“The 100th anniversary of Lincoln Elementary School is a momentous occasion but the real focus of our celebration was bringing our families back into our schools after a few years of COVID restrictions,” said Lincoln Elementary School Principal Katie Russo. “We wanted to remind our families that their neighborhood school is a place where they can come to get assistance. We have access to so many resources for our families and want to help. For 100 years, Lincoln Elementary School has helped our families and we will continue to do so for many years to come.”

Families could visit with community organizations and also enjoy donations from Pepsi, Frito Lay and Brad Barmore BMF Events. Jamestown Awning Company generously donated a tent and tables for the celebration. Families took tours of the building and had the chance to win basket raffles. Lincoln Elementary School, along with all Jamestown schools, are gearing up to bring families back into their schools this school year.

At Jefferson Middle School, they will be holding a “Meet and Greet” on September 29th. Parents and students will have the opportunity to tour the building and report to homeroom, where they will get set up with the PowerSchool App. This will allow parents to access their child’s attendance, grades and assignments. They will also get set up in the district’s messaging system, Talking Points. Parents and students will also go to the gym where tables will be set up from outside community agencies and Jefferson clubs and extracurricular activities. Students will be able to sign up for the ones they are interested in and parents will be able to receive information from the agencies in attendance. Jefferson will also hold a Fall Family Festival on October 20th.

This event focuses on family participation with other school families and is sponsored by Jefferson Middle School and other outside agencies. There are numerous fun activities planned, including a Haunted Hallway, hayrides, crafts, games, healthy snacks and community service.

Fletcher Elementary School crossing guard, Craig Pillbury, has helped the school’s students and families stay safe for 16 years. The JPS elementary school crossing guard program is a partnership between JPS and the Jamestown Police Department.

At Bush Elementary School they are excited to bring showcase events back to their school. One of the ways Bush School loves to connect with families is to show what their children have learned.

“Because we see every child learning every day, it’s exciting to show families how much their child has grown over the course of the year,” said Bush Elementary School Principal Kate Benson. “We are excited to have families come in for concerts, and talent shows, along with parent conferences.”

With parent conferences back to in-person, Bush Elementary School is also looking forward to having more parent meetings back to in-person.

“When it comes to learning how to support individual children, the staff works best collaboratively when they partner with families!” said Mrs. Benson.

Love Elementary School held their Open House the first week of school where families were welcomed into school to meet all of their teachers. They had Jamestown Community Learning Council’s PACT and PACERS in attendance recruiting families and offering support. The school also encouraged their Spanish-only speaking families to attend their new English class for parents. Lutheran provided Foster Grandparent information for families who may be interested or know someone who would be interested in being a Foster Grandparent. Students had to scratch off a sticker to find out who their teacher was as a fun activity too. Love also hosted the Jamestown Public Markets Mobile Market on opening day to start off the school year in a healthy way. The school is working Prevention Works to hold parent workshops to help add their parenting skills such as creating good bedtime routines.

Love Elementary School fourth grader Naavah King, kindergartener Amiah Benitez and first grader Ahlina Benitez, visited the school’s Open House with their mom, Tonyell King, and their siblings.

“I am also creating a Community and Parent Advisory Council this year,” said Love Elementary School Principal Cindy Johnson. “It is so important for all schools to get not only our families involved in the schools, but also our community.”

If families or members of the community are interested in getting involved in your local school, please contact your neighborhood school’s main office to talk about the different ways you can help Jamestown schools.

Lincoln Elementary School teachers, Kaleisha Velazquez, Melissa Forster, Ashley Genco and Amanda Miraglia celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary.

Lincoln Elementary School student Janae Davis and her grandmother, Julie Flegal, celebrate the school’s centennial.