5 dues stays right here to fund programs at Joyner.
  • Donate online: Just go to https://jyj.memberhub.com/dues to donate/join via credit card through MemberHub.
  • Send a check to school: Visit https://joynerpta.com/join-donate/ to download a membership form and turn it in to your child’s teacher with a check or cash. If you have issues with getting the form, please contact Ele Roberts at ele_wells@yahoo.com.
  • Donate at school: Turn in your money PTA table at school this week during morning drop-off when you get your Jamboree wrist bands.
FAQ:
Q – Does joining the PTA mean I have to attend meetings or volunteer?  
A – NO! We would love it if you did, but this is a membership drive and we simply need the numbers!  No meetings or volunteering is required.
Q – I already joined – I think.  I’m not sure!  Can you check?
A – Yes!  Email Ele at ele_wells@yahoo.com

 

Last Day for PTA Mini-Grant Applications

The JYJ PTA sets aside funds every year to help teachers, staff and specialists enhance our students’ educational experience outside of the prescribed curriculum. Mini grants have funded the installation and upkeep of a garden, class sets of books, bouncy ball desk chairs, a manga collection for the library, Spanish language counting blocks, rugs for our kindergarten classrooms and so much more. The PTA is committed to supporting this outstanding program that promotes creativity among the teaching staff and adds interesting elements to daily learning. Please encourage your child’s teachers to apply for a mini-grant if they have a need or an idea they’d like to explore. The application period closes today. Applications are available on Memberhub.

 

JYJ Science Olympiad Parent Info Sessions (3rd-5th)

Does your kid love learning and experimenting with science? Is she curious about volcanoes, plants, space, nutrition, forensics, math, animals, fossils, earthquakes, energy or weather? Would he enjoy building a rocket, a roller-coaster, a tower out of duct tape or a bridge out of pasta? If so, then we would love to tell you more about how to get involved with our award winning Science Olympiad team! Come to one of the short parent information sessions:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 18, 8:30-9:00 a.m. (Location TBD)
  • Thursday, Oct. 19, 5:30–5:50 p.m. (Location TBD)

These are identical sessions so parents only need to attend one. New and returning families are welcome. Kids can attend, but this meeting will be geared toward parents. There will also be an information session for the kids. Interested 3rd – 5th graders can learn more on Monday, Oct. 23, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. (location TBD). Stay tuned for more info. Questions? Click to email Jen Schrage or call 919-602-2432.

 

Two TEK Clubs Still Accepting Applications

TEK is still accepting Club registrations for the STEMtastic Science and Delicious Decorating clubs.
If you would like to register please contact Duval Fisher:  duval@tailoredenrichmentkids.com

Upcoming Spanish Dance Performance

Get ready to be wow’ed! The first round of Spanish dancing for the year will take place next week, Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. Students who are dancing should have already received a permission slip. The following grade levels are performing this time, and all classes well perform at some point during the year.

  • 1st grade – Oñate/Bell
  • 2nd grade – Oñate/Bell
  • 3rd grade – Oñate/Bell/Durette
  • 4th grade – Oñate/Durette
  • 5th grade – Oñate/Bell

 

Sign Up Today for New JYJ Advocacy Hub

Want to be in the know on class size legislation and more? The Joyner PTA Advocacy Committee’s role is to keep you up-to-date on state and local policy that impacts Joyner, Wake County and North Carolina. To stay in the loop, join the new Advocacy Hub on MemberHub. This hub will inform parents about relevant legislative issues and highlight areas of opportunity to advocate for underserved communities at Joyner. Joining the Hub is simple. Just log into Member Hub and choose “Join Hubs” at the top left, then click the Join button beside “Advocacy.” Joining the hub doesn’t obligate you to any volunteer roles, it just helps keep you informed about class size restrictions, school bonds and other issues impacting our public schools.

Wake County Offers Special Education Open House

This week, we continue our recognition of Disability History and Awareness month by sharing a very exciting event sponsored by the Wake County Special Education Advisory Council. The 9th annual Special Education Open House will be held on Nov. 6 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Martin Middle School. This free event grows by leaps and bounds every year! Information sessions allow attendees the opportunity to meet special education teachers and administrators and get the inside scoop on Wake County’s special education services. Don’t miss this opportunity! The Open House is only held once a year. http://wakeseac.org/open-house/. During October, Wake County Public Schools acknowledges Disability History and Awareness Month. We will be sharing links and resources to promote awareness and acceptance of unique abilities each week of October. 

 

Buy State Fair Tickets by Tomorrow to Support Joyner

Here’s yet another way your family can support Joyner and have fun doing it! Buy your State Fair tickets online in advance of the fair and use Joyner’s school code. The State Fair will donate $2 to the school for every adult ticket purchased using Joyner’s code and $1 for every child ticket. To buy your tickets, click here, then enter 456 under “Membership” at check-out. For Joyner to benefit, you must purchase your tickets online in advance of the Fair, by TOMORROW, Oct. 12.

The Robots are Coming…to Millbrook High School

Joyner students, families and staff are invited to Millbrook High School on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. -6 p.m. for their first robotics event. Thirty teams from around the state will compete. Students build a robot over an intense six-week build period. They have mentors from school and the community, and explore and apply the fields of electrical and mechanical engineering, computer programming, and marketing. Current research indicates approximately 40% of US jobs will be impacted by automation by the 2030s. Bring your kiddos and get them fired up about robotics!

 

Quick Links

Calendar Items

  • Oct. 13: Joyner Jamboree
  • Oct. 18: Science Olympiad parent info session #1, 8:30-9:00 am
  • Oct. 19: Science Olympiad parent info session #2, 5:30-5:50 pm
  • Oct. 20: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 23: Science Olympiad student info session, 3-4 pm
  • Oct. 31: Teacher workday (no school)
  • Nov. 6: Special Education Open House, 5:30-8 pm, Martin Middle School
  • Nov. 9: Science-Go-Round
  • Nov. 10: Holiday (no school)
  • Nov. 16: JY Joyner Foundation Dance-a-Thon
  • Nov. 22: Teacher workday (no school)
  • Nov. 23-24: Holiday (no school)
  • Dec. 1: Classroom spelling bees
  • Dec. 4-8: Book Fair and Hour of Code
  • Dec. 5: Kendra Scott Gives Back Event, 4:30-7:30 pm, North Hills Shopping Center
  • Dec. 7: Picture re-takes

The NewsFlash is produced (almost) every week by the Joyner PTA communications chair. Have an announcement to include in a future edition of the NewsFlash? Submit your article via this form. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pta_joyner.

NewsFlash | Jamboree Info, OM and Science Olympiad Meetings, and New Bus App

Posted on by Cyndi O'Neil

Don’t forget to send in great pics for the yearbook! Email “actual size” photos throughout the year to Tracy Robinson at joyneryearbook@gmail.com.

 

Joyner Jamboree is Next Friday!

It’s that time again! The Joyner Jamboree is next Friday, Oct. 13, from 5:30-8 p.m. This annual family fun event is back with the Haunted Hallway, Climb-N-Challenge, Chick-fil-a and more! Skip the line and pre-order your $5 wristband today. The pre-order form was sent home last week, or just send in a check (payable to JY Joyner PTA) or cash to your homeroom teacher in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and grade. Kids need wristbands; parents do not.

A Quiet Zone will be available during the Jamboree for anyone needing a break from the excitement. The location is still being determined, but look for an update next week and Quiet Zone signs on Jamboree day.

 

Sign Up to Help Out at the Jamboree

We need lots of help to make the annual Joyner Jamboree a success. Volunteering at the Jamboree is always a blast, so click here to sign up on MemberHub and be a part of the action! Positions are available for both youth and adult volunteers. If you have questions about volunteering, contact Kenia Reynard at skreygirls@gmail.com.

 

Join the PTA, Win a Dance Party with Principal Zezza!

Starting NOW through next Thursday, Oct. 12, we are doing one last push for our PTA No Fuss Fundraiser and membership drive, with an awesome prize on offer. Please join the PTA (it costs just $5 per person), and contribute anything beyond that you wish — every dollar above the $5 dues stays right here to fund programs at Joyner. THE BEST PART?? The class with the highest percentage of families joining wins a DANCE PARTY WITH MS. ZEZZA!!
  • Donate online: Just go to https://joynerpta.com/join-donate/ to donate/join via credit card through MemberHub.
  • Send a check to school: Visit https://joynerpta.com/join-donate/ to download a membership form and turn it in to your child’s teacher with a check or cash. If you have issues with getting the form, please contact Ele Roberts at ele_wells@yahoo.com.
  • Donate at school: There will be a PTA table set up at school next week during morning drop-off.
FAQ:
Q – Does joining the PTA mean I have to attend meetings or volunteer?  
A – NO! We would love it if you did, but this is a membership drive and we simply need the numbers!  No meetings or volunteering is required.
Q – I already joined – I think.  I’m not sure!  Can you check?
A – Yes!  Email Ele at ele_wells@yahoo.com

 

Last Chance to Sign up for Odyssey of the Mind (K-5th)

It’s your last chance! Registration for 2017-18 Odyssey of the Mind ends Friday, Oct. 6. OM is student-led, builds teamwork and confidence, and most importantly, it’s FUN! Click here to sign up. Questions? Email joynerom@gmail.com.

Join the JYJ Science Olympiad Team (3rd-5th)

Does your kid love learning and experimenting with science? Is she curious about volcanoes, plants, space, nutrition, forensics, math, animals, fossils, earthquakes, energy or weather? Would he enjoy building a rocket, a roller-coaster, a tower out of duct tape or a bridge out of pasta? If so, then we would love to tell you more about how to get involved with our award winning Science Olympiad team! Come to one of the short parent information sessions:

  • Thursday, Oct. 12, 8:30-8:50 a.m. (Location TBD)
  • Thursday, Oct. 19, 5:30–5:50 p.m. (Location TBD)

These are identical sessions so parents only need to attend one. New and returning families are welcome. Kids can attend, but this meeting will be geared toward parents. There will also be an information session for the kids. Interested 3rd – 5th graders can learn more on Monday, Oct. 23, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. (location TBD). Stay tuned for more info. Questions? Click to email Jen Schrage or call 919-602-2432.

 

Library Volunteers Needed 

Love books, love kids? This is the volunteer opportunity for you! Ms. Hale is helping out with the morning news so she needs extra help in the library during the morning rush. Ideally this means a daily volunteer between 8:00 and 8:30 to help the kids get their books checked out. Go here to sign up.

She could also use help checking in books and getting them back on the shelves. Books can be checked in and shelved anytime during the day. Even 15 minutes can make a big impact. Please drop in when you have a few minutes — no need to sign up for helping out with shelving books.

 

Encourage Teachers to Apply for PTA Grants for Class Needs

The JYJ PTA sets aside funds every year to help teachers, staff and specialists enhance our students’ educational experience outside of the prescribed curriculum. Mini grants have funded the installation and upkeep of a garden, class sets of books, bouncy ball desk chairs, a manga collection for the library, Spanish language counting blocks, rugs for our kindergarten classrooms and so much more. The PTA is committed to supporting this outstanding program that promotes creativity among the teaching staff and adds interesting elements to daily learning. Please encourage your child’s teachers to apply for a mini-grant if they have a need or an idea they’d like to explore. The application period is open until Oct. 11. Applications are available on Memberhub.

 

Here Comes the Bus Website and App Now Working

According to Wake County, we can now use the free bus tracking system called Here Comes the Bus, which lets you see the location of your child’s school bus on your smartphone, tablet or computer. The website and app let you know when the bus is near your stop. You might not want to rely heavily on Here Comes the Bus at first, as any kinks get ironed out! Here’s some more information from Wake County Schools:

  • You can sign up for Here Comes the Bus at https://herecomesthebus.com/ getting-started/. You will need the district code: 67500 and your student’s ID number to sign up. For your smartphone or tablet, download the Here Comes the Bus app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
  • Once activated, you can customize or edit certain features, including how the app will communicate with you (via email and/or push notifications) and the size of the notification radius.
  • WCPSS Transportation makes bus substitutions when preventative maintenance is due and in response to the management of drivers. When a substitution is made, some features of the app may not work.
  • Once you are logged into your account, the link to HCTB customer support can be found by selecting Help. Additional resources can be found there as well. Questions or concern related to bus service issues should be directed to www.wcpss.net/ transportation. For more information, go to: http://www.wcpss.net/ herecomesthebus.

 

Share Feedback on K-3 Class Size Legislation

We will be sending more information out soon about the effects of the class size legislation on Joyner. In the meantime, we wanted to remind you how to share feedback–one of those opportunities is this Friday, Oct. 6.

How can I share feedback?

Online:  You can share your feedback on Wake County’s public discussion forum. There are comment threads related to each of the new schools and other proposed assignment changes. Please provide feedback in the appropriate section.
In Person:  Wake County Public Schools will also hold two public information sessions: Oct. 6 at Holly Grove Middle School, 1401 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Grove, and Oct. 9 at the future South Garner High School campus, 8228 Hebron Church Road, Garner. Doors will open at 6 p.m.; the meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.

October is Disability History and Awareness Month

During October, Wake County Public Schools acknowledges Disability History and Awareness Month. We will be sharing links and resources to promote awareness and acceptance of unique abilities each week of October. This week, we’d like to mention an important way that the Joyner PTA helps everyone enjoy our school events throughout the year. The Quiet Zone has become an important fixture at school events like the Joyner Jamboree and Night of Nonsense to ensure that all members of our Joyner family are able to be a part of the fun at their own comfort level. The Quiet Zone is for anyone who may need a break from the excitement:  students, siblings, parents, grandparents, and guests.

 

Support Joyner with Your State Fair Ticket Purchase

Here’s yet another way your family can support Joyner and have fun doing it! Buy your State Fair tickets online in advance of the fair and use Joyner’s school code. The State Fair will donate $2 to the school for every adult ticket purchased using Joyner’s code and $1 for every child ticket. To buy your tickets, click here, then enter 456 under “Membership” at check-out. For Joyner to benefit, you must purchase your tickets online in advance of the Fair, by Thursday, Oct. 12.

Quick Links

Calendar Items

  • Oct. 6: Wake County public information session #1 on proposed enrollment changes, Holly Grove Middle School, 6:30 pm
  • Oct. 9: Wake County public information session #2, future South Garner High School campus, 8228 Hebron Church Road, Garner, 6:30 pm
  • Oct. 12: Science Olympiad parent info session #1, 8:30-8:50 am
  • Oct. 13: Joyner Jamboree
  • Oct. 19: Science Olympiad parent info session #2, 5:30-5:50 pm
  • Oct. 20: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 23: Science Olympiad student info session, 3-4 pm
  • Oct. 31: Teacher workday (no school)
  • Nov. 9: Science-Go-Round
  • Nov. 10: Holiday (no school)
  • Nov. 16: JY Joyner Foundation Dance-a-Thon

The NewsFlash is produced (almost) every week by the Joyner PTA communications chair. Have an announcement to include in a future edition of the NewsFlash? Submit your article via this form. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pta_joyner.

NewsFlash | Skate Party Tonight, Last Call for JYJ Spirit Wear, and Library Volunteers Needed

Posted on by Cyndi O'Neil

Remember! Registration for TEK clubs is this morning, Wednesday, in the JYJ Media Center at 8 a.m. Fall TEK Clubs will run for six Wednesdays from Oct. 18 – Nov. 29. Cost is $135.

 

Last Call for Joyner Spirit Wear!

Order now and hide it away for the holidays! THIS FRIDAY is the last day for Joyner Spirit Wear orders and this is the only Jagwear sale for the school year. Click to view the options: short-sleeved tee, long-sleeved tee, and sweatshirt. You can click here to download an order form.

Library Volunteers Needed – Sign Up Here

Love books, love kids? This is the volunteer opportunity for you! Ms. Hale is helping out with the morning news so she needs extra help in the library during the morning rush. Ideally this means a daily volunteer between 8:00 and 8:30 to help the kids get their books checked out. Go here to sign up.

She could also use help checking in books and getting them back on the shelves. Books can be checked in and shelved anytime during the day. Even 15 minutes can make a big impact. Please drop in when you have a few minutes — no need to sign up for helping out with shelving books.

 

Spirit Night at United Skates of America TONIGHT

Come on out tonight and show us your moves! Joyner is having a Skate Party at United Skates (2901Trawick Rd Raleigh) tonight, Sept. 27, from 6-8:30. p.m. Admission is $3.50, skate rentals are $3.50, and 100% of admission proceeds go back to the Joyner PTA.

 

Teacher and Staff Appreciation This Friday – Updated Link

Apologies for the broken link last week – please click here to find out what staff members your child’s class will be appreciating this year.

For those new to Joyner this year, rather than appreciating our teachers and staff only once a year, we provide lots of opportunities to tell them how fabulous we think they are! Every early release day is also a Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day, and each one will have a fun theme. Click here for the full year of themes (but don’t worry — we’ll give you a heads-up as they come).

The first early release of the year is this Friday, Sept. 29. The theme is Our future is so bright, we gotta wear shades! Students can use a yellow theme and write what they love about Joyner.

 

Please Be Safe at Morning Drop Off

A friendly reminder from our neighbors: The alley beside the townhouses directly across from the school on Lowden Street is a private alley. Joyner parents should not park there to drop off in the morning or use it as a cut-through. Many of us will remember the terrible incident last year when a dog was hit. Students may also be using that alley to walk to school. Please be safe!

 

Support Joyner with Your State Fair Ticket Purchase

Here’s yet another way your family can support Joyner and have fun doing it! Buy your State Fair tickets online in advance of the fair and use Joyner’s school code. The State Fair will donate $2 to the school for every adult ticket purchased using Joyner’s code and $1 for every child ticket.

To buy your tickets, click here, then enter 456 under “Membership” at check-out. For Joyner to benefit, you must purchase your tickets online in advance of the Fair, by Thursday, Oct. 12.

Odyssey of the Mind Application is Live

The online application for Odyssey of the Mind is now live, through next Monday, Oct. 2. Click here to learn about this year’s “problems” and here to apply. If you weren’t able to attend the informational meeting, email joynerom@gmail.com with any questions about the program.

 

Impact of Smaller Class Size Legislation on Joyner – Update

We received some questions this week about the impact of the class size legislation on Joyner students. To our understanding, current Joyner magnet and transfer students would not be affected by the strategies proposed to reduce Joyner’s enrollment. In future years, there may be fewer magnet slots offered to incoming students, and there may be no new transfer students accepted at the school. Click here for more details from Wake County Public Schools.

How can I share feedback?

You can share your feedback on our public discussion forum. There are comment threads related to each of the new schools and other proposed assignment changes. Please provide feedback in the appropriate section.
WCPSS staff and school board members will be monitoring this feedback and considering ways it might be included in the proposal. Questions will be answered in an FAQ that we will post on the feedback site. WCPSS will also hold two public information sessions: Oct. 6 at Holly Grove Middle School, 1401 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Grove, and  Oct. 9 at the future South Garner High School campus, 8228 Hebron Church Road, Garner. Doors will open at 6 p.m.; the meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.

What is the timeline? 

After reviewing all parent feedback gathered online and at public meetings, WCPSS staff will make adjustments to the proposal. These will be reflected in Draft 2 of the proposal, which will be presented to the Board of Education on Oct. 17. The board will discuss the proposal at one or more meetings in October and November. They will also hold a public hearing about the proposal. We will announce the meeting dates on the discussion forum. The Board of Education will consider final changes before they vote on the final student enrollment plan in late November.

Why all the fuss? 

Joyner is one of 27 Wake County elementary schools whose enrollment may be limited, starting next year, because of a new state law that aims to lower class sizes for kindergarten through third grade. The class size legislation calls for K-3rd classrooms to average roughly 17 students by 2018, compared with an average of 21 children this past school year. In order to meet these new requirements, Wake County would need to create space for the equivalent of 559 classrooms and 9,500 students — or about 14 new schools.

While well-meaning (who doesn’t like smaller classes!?) the legislation is having some unforeseen consequences — like larger classes for 4th and 5th grades, more trailers, and converting art and music spaces into regular classroom space. And in 27 Wake County elementary schools, those steps won’t be enough. Wake County school administrators have proposed additional strategies in some schools, including Joyner, to reduce enrollment. The strategies proposed for Joyner include closing the school to transfers and reducing magnet slots. Click here for the list of all 27 schools and the proposed strategies.

Want to know more? Watch a recent episode of Education Matters about the coming impacts of the new class size legislation.

 

Kiwanis Park Volunteer Opportunity

Kiwanis Park is a huge asset to Joyner Elementary as we use it for recess, special events, field day and the 5th grade kickball game. There are exciting plans for a major renovation this year, but the funding has fallen a bit short. You can pledge to help by converting volunteer hours into savings for the project!

Joyner parent Jen Schrage is partnering with Kiwanis to help raise the additional needed funds via cash or volunteer pledges, and pledges must be in by October 1. Pledges to volunteer count at $23.56/hour. Go to  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040c4cabaa29a13-pledge to sign up or donate. Contact Jen at theschragefamily@yahoo.com with any questions.

 

Screenagers Showing at Hayes Barton Baptist

Hayes Barton Baptist Church will be hosting a showing of Screenagers for the community on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5). Screenagers is about the impact of the digital age on children and how to help them minimize harmful effects and find balance. Childcare will be provided for children up to 3rd grade. Children 4th grade and older are encouraged to attend the screening with their parents. The event is free, but reservations are requested at http://www.HBBC.org/screeenagers.This is not a Joyner- or PTA-sponsored event.

 

Quick Links

Calendar Items

  • TONIGHT! Sept. 27: Joyner Spirit Night at United Skates of America, 6-8:30
  • Sept. 29: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 6: Wake County public information session #1 on proposed enrollment changes, Holly Grove Middle School, 6:30 pm
  • Oct. 9: Wake County public information session #2, future South Garner High School campus, 8228 Hebron Church Road, Garner, 6:30 pm.
  • Oct. 13: Joyner Jamboree
  • Oct. 20: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 31: Teacher workday (no school)
  • Nov. 9: Science-Go-Round
  • Nov. 10: Holiday (no school)
  • Nov. 16: JY Joyner Foundation Dance-a-Thon

The NewsFlash is produced (almost) every week by the Joyner PTA communications chair. Have an announcement to include in a future edition of the NewsFlash? Submit your article via this form. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pta_joyner.

NewsFlash | Order Jagwear, Science-Go-Round Presenters Needed, After School Club Sign Ups, Teacher Appreciation

Posted on by Cyndi O'Neil

Want to help feed a hungry Joyner child this school year? Click here to donate to Backpack Buddies. We have so far collected enough to cover 13 of the 25 students we hope to support this year. 

 

Friday is Fall Picture Day

Say cheese! School pictures are this Friday, Sept. 22. Send in your order form on picture day or click here to order online. It should come up automatically, but Joyner’s picture day ID is BW017212Q0.

 

Pre-Order Joyner Spirit Wear

Show your school pride and support the PTA! Pre-order forms for Joyner Spirit Wear should have come home with your student. Orders will be accepted through Sept. 29 and this is the only Jagwear sale for the school year. Click to view the options: short-sleeved tee, long-sleeved tee, and sweatshirt. You can click here to download an order form, if your child’s form gets lost in the twilight zone between school and home.

Scientists Needed for Science-Go-Round

JYJ’s annual Science-Go-Round is coming Nov. 9, and we are in search of some exciting new presenters! Know any engineers, pilots, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, chemists, physicists, health and wellness experts, or scientists from other fields who would be willing to share their knowledge and passion with our students? If so, please contact Leigh Wolitski at leigh@etelli.com for additional information.

Help Joyner Make Free Money

If you haven’t joined the PTA yet, now’s the time! If Joyner can meet last year’s PTA membership plus 50 more members by October 16, our school will win $50.

  • Member dues are only $5. Click here to learn how to join and pay online or by check.
  • Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles — Joyner gets a boost for every adult who joins.
  • Any additional funds you donate for the No Fuss Fundraiser (beyond the $5 dues) stay right here at Joyner to pay for our fantastic PTA programs.
  • Ask your employer if there is a matching donation program where you work.

 

Spirit Night at United Skates of America

Joyner is having a Skate Party at United Skates (2901Trawick Rd Raleigh) next Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 6-8:30. p.m. Admission is $3.50, skate rentals are $3.50, and 100% of admission proceeds go back to the Joyner PTA. So bring the family out and support our school while enjoying a night of rollerskating fun!

 

Odyssey of the Mind Application is Live

The online application for Odyssey of the Mind is now live, through October 2. Click here to learn about this year’s “problems” and here to apply. If you weren’t able to attend the informational meeting yesterday, email joynerom@gmail.com with any questions about the program.

 

TEK After School Clubs Sign-Ups

Is your child a Super Scientist? A Krafty Kid? Is he into cooking? Does she love robotics? Check out the fall clubs at Joyner! Fall TEK Clubs will run for six Wednesdays from Oct. 18 – Nov. 29 (skipping Thanksgiving week) from 3:30-4:45. TEK supervises students after school until clubs begin. Cost is $135.

  • Registration forms with full club descriptions will be sent home in folders this week.
  • Registration will be held Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 8-8:30 a.m. in the JYJ Media Center.

Contact TEK (Duval Fisher) at duval@tailoredenrichmentkids.com or visit www.tailoredenrichmentkids.com with questions.

 

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Next Week

The first early release of the year is next Friday, Sept. 29, and you know what that means! It’s time to shower our fantastic Joyner teachers and staff with love! The theme for this first teacher appreciation day is Our future is so bright, we gotta wear shades! Students can use a yellow theme and write what they love about Joyner. Click here to find out which additional staff members your child’s class is appreciating this year.

For those new to Joyner this year, rather than appreciating our teachers and staff only once a year, we provide lots of opportunities to tell them how fabulous we think they are! Every early release day is also a Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day, and each one will have a fun theme. Click here for the full year of themes (but don’t worry — we’ll give you a heads-up as they come).

 

Impact of Smaller Class Size Legislation on Joyner

Joyner is one of 27 Wake County elementary schools whose enrollment may be limited, starting next year, because of a new state law that aims to lower class sizes for kindergarten through third grade. The class size legislation calls for K-3rd classrooms to average roughly 17 students by 2018, compared with an average of 21 children this past school year. In order to meet these new requirements, Wake County would need to create space for the equivalent of 559 classrooms and 9,500 students — or about 14 new schools.

While well-meaning (who doesn’t like smaller classes!?) the legislation is having some unforeseen consequences — like larger classes for 4th and 5th grades, more trailers, and converting art and music spaces into regular classroom space. And in 27 Wake County elementary schools, those steps won’t be enough. Wake County school administrators have proposed additional strategies in some schools, including Joyner, to reduce enrollment. The strategies proposed for Joyner include closing the school to transfers and reducing magnet slots. Click here for the list of all 27 schools and the proposed strategies.

Want to know more? Watch a recent episode of Education Matters about the coming impacts of the new class size legislation.

 

Kiwanis Park Volunteer Opportunity

Kiwanis Park is a huge asset to Joyner Elementary as we use it for recess, special events, field day and the 5th grade kickball game. There are exciting plans for a major renovation this year, but the funding has fallen a bit short. You can pledge to help by converting volunteer hours into savings for the project!

Joyner parent Jen Schrage is partnering with Kiwanis to help raise the additional needed funds via cash or volunteer pledges, and pledges must be in by October 1. Pledges to volunteer count at $23.56/hour. Go to  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040c4cabaa29a13-pledge to sign up or donate. Contact Jen at theschragefamily@yahoo.com with any questions.

 

Quick Links

Calendar Items

  • Sept. 21: Teacher workday (no school)
  • Sept. 22: Fall picture day
  • Sept. 27: Joyner Spirit Night at United Skates of America, 6-8:30
  • Sept. 29: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 13: Joyner Jamboree
  • Oct. 20: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 31: Teacher workday (no school)
  • Nov. 9: Science go round
  • Nov. 9: Picture re-takes (date subject to change)
  • Nov. 10: Holiday (no school)
  • Nov. 16: JY Joyner Foundation Dance-a-Thon

The NewsFlash is produced (almost) every week by the Joyner PTA communications chair. Have an announcement to include in a future edition of the NewsFlash? Submit your article via this form. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pta_joyner.

NewsFlash | Help Publish Student Writing, Scientists Needed, and Odyssey of the Mind

Posted on by Cyndi O'Neil

Wake County Schools gave a SHOUT OUT to @pta_joyner for receiving @NationalPTA Schools of Excellence designation! pic.twitter.com/3rLltbyFNF

National PTA School of Excellence Logo

Junior Authors’ Guild (JAG) Needs Volunteers

Help publish Joyner students’ writing! The JAG committee is responsible for publishing original student work, including yearly biography books for each classroom and original teacher classroom projects. Volunteers for JAG may interview students, communicate with teachers, and type, bind, and laminate student works. Please contact Lori Nieter at lori.nieter.phd@gmail.com for more information or to volunteer for the JAG committee.

 

Required Volunteer Registration Only Takes a Second

If you plan on volunteering in any way this year (and we know you want to!), you MUST complete the WCPSS registration. Just stop by the media center (or any Wake County public school) and fill out the online form — it’s really quick, especially if you’ve registered in years past. You must complete and be approved (which takes additional time) before being allowed to work alone with groups of Joyner children.

 

Calling All Scientists!

JYJ’s annual Science-Go-Round is coming Nov. 9, and we are in search of some exciting new presenters! Know any engineers, pilots, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, chemists, physicists, health and wellness experts, or scientists from other fields who would be willing to share their knowledge and passion with our students? If so, please contact Leigh Wolitski at leigh@etelli.com for additional information.

 

Odyssey of the Mind General Interest Meeting

Come learn about Odyssey of the Mind at 6 p.m. in the media center on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The meeting will include a short presentation and Q&A session. Joyner has a rich history of creative problem-solving, and we invite all K-5 students and parents to participate in this year’s program. Email joynerom@gmail.com for more information.

 

Fall Picture Day is September 22

Start practicing your picture smile! School pictures are next Friday, Sept. 22. Order forms will come home with students this week, so go ahead and make those haircut appointments. (Note: Earlier schedules listed picture day as 9/27 — the correct date is 9/22.)

 

Pre-Order Joyner Spirit Wear

Show your school pride and support the PTA! Pre-order forms for Joyner Spirit Wear should have come home with your student. Orders will be accepted through Sept. 29 and this is the only Jagwear sale for the school year. Click to view the options: short-sleeved tee, long-sleeved tee, and sweatshirt. You can click here to download an order form, if your child’s form gets lost in the twilight zone between school and home.

Kiwanis Park Volunteer Opportunity

Kiwanis Park is a huge asset to Joyner Elementary as we use it for recess, special events, field day and the 5th grade kickball game. There are exciting plans for a major renovation this year, but the funding has fallen a bit short. You can pledge to help by converting volunteer hours into savings for the project!

Joyner parent Jen Schrage is partnering with Kiwanis to help raise the additional needed funds via cash or volunteer pledges, and pledges must be in by October 1. Pledges to volunteer count at $23.56/hour. Go to  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040c4cabaa29a13-pledge to sign up or donate. Contact Jen at theschragefamily@yahoo.com with any questions.

 

School Performance Grades Released

Joyner received a “B” for the 2016-17 school year, according to accountability data released last week to the State Board of Education. Joyner is among the one-third of schools in the state that received an “A” or “B” grade. School Performance Grades are generally based 80 percent on the school’s achievement score (how well 3rd-5th graders did on the tests) and 20 percent on students’ academic growth (how many months of progress they made over the course of the year). Joyner was also among the 80 percent of elementary schools that met their growth targets.

 

Quick Links

Calendar Items

  • Sept. 15: Summer reading celebration during school
  • Sept. 19: Odyssey of the Mind general interest meeting, 6 pm
  • Sept. 21: Teacher workday (no school)
  • Sept. 22: Fall picture day
  • Sept. 27: Joyner Spirit Night at United Skates of America, 6-8:30
  • Sept. 29: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 13: Joyner Jamboree
  • Oct. 20: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 31: Teacher workday (no school)

The NewsFlash is produced (almost) every week by the Joyner PTA communications chair. Have an announcement to include in a future edition of the NewsFlash? Submit your article via this form. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pta_joyner.

NewsFlash | Joyner’s New Principal Named, PTA Wins Award, and Fall Clubs Kick Off

Posted on by Cyndi O'Neil

September is Attendance Awareness Month! Missing just two days per month means a child misses 10% of the school year — that can really add up to academic losses in the classroom. Check out #schooleveryday on Twitter for more stats.

 

Joyner Welcomes a New Principal!

We are delighted to announce that WCPSS has named Joyner’s new principal! Jennifer Zezza comes to us from Ligon Middle School, where she has served as an Assistant Principal since 2012. She’ll start at Joyner on Sept. 25, although we hope to invite her to school for a visit before then. Please join us in giving her a warm JYJ welcome!

 

Open House is Tomorrow

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow evening, Thursday, Sept. 7, for Open House! There will be two classroom sessions with a short PTA meeting in between: 5:00 session, 5:45 PTA General Meeting, 6:15 session. Please plan to attend one session (or two if you have multiple children) and the PTA meeting.

 

Joyner Wins National PTA School of Excellence Award

Joyner PTA has been designated a National PTA School of Excellence for 2017-2019. Look for a new banner up in the school soon! Joyner’s PTA is the only one in Wake County and one of only three in North Carolina to win this award. Thanks to all of you for making this possible!

Pre-Order Joyner Spirit Wear

Gimme a J! Gimme an O! Ok, I won’t do the whole thing, but it’s time to show your school spirit! Pre-order forms for Joyner Spirit Wear will be sent home this week. Pre-orders will only be accepted through Sept. 29, so go ahead and place those orders. Proceeds from Spirit Wear go to the PTA to help fund our fabulous Joyner programs. Click to view the options: short-sleeved tee, long-sleeved tee, and sweatshirt, then click here to download an order form.

Upcoming Joyner Spirit Nights

More opportunities to show your school pride and help fund our school:

  • United Skates of America: Sept. 27 from 6-8:30 p.m. Show your Joyner spirit with a night of rollerskating fun with friends and family. All admission proceeds go back to Joyner.
  • Kendra Scott Gives Back Event: Dec. 5 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Love jewelry? Save your Kendra Scott Wish List for a Dec. 5 holiday shopping event to benefit Joyner. Spread the word to friends and family as Joyner will receive 20% back from all purchases. Plus the class with the most purchases will win a set of Kendra Scott jewelry for their teacher.

 

Missing Pre-Ordered School Supplies? 

Pre-ordered school supplies should have been in your child’s classroom when school started last week. Anyone who didn’t get their pre-ordered pack or had damaged items, please email Sarah Mears at smears17@gmail.com so that we can get everything fixed. A HUGE shout-out to Sarah Mears, Sara Betz and all the volunteers who helped distribute the packs before Meet the Teacher.

 

PTA Membership and No Fuss Donation Made Quick and Easy

Why should I join the PTA? What does it really DO?

The JY Joyner PTA supports so many of the great programs at our school, including arts and science programming, mini-grants and appreciation events for teachers and staff, classroom technology, student clubs and recognition programs, family fun events and so much more. PLUS, there’s that really cool JYJ magnet that you can put on your car!

How does the JYJ PTA raise funds? Please tell me I don’t have to sell anything to my neighbors.

Good news — you don’t have to sell cookie dough, coupon books or anything else! Donating to the PTA could not be easier. The NO FUSS FUNDRAISER is happening NOW! It costs $5 to join the PTA, and any dollar amount over that stays right here at Joyner to fund our fabulous school.

Do I have to volunteer or attend a bunch of meetings?

NO! We would love to have you volunteer if you so choose, but right now we’re looking for your financial support for Joyner.

Ok, I’m sold! What do I do now?

You should have received a PTA sign up and donation form in the mail, or you can grab a new one from the PTA table located across from Ms. Burston’s office this week during drop-off and during Open House. Send your form, with check or cash, in to your child’s teacher — or skip all the paperwork and join/donate online through MemberHub.

 

Yearbook Committee Needs Your Help

You know how awesome it is when your kids open the yearbook in June and see fun photos of them with all their friends? So great, right? Help the Yearbook Committee ensure that your kids are delighted when they get their books by sending in photos (actual size) throughout the year to Tracy Robinson at joyneryearbook@gmail.com. We rely on parents for most of our pictures — please send photos from field trips, Jamboree, the dance-a-thon, classroom candids, Spanish dancing, school awards, Spirit Week, the 5K and other Joyner events. Be sure to click “actual size” when your phone asks you.

 

School Bus App Not Yet Online for Traditional Schools

The Here Comes the Bus app will hopefully be fantastic once it’s online for traditional schools, but alas, we are not yet in the system. Wake County estimates a couple more weeks before traditional calendar parents can start using the app. We will update you in NewsFlash when it is ready to go.

 

Fall Clubs at Joyner

Sports After School with Coach Scott is back again this year for Joyner families. Coach Scott picks up the kids at Joyner in the walker hallway after school and escorts them down to Kiwanis Park for fun games, activities, nature walks and a variety of sports. The program is open to students in K-5 and runs every Tuesday, starting now! Cost is $15 per session or $60 per 4-week session. Pick up your child at 4:30 at Kiwanis Park. Contact Coach Scott at 336-963-4555 or sportswithcoachscott@gmail.com with questions or to register.

Fall TEK Clubs will run for six Wednesdays from Oct. 18 – Nov. 29 (skipping Thanksgiving week)  from 3:30-4:45. TEK supervises students after school until clubs begin. Details/registration forms for  clubs will be sent home in folders. Cost is $135. Contact TEK (Duval Fisher) at duval@tailoredenrichmentkids.com or visit www.tailoredenrichmentkids.com.

 

Support Joyner’s Backpack Buddies Program

Last year, your generosity provided weekend backpacks of basic food to 20 food insecure Joyner students — and we are aiming to fund 25 of our students for the 2017-18 school year. We need your help! It costs $350 per child to provide with a weekly bag to take home filled with nutritious food throughout the school year. Any and all donations appreciated.

Backpack Buddies, administered through the Interfaith Food Shuttle, provides nutritious food on the weekends to Joyner students in need. Providing students with better nutrition means they are better able to focus at school, with improved learning and behavior.

If you would like to contribute, just click this link — you can donate anonymously if you wish, and it only takes a minute. Alternatively, you can mail your donation to: Ele Roberts 616 Mial Street, Raleigh 27608. Checks can be made out to Interfaith Food Shuttle with “Joyner” on the memo line. Donations are tax deductible. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes directly from Interfaith Food Shuttle. Joyner’s goal is to collect enough to fully fund the program before school starts in three weeks.

For more information, please visit Interfaith Food Shuttle’s website or contact our Joyner volunteers:

 

Quick Links

Calendar Items

  • Sept. 7: Open House (5:00 session, 5:45 PTA General Meeting, 6:15 session)
  • Sept. 15: Summer reading celebration during school
  • Sept. 21: Teacher workday
  • Sept. 27: Fall picture day
  • Sept. 27: Joyner Spirit Night at United Skates of America, 6-8:30
  • Sept. 29: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 13: Joyner Jamboree

The NewsFlash is produced (almost) every week by the Joyner PTA communications chair. Have an announcement to include in a future edition of the NewsFlash? Submit your article via this form. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pta_joyner.

NewsFlash | Backpack Tags, New Bus Location App, and Summer Reading Logs

Posted on by Cyndi O'Neil

Tweet much? Follow the JYJ PTA Twitter account! Find us @pta_joyner and tag us when you have news to share.

We’re halfway through week one. We got this! Here’s what you need to know this week:

  • Kindergarten Meet the Teacher is this Friday, Sept. 1. Kindergartners and their parent(s) can come from noon to 1:30 to the K hallway to get your teacher assignments and meet your teachers, then join your new classmates for popsicles under the overhang.
  • Summer Reading logs are due by this Friday, Sept. 1. Reading logs are available in the PTA hub files section of MemberHub in English and Spanish.
  • Join the PTA and give to the No Fuss Fundraiser. PTA volunteers will be staffing a table in the lobby every morning during drop-off through next Friday. Please stop by to make your donation, fill out a volunteer interest form and get a JYJ magnet.
  • Monday is a holiday! No school next Monday, Sept. 4.
  • Open House is next Thursday, Sept. 7. There will be two classroom sessions with a short PTA meeting in between: 5:00 session, 5:45 PTA General Meeting, 6:15 session. Please plan to attend one session (or two if you have multiple children) and the PTA meeting.

 

What’s With the Tag on My Child’s Backpack?

This school year, Wake County is requiring all elementary school bus riders to have color-coded tags with bus route information on their backpacks. Please help your child keep this important tag on his or her backpack all year. Bus drivers will look to see that students have tags when boarding the bus in the morning. In the afternoon, bus riders will be required to have a tag in order to board the bus. At the start of the school year, some students may use a temporary bus pass while they are being assigned school transportation.

 

New App to Track Your Child’s School Bus Location

WCPSS now offers an app that provides parents with real-time bus location information. Parents with children in traditional-calendar schools (like Joyner) can start using the app about three weeks into the school year, once bus routes are finalized. Here Comes the Bus translates GPS data into an easy to use customizable map that works on a computer, tablet or smartphone. It allows you to see where the bus is and how close it is to your stop.

You can sign up for Here Comes the Bus at https://herecomesthebus.com/getting-started/. You will need the district code and your student’s ID number to sign up. The WCPSS school code is 67500. For your smartphone or tablet, download the Here Comes the Bus app from the App Store or Google Play. Click here for more on how to get started and use the app.

 

Sign Up, Update or Unsubscribe from the Joyner Hub

If you are new to MemberHub, complete this form and we’ll get you into the JYJ Hub: https://jyj.memberhub.com/join/9bpx9e. If you’re already in the JYJ Hub, take a moment to update your info. Once class lists are made available, volunteers will place you (and your children) in the proper classroom and grade level hubs, so be sure to add your children’s information when you join MemberHub.

Did your family graduate from Joyner this year? We hate to see you go, but understand if you no longer need to be in the Joyner Hub or receive the PTA NewsFlash. Scroll to the bottom of this message for a link to change your preferences. 

 

Quick Links

Calendar Items

  • Aug. 28-Sept 1: Kindergarten staggered entry week
  • Sept. 1: Kindergarten Meet the Teacher (in the K hallway) followed by popsicles under the overhang, 12-1:30 p.m.
  • Sept. 4: Holiday
  • Sept. 7: Open House (5:00 session, 5:45 PTA General Meeting, 6:15 session)
  • Sept. 15: Summer reading celebration during school
  • Sept. 21: Teacher workday
  • Sept. 27: Fall picture day
  • Sept. 29: Early release and Teacher Appreciation
  • Oct. 13: Joyner Jamboree

 

The NewsFlash is produced (almost) every week by the Joyner PTA communications chair. Have an announcement to include in a future edition of the NewsFlash? Submit your article via this form. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pta_joyner.

NewsFlash | Teacher Letters Mailed, Meet the Teacher, and Bus Routes Posted

Posted on by Cyndi O'Neil

Still learning the JYJ lingo? Check out our glossary of terms to get up to speed.

 

Teacher Letters and Meet the Teacher

Packets from school have been mailed, so be on the lookout for your letter, which includes your teacher assignment. Then come to Joyner for Meet the Teacher:

  • This Friday, Aug. 25, 1st through 5th graders and their parent(s) can drop in between 8 and 9:30 am. Look for fun letter-writing activities and a photo booth to get excited for the first day of school!
  • Next Friday, Sept. 1, Kindergartners and their parent(s) can come from noon to 1:30. Come to the K hallway at 12 to get your teacher assignment, then join your new classmates for popsicles under the overhang.

Bus Routes Posted

Joyner families who have transportation-eligible bus riders can find new bus routes for 2017-18 posted online at http://www.wcpss.net/routes. Click the bus routes link. Look for your school on this page and click the link to find the bus routes. Find the listed stop nearest your residence for your stop location. Wake County Public Schools Transportation will also share your student’s transportation route, stop and estimated bus arrival time by email and make it available through Homebase/Powerschool. Check bus routes at school if internet isn’t accessible at home.

Please plan to be at the stop 10 minutes prior to pick up. There is a lot of change at the start of the new school year as new students begin riding the bus and learning to use bus service. Please be patient. WCPSS encourages parents to review bus safety with their children to get the new school year off to a great start.

 

Please Drive Safely

A new 4-way stop sign has been installed at the intersection of Lowden Street and Noble Road. Please take your time when driving around the school and be sure to watch for students, stop at crosswalks and obey all parking rules.

 

Join the PTA and Give to the No Fuss Fundraiser

We invite all families (and friends) to join the Joyner PTA and make a donation to the No Fuss campaign at the same time! The annual No Fuss Fundraiser allows the PTA to retain 100% of the money raised to support all of the PTA programs for your children. Please consider asking your employer if there is a matching donation program where you work. And don’t forget to ask grandparents — they will be THRILLED not to have to buy wrapping paper!

When you join the JY Joyner PTA and make a gift to the annual fundraiser, you are supporting wonderful programs for our students and teachers/staff including arts and science programming, mini-grants and appreciation events for teachers and staff, classroom technology, student clubs and recognition programs, family fun events and so much more!

Being a PTA member at JY Joyner also gives you membership to National PTA and your state PTA. You are eligible for all exclusive PTA member benefits and you know your voice is being heard at all levels. Your total dues payment (including school, state and national) is $5, but we hope you’ll donate whatever amount you can beyond that to support PTA programming at Joyner. Both your dues and your donation are 100% tax deductible. Just make one donation for any amount from $5 to $5,000 (or beyond!) to cover both your PTA membership and your fundraising gift. You can join/give online at https://jyj.memberhub.com/dues or download the paper forms (in English and Spanish) from the Files section of MemberHub. 

 

School Supply Lists and Pre-Orders

School supply lists have been uploaded to MemberHub for any families who didn’t pre-order supplies through the school and wish to purchase their own. If you pre-ordered school supplies through Joyner, your supplies will be delivered to the school and will be in your child’s classroom at Meet the Teacher this Friday. If you aren’t able to make Meet the Teacher, your pre-ordered supplies will be waiting for him or her on the first day of school!

Support Joyner’s Backpack Buddies Program

In North Carolina, 1 in 5 kids under the age of 18 does not have enough to eat, making our state the second highest in the country for child food insecurity. That’s why Joyner participates in a very special program called Backpack Buddies, administered through the Interfaith Food Shuttle, that allows a group of Joyner children in need to take home some basic food each weekend. These students receive breakfast and lunch at school during the week, but often do not have access to nutritious food on the weekends. Providing students with better nutrition means they are better able to focus at school, with improved learning and behavior.

Last year, your generosity provided backpacks to 20 food insecure students — and we need your help to fund 20 students again for the 2017-18 school year. It costs $350 per child to provide with a weekly bag to take home filled with nutritious food throughout the school year.

If you would like to contribute, just click this link — you can donate anonymously if you wish, and it only takes a minute! Alternatively, you can mail your donation to: Ele Roberts 616 Mial Street, Raleigh 27608. Checks can be made out to Interfaith Food Shuttle with “Joyner” on the memo line. Donations are tax deductible. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes directly from Interfaith Food Shuttle. Joyner’s goal is to collect enough to fully fund the program before school starts in three weeks.

For more information, please visit Interfaith Food Shuttle’s website or contact our Joyner volunteers:

 

Fill Out Summer Reading Logs

Students who read 1,000 minutes over the summer (about 20 minutes per weekday) will participate in the Summer Reading celebration after the start of the new school year. Track your summer reading using the logs available in the PTA hub files section of MemberHub in English and Spanish. Logs should be turned in by Sept. 1.

 

Volunteers Welcome for Joyner Programs

Interested in volunteering with the Joyner PTA this year? Complete the online JYJ PTA volunteer form to let us know your interest in PTA volunteer opportunities. By filling out the form, you’re not promising anything long term – but a committee chair will get in touch with you to see what would be of interest to you.
The JY Joyner PTA is especially looking for volunteers to help lead in a few key areas this year:
  • Girls on the Run committee
  • Healthy Choice Marathon chair
  • Science Olympiad co-chair (with Jen Schrage)

Contact Cyndi Soter O’Neil, PTA president, if you are able to help out. We are so grateful for our awesome and supportive Joyner PTA community!

 

Sign Up, Update or Unsubscribe from the Joyner Hub

If you are new to MemberHub, complete this form and we’ll get you into the JYJ Hub: https://jyj.memberhub.com/join/9bpx9e. If you’re already in the JYJ Hub, take a moment to update your info. Once class lists are made available, volunteers will place you (and your children) in the proper classroom and grade level hubs, so be sure to add your children’s information when you join MemberHub.

Did your family graduate from Joyner this year? We hate to see you go, but understand if you no longer need to be in the Joyner Hub or receive the PTA NewsFlash. Scroll to the bottom of this message for a link to change your preferences.

 

Quick Links

Calendar Items

  • Aug. 25: Meet the Teacher (1st through 5th graders) 8-9:30 a.m.
  • Aug. 27: JY Joyner Foundation back-to-school kick-off, LBC on Whitaker Mill Rd., 2-4 pm
  • Aug. 28: First day of school!
  • Aug. 28-Sept 1: Kindergarten staggered entry week
  • Sept. 1: Kindergarten Meet the Teacher (in the K hallway) followed by popsicles under the overhang, 12-1:30 p.m.
  • Sept. 4: Holiday
  • Sept. 7: Open House (5:00 session, 5:45 PTA General Meeting, 6:15 session)
  • Sept. 15: Summer reading celebration during school
  • Sept. 21: Teacher workday
  • Sept. 27: Fall picture day
  • Sept. 29: Early release and Teacher Appreciation

 

The NewsFlash is produced (almost) every week by the Joyner PTA communications chair. Have an announcement to include in a future edition of the NewsFlash? Submit your article via this form. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pta_joyner.

NewsFlash | Kindergarten playdate, school supply delivery and Backpack Buddies donations

Posted on by Cyndi O'Neil

Rising Kindergarten Popsicle Playdate Today!

All rising kindergarten families are invited to enjoy popsicles on the playground this morning, Wednesday, August 9, at 10 a.m. on the main playground behind the school. Please RSVP to courtneycwatkinson@yahoo.com so we can be sure to have enough popsicles!

This is a great way to help your child get familiar with Joyner and make some new friends before school starts. A second playdate will be held on Sunday, August 20, at 3 p.m.

 

Middle/High School and Parent Volunteers Needed

Calling all middle and high schoolers!!! We are looking for help from rising 6th graders and older (including adults!) to help distribute classroom supplies before the first day of school. Come earn some volunteer hours and see your favorite elementary school teachers too! Sign up here.

Please meet in front of JY Joyner at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24. We will be delivering kits to each teacher’s classroom. We would like to get about 20 – 25 volunteers. We estimate it will take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the number of volunteers.

 

School Supply Lists and Pre-Orders

School supply lists have been uploaded to MemberHub for any families who didn’t pre-order supplies through the school and wish to purchase their own.

If you pre-ordered school supplies through Joyner, your supplies will be delivered to the school and will be in your child’s classroom at Meet the Teacher on Aug. 25. If you aren’t able to make Meet the Teacher, your pre-ordered supplies will be waiting for him or her on the first day of school!

Support Joyner’s Backpack Buddies Program

In North Carolina, 1 in 5 kids under the age of 18 does not have enough to eat, making our state the second highest in the country for child food insecurity.

That’s why Joyner participates in a very special program called Backpack Buddies, administered through the Interfaith Food Shuttle, that allows a group of Joyner children in need to take home some basic food each weekend. These students receive breakfast and lunch at school during the week, but often do not have access to nutritious food on the weekends. Providing students with better nutrition means they are better able to focus at school, with improved learning and behavior.

Last year, your generosity provided backpacks to 20 food insecure students — and we need your help to fund 20 students again for the 2017-18 school year. It costs $350 per child to provide with a weekly bag to take home filled with nutritious food throughout the school year.

If you would like to contribute, just click this link — you can donate anonymously if you wish, and it only takes a minute! Alternatively, you can mail your donation to: Ele Roberts 616 Mial Street, Raleigh 27608. Checks can be made out to Interfaith Food Shuttle with “Joyner” on the memo line. Donations are tax deductible. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes directly from Interfaith Food Shuttle. Joyner’s goal is to collect enough to fully fund the program before school starts in three weeks.

For more information, please visit Interfaith Food Shuttle’s website or contact our Joyner volunteers:

 

Summer Food Programs Available

Organizations across the state are participating in the free summer meals program. Children and teens aged 18 and younger may get healthy, free lunches through August 25. No application or proof of income is needed to receive a meal. To find summer feeding sites, check out the Summer Nutrition Programs Site Locator Map, text FOODNC to 877-877, or call 1-866-3HUNGRY for English or 1-866-3HAMBRE for Spanish. On social media, families can follow #NCSummerMeals for updates.

 

Fill Out Summer Reading Logs

Students who read 1,000 minutes over the summer (about 20 minutes per weekday) will participate in the Summer Reading celebration after the start of the new school year. Track your summer reading using the logs available in the PTA hub files section of MemberHub in English and Spanish. Logs should be turned in by Sept. 1.

 

Volunteers Needed for Joyner Programs

The JY Joyner PTA is looking for volunteers to help lead in a few key areas this year:
  • Girls on the Run committee
  • Spelling Bee chair
  • Healthy Choice Marathon chair
  • Science Olympiad co-chair (with Jen Schrage)
  • Study Buddies co-chair (with Kate Parke)

Contact Cyndi Soter O’Neil, PTA president, if you are able to help out. We are so grateful for our awesome and supportive Joyner PTA community!

 

Unsubscribe from the Joyner Hub

Did your family graduate from Joyner this year? We hate to see you go, but understand if you no longer need to be in the Joyner Hub or receive the PTA NewsFlash. Scroll to the bottom of this message for a link to change your preferences. 

 

Quick Links

Calendar Items

  • Aug. 9: Rising kindergarten popsicle playdate, Joyner playground, 10 a.m.
  • Aug. 20: Rising kindergarten popsicle playdate, Joyner playground, 3 p.m.
  • Aug. 25: Meet the Teacher, 8-9:30 a.m.
  • Aug. 28: First day of school!
  • Aug. 28-Sept 1: Kindergarten staggered entry week
  • Sept. 1: Kindergarten Meet the Teacher (in the K hallway) followed by popsicles under the overhang, 12-1:30 p.m.
  • Sept. 4: Holiday
  • Sept. 7: Open House (5:00 session, 5:45 PTA General Meeting, 6:15 session)
  • Sept. 15: Summer reading celebration during school
  • Sept. 21: Teacher workday
  • Sept. 29: Early release
  • Oct. 13: Joyner Jamboree

 

The NewsFlash is produced (almost) every week by the Joyner PTA communications chair. Have an announcement to include in a future edition of the NewsFlash? Submit your article via this form. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pta_joyner.