The Upson Connection
THE UPSON CONNECTION
Dr. Terri Stahlman, Principal
Mrs. Yvonne Spinner, Assistant Principal
January 5, 2016
Principal’s Message
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break! Students should return their winter packets of work completed to their teacher. We are regrouping students for the next nine weeks focusing instruction on their individual needs. In addition, we are providing after school tutoring on Tuesday and Thursdays for third, fourth and fifth graders. Students have been invited and it is critical that they attend on a regular basis. Every student matters and we are diligently working to leave no child behind!
School Advisory Council (SAC) meets on Monday, January 11 at 6:00pm. Our Regional Superintendent, Dr. Cagle, will be sharing the districts vision to implement school uniforms in elementary schools. ALL parents are encouraged to attend and provide your feedback.
Dr. Stahlman
Congratulations school related employee of the year yola Umstead!
Congratulations to Yola Umstead who was selected as our School Related Employee of Year! Yola is a most deserving candidate who works literally sunrise to sunset serving in Extended Day, conducting LLI groups, providing supervision in the Dining Room, coordinating the Caring Tree holiday gifts year after year and graciously filling in wherever needed. Congratulations Mrs. Umstead!
SCHOOL CHOICE EXPO IS JANUARY 9th
All schools in Duval County have an opportunity to showcase their schools at the Prime Osborne Center and recruit new students for the coming year. This year the Ruth Upson team will be there featuring our Arts and Digital Media focus. Samantha Le, a fifth grader, will be our student representative to help us tell our story about teaching and learning at Ruth Upson. Congratulations Samantha for being selected to represent our school. Mark your calendar for January 9, 2016 from 11:00-3:00 and plan to come join us as we showcase our students and arts programs.
LAVILLA MAGNET SCHOOL APPLICATIONS DUE JANUARY 5TH!
5th grade students interested in attending LaVilla School of the Arts for 6th grade need to complete the online application by January 5th! LaVilla offers students programs in Chorus/Vocal music, Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Piano, Theatre and Visual Arts. The application is available on LaVilla’s website Students must complete this application and the school choice application in order to be considered for placement. This is an excellent opportunity and any interested student should apply!
SAC Meeting regarding upcoming 2016-2017 School uniforms
Duval County is considering a plan for school uniforms for middle and elementary students for the 2016-17 school year. The uniforms would be mandatory for all students in each school. Please join us for our monthly AC meeting on January 11th at 6pm in the Media Center for more information.
Monthly Cultural experiences
Remember to take advantage of monthly opportunities to take your students to different places here in Jacksonville. Visit for updated discounts and programs.
Free Admission to the Cummer Museum
Free Admission to The Cummer on Tuesdays from 4pm - 9pm as well as the First Saturday of every month.
$5 Fridays at the MOSH
Every Friday, come to MOSH to enjoy $5 admission and extended hours.
Every Kid in a Park
Starting this fall, every 4th grader in America will get a one year pass for free admission
to all our public lands for them and their families.
A big thank you to all of our holiday partners!
Thank you to The Caring Tree from Riverside Presbyterian Church and Bright Holidays who gave holiday gifts to 67 of our children! This is a huge initiative that requires detailed coordination with the partners and the families to get gifts to our children and families! Thank you to our PTA for organizing our holiday luncheon for our teachers. Thank you to the District Church for their continued support and Christmas Eve Eve service!
GOLDEN LUNCH BOX WINNERS!
Each week we recognize the class that demonstrates the best behavior and manners in the Dining Room. This is quite a challenge as many of our students don’t eat at the dining room table. We encourage parents to plan dinner at the table at least one night a week to practice table manners and table conversations. This is a good time to listen and let the children talk about their day. Congratulations to the following classes who have earned the Golden Lunch Box award this week.
- PK/1 – Mrs. Kane
- 2/3 – Ms. Hart
- 4/5 – Mrs. Spence
DATES TO REMEMBER:
- January 6Early Dismissal at 1:30 pm
- January 8Schoolwide Flag Raising
- January 9School Choice Expo 11:00-3:00pm
- January 11SAC/PTA meets with Regional Superintendent at 6:00pm in the Media Center
- January 18Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday-No school
- January 20End of the Second Nine Weeks
- January 22Teacher Planning Day- No school
- January 27Early Dismissal at 1:30 pm