Dear Jaggard families,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year. What a year 2020 has been so far!  Without a doubt, I think the one lesson we have learned is to expect the unexpected, and nobody expected the last school year to end as it did.  As a teacher, I missed my students and colleagues, and as a parent, I watched as my child missed his teachers and friends.  Experiencing this from both perspectives gives me a deeper understanding of the fact that a school is not just a school, it truly is a family.

When I think back to March, I sit in wonderment as to how we finished the school year as successfully as we did.  I’m sure I speak on behalf of many when I say how incredibly appreciative and impressed we were by both the students and the Jaggard staff.  Everyone rose to the occasion the best they could, and everyone did what they felt was their very best.  

As we venture into this new school year, there are still so many unknowns - so many things that have changed and will continue to change.  Thankfully, the one thing we have in common is the ability to be there for one another.  We have the ability to be kind, we have the ability to be patient, and we have the ability to accept the fact that things may not be as we wish they could..  

The PTA had a very busy summer. In all ways possible, we worked to ensure that the Jaggard staff and families had the smoothest and safest transition into the new school year.  We purchased three-ply masks for every staff member and student at Jaggard.  It was not a gift we ever thought we’d have to purchase, but one that we thought was necessary to help keep everyone safe. We also began the long-term courtyard project and was able to clean it up to make it a usable outdoor space. This project is something we felt was incredibly important this year, and it is one that will continue to evolve over the upcoming years. Lastly, we bought a tent that will cover the staff during inclement weather, while they continue to perform temperature checks on the incoming students.

Clearly the PTA has been spending, but we now need to focus on raising funds.  We are in the process of planning some “ distant” events, as well as some general fundraising.  We were thrilled to be able to help this summer when necessary, but we need to generate funds so we can continue to help when needed.   

Over the next few weeks, you will be receiving information regarding fundraising.  Please read the material and help as you see fit.  All of us are committed to your children, and we are doing our best to make sure we include as many events, (virtual and non) as possible.  We hope you will participate in these events, as the camaraderie that results from families and communities coming together, is priceless.

Thank you for doing all that you do for your children and for Jaggard Elementary School.

Fondly,

Adrienne Goldenberg - PTA President

And on behalf of:

Nicole Savidge - 1st Vice-President

Melissa Brown - 2nd Vice-President

Laurie Dondarski - Treasurer

Sue Mervine - Recording Secretary

Chris Carbonaro- Corresponding Secretary