We've heard from parents that you would like a clear example of which uniforms will be acceptable next year so that you can plan and purchase accordingly. While detailed information will always be in the handbook, we created THIS handout, which has pictures that you may find helpful.
Additionally, Flynn O'Hara is hosting a uniform fitting event and sale at their Houston Store on June 16th. See THIS flyer for details.
We are excited to continue our Community and Inclusion initiative in Lower School, Building Bridges with Books, with our third and final selection for this school year. This program fosters a sense of unity and understanding among our students by exploring diverse perspectives through literature. Every Lower School faculty member will receive a copy of the featured Bridge Book for their classroom, creating a shared reading experience within our community.
Our April Bridge Book is We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang, a hilarious alien invasion story with a feel-good message about what it means to be human. Here are some talking points you might use to engage your child with We Are Definitely Human:
What do the Lis learn about acceptance and kindness from their visitors?
Have you ever felt alone or "alien"? How did you handle it?
How can you make others feel welcome?
We hope this book sparks meaningful conversations in our Lower School community!
Important dates for Kindergarten will be listed here for you to mark your calendar. We kindly request that the events marked with an asterisk * are only attended by those parents who have signed up.
5/16/25: Mav-a-Palooza & Chapel Chum Celebration
5/21/25: LS Closing Celebration @ 8:45am in Lowe Theater
ALL Library books are due to the library by May 9th. Thank you for helping your child remember to bring in any books they've checked out by this date.
Clear off your shelves at home to make way for new summer reading books! The LS Library will be hosting a used book swap May 12th-20th. Students will receive a ticket for each book they donate to the swap (up to 5 books). These tickets may be redeemed for books before school (7:45-8:15), after school (3:15-3:40), or during library classes. Book swap tables will be located on the second floor landing directly outside the LS Library.
Our next Maverick Madness Spirit Day will be on Tuesday, May 20th. Students may wear as much red, black, and SJS gear as possible, or they may wear their normal uniform. Please see pages 31 of the Lower School Handbook for specific guidelines for out-of-uniform dress.
During the month of May, our Sharing Circle topics will revolve around communication and creation with self and others. Three of our topic threads are focused on learning about and practicing healthy decision-making and boundaries, revisiting our Lower School theme of Communication, and sharing our school year celebrations.
Books:
The Not-So-Friendly Friend by Christina Furnival
Communication Ninja by Mary Nhin
A Spot of Celebration by Diane Alber
Table Talk Discussions:
What does it mean to set boundaries? What does it mean to advocate for yourself?
Is communication just words?
What is something that you feel proud of this school year? Have you achieved any of the goals you set for yourself?
Frank the Corn Snake, Gus the Tree Frog, and Buster the Fat-Tailed Gecko are looking for awesome families to host them over summer break! They’re low-maintenance, come fully equipped with their own cages and simple care guides, and make the perfect "practice pets" for kids learning responsibility.
They may not be soft and fluffy, but Frank, Gus, and Buster bring tons of personality (and are way easier than cleaning up after a puppy)! If your family would like to give one of them a summer home, contact Mr. Hunger by Friday, May 16th at chunger@sjs.org .
These science lab legends are ready to move in!
Kindergarten Curriculum Snapshots
List of 10 items.
Math
Use robot Cubelets to explore patterns, sequencing, and problem-solving in math
Practice measuring height, weight, and capacity using hands-on tools and real-world objects
Literacy
Explore an author study of Eric Carle and his unique storytelling style
Analyze writing patterns in books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, including repetition and sequencing
Create an original story inspired by Eric Carle
Social Studies
Learn to identify the difference between needs and wants in our daily lives
Explore the concepts of goods and services and how they help communities function
Science
Learn about the parts of a plant and how they grow and survive
Explore the interdependence between humans, animals, and plants through food chains
Spanish
Reading vocabulary related to numbers, feelings, colors, and family members
Participating in oral activities in the target language
Art
Creating landscape paintings, focusing on creating an interesting ground and sky separated by the horizon line
Working with model magic to create relief sculptures of dinosaurs based on observations
Music
Practicing inner hearing and memory skills through singing songs and speaking rhymes
Recognizing and demonstrating smooth and jerky in songs and stories
Preparing a song for our end-of-year ceremony
Library
Enjoying our favorite books of the school year and creating bookmarks
Tech Lab
Experiencing a free choice of tools and software we used this year to expand our knowledge of their applications
Continuing the use of the online typing program Typing Club to practice basic keyboarding skills and to begin to develop their knowledge of key placement (This online program can be used during summer break.)
P.E.
Playing outdoor recreational games to prep for summer FUN
If in doubt, check it out! A great resource to check the age appropriateness of books, movies, apps, games and other media is Common Sense Media. In addition to reviews they address issues associated with the use of all kinds of media.