Jenks' Parents and the SRC

Meetings are a regular part of my "day job". So when it was suggested that we gather a group of parents to attend the School Reform Council meeting in January, I was supportive but not enthusiastic. I am sure other parents also felt the same way about yet another meeting....BUT J.S. Jenks really made an impact. We had 9 parents support our 3 parent speakers. Many more parents were supportive but unable to attend an afternoon meeting.

The meeting was delayed and relatively long but from my vantage point well worth the effort. We had a spectacular team of parents speaking for the school an in particular regarding a proposal submitted by the principal last March. Gerald Wright, Bob Previdi and Julia Reeb were articulate, passionate and to the point. Although the outcome is yet to be known, we captured the attention of the SRC council, Dr. Ackerman, the Regional Superintendent, Penny Nixon and a recruit for the “potential parents” list-serv.

I really have not felt so good after a "meeting" in a very long time:)

I had so much fun learning.....

My daughter told me that she was having so much fun learning she didn't believe Ms. Smith that it was time for Music. Yes, she may know what to say to make my day but I do think she has a great time at school each day....and loves learning!

J.S. Jenks Open House

What can the school offer your child and family and how can YOU become involved in your neighborhood school.

Thankful for Neighborhood Schools

I have found that sending my daughter to school can be difficult, confusing and basically scary at times. There is always angst and self doubt about decisions made. In addition, I struggle with juggling my own goals and professional life as I try to support my children in their lives. No wonder I am tired!

As the J.S. Jenks annual Thanksgiving feast approached I thought about what I am thankful for regarding the school.

I am thankful that….

1. My daughter is happy and learning new things each day
2. My daughter feels part of the school community
3. I am able to walk my kids to school many days
4. I can raise my children in an urban neighborhood†
5. There is a wonderful playground at the school

† to read a great commentary on urban neighborhood revitalization
Commentary: Undermining Chestnut Hill’s future
by Bob Previdi

Report Card: Focus on Math

http://www.philly.com/philly/hot_topics/63762912.html

Below are the scores for J.S. Jenks’ PSSA scores in reading and math.
We are in the 1st quartile in math for the 5th grade which is the top 20% of schools (only quartile stats for 5th grade were given). All grades are high in math and there were large gains in reading scores for the past 3 years (One area parents can definitely make an impact: Read to/with your kids!)

County PHILADELPHIA
DistrictPHILADELPHIA CITY SD
School JENKS JOHN S SCH

Potential Jenks' Parents

There are many positive things happening in school! The feeling is reflected in both test scores and parent comments on the Great Schools website.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer September 4th, 2009:

Jenks ranked #2 in terms of positive gains for 5th grade math last year. That grade was also 89% proficient in math, a great distance from the average of 40-50% for Philly public schools.

A recent posting from Great Schools.net:

Posted September 27, 2009

Jenks teachers really care about the well-being of the students. They are commited to prepare the students to attend some of the best high schools in the city.



If you are a parent who is considering J. S. Jenks Elementary School please join our "potential parents listserv" and attend our on-going "Kindergarten Teas".

Potential Parents Listserv
http://groups.google.com/group/potentialjenksparents?hl=en


Upcoming Teas:

Have a tour of the school: First Monday of any month at 10AM to join a group
tour of the school led by the principal, Ms. Lynskey.

Below are some directions on transfer forms and the process:

If you are interested in considering Jenks and are outside of the
Catchment Zone, you need to fill out a "Volunteer Transfer Form"
available from the Philadelphia School District site website:

http://www.phila.k12.pa.us/students/voluntarytransfers.html

The deadline to fill out a form is October 30th.

The principal from your local (catchment) school will need to sign
this form, and then a copy of the form needs to be given to Jenks (or
any other schools you may want to list) to keep on file. It is
recommended that you hand deliver the form to the Philadelphia
district office to ensure it actually gets there.

This form has to be on file at the school district in order for you to
be eligible for a transfer. Transfers are by lottery and many
families do not actually receive a transfer through the district.
However, the Jenks principal has a certain amount of discretion in
accepting transfers, so, as long as you have your transfer form in,
she can place you on a waiting list and potentially accept you to the
school even if the lottery transfer does not come through.

Here is a list of things that you should consider doing if you are
interested in a transfer:

1. Fill out the Voluntary Transfer Form
2. Arrange to meet with the J.S. Jenks principal, Ms. Lynskey (call
the main office; come for a tour on the 1st monday of the month,
etc..)
3. Wait until you receive your notification about the transfer from
the district (usually in March or April). If you get in by lottery,
you are set. If not, go back and talk to Ms. Lynskey.


The Principal: Mary Lynsky is starting her 2nd year as principal, she is implementing new programs and continues to expand and support the great programs thatwere in place when she arrived last year.

Welcome Back

Wow! Already 2 weeks into the new year and it looks as if it will be as good a year as Kindergarten. Many changes and now we have spelling tests! More reading and again the 100 Book Challenge. All the specialist options are back, computers, music, art and PE. We start the day out on the playground this year, a change I was not looking forward to but it is fun. The kids get a chance to burn off a bit of energy before the start of the day.

We will be hosting a series of "Kindergarten Teas" this fall and spring for families that are interested in learning more about J.S. Jenks. Please note the change of place this year.