Whether you’re enrolling your first kindergartener or just moved into the district, this guide is for you. It covers (almost) everything you need to know about life at Johnson Elementary. There’s a lot that goes on at the school, so consider this your field guide.
How you’ll get school news
JES and the PTO share news across a few channels since everyone digests information differently. Here are the ones to know:
- J-List — Our principal, Mrs. Williams, sends a weekly email newsletter every Friday, it’s the most complete source of school-specific news
- Instagram — Follow @johnsonelementary (run by the school), and @jackdjohnson_pto (run by the PTO), @jes_spirit_shop for new spirit wear drops, and @jesauction for event updates. Train that algorithm!
- Get on the Parent GroupMe — Always know what’s going on. It’s where we share announcements, reminders, and volunteer opportunities.
- Grade-level Facebook groups — join to connect with other parents in your child’s grade:
- Private JES PTO Facebook Group – This is another way we share more details about programs run by the PTO. Since it’s not open to the public, you’ll see more photos from school events here.
- Flyers — Check your kid’s backpack for news and slap them on your fridge
- Google Calendar – Subscribe on Android or Apple devices to get the full calendar right on your phone.
Quick links to CISD and school resources
District-wide calendar, lunch menus, Transportation services and more from CISD. You can also find links to our JES Staff “Favorite Things” and Directories.
CISD LINK HUBVisiting the school
You’ll need to show an ID every time — no exceptions. Please don’t hold the door for anyone; everyone checks in at the front office.
JES Family Directory
An online directory of each family’s contact info, pulled from Skyward. Handy for playdates, birthday parties, and connecting with other parents. Available to paid PTO members. Coming this Fall!
What is the PTO?
The JES Parent-Teacher Organization is a parent-run nonprofit that supports our teachers, students, and school community. Our mission: supply volunteers, provide financial support, keep communication open between parents and teachers, and work alongside staff on projects that make Johnson Elementary better for everyone.
How it works
- The Executive Board — 9 nominated parents oversee how the PTO committees run, giving direction and support
- General Board & Committees — parents who lead or help run a specific event or program throughout the year
- Volunteers — parents who pitch in when and where it works for them, no ongoing commitment required
You’ll be part of the magic
There’s a place for everyone on the PTO. Don’t worry, we won’t assign you a job the minute you pay dues! You choose how involved you want to be. Registering grants you member perks like access to our private Facebook Group for day-to-day updates and service opportunities, plus the family directory.
JOIN THE PTOPTO Leadership
The Executive Board, General Board & Committees, and Volunteers are the key groups inside the PTO. Board and Committee leadership roles are filled through our annual nominations process each Spring, but there’s a way to pitch in no matter how much time you have.
Executive Board
- Ana Horton, President — Keeps the organization moving in the same direction and makes sure every PTO program serves our Dragons well.
- Laura Dechert, VP Communications — Makes sure you always know what’s happening at JES, from the J-List to social media to the website.
- Kristen Boydston, VP Fundraising — Leads the campaigns and events that raise the funds behind everything the PTO does for JES.
- Sarah Biegel, VP Events — Plans the community events that bring JES families together for fun all year long, from the Fall Picnic to Field Day.
- Rae Hagen, Secretary — Keeps the PTO organized behind the scenes and maintains the family directory that helps parents connect.
- Melisa Snyder, Treasurer — Watches over the PTO’s finances so every dollar raised goes exactly where it’s needed.
- Christine Beckendorf, Room Parent Director — Connects every classroom with the parent volunteers who help make each year special.
- Alexis Naylor, Staff Outreach Director — Fulfills teacher wish lists and supports outreach committees like hospitality and teacher appreciation week, so our staff feel supported all year long.
- Elizabeth Widmer, Spirit Shop Director — Develops the Dragon gear that builds school spirit, with every dollar of proceeds going right back to JES.
General Board and Committees
Each of these leads is on point for a specific event, program, or committee — organizing the volunteers who bring it to life.
Fundraising
- JES Auction Event
- JES Olympics
- Givebacks and sponsorships
DADs Club
A group of dads supporting the school in all kinds of ways: helping with the car line in bad weather, grilling at community events, and much more. See how they serve our school.
ABOUT DADS CLUBCommunity Events and Engagement
- Welcome Breakfast
- Fall Picnic
- Tailgate
- Grandparents Day
- Around the World Event
- Daddy/Daughter Dance
- Mother/Son Fun Night
- Field Day
Campus & Staff Support
- Outreach
- Hospitality
- Teacher Appreciation
- Wish Lists
- Copy Room
- Decorations
- Landscaping
- Communications
Classroom and JES Traditions
- Room Parent
- Class Party Planner
- Dragon Wagon
- Dragon Diamonds
- The Gifting Project
- Birthday celebrations
- Charlie the Dragon
- Yearbook
Volunteers
REGISTER TO VOLUNTEERNo committee required. Just sign up when it works for you. Some roles are ongoing for the year, like being a Room Parent or classroom Party Planner. Others are single shifts you can pick as they come up, like Dragon Wagon or helping to run an activity station at Field Day.
Room Parent — Supports the classroom teacher and coordinates the teacher’s gifts for birthday, teacher appreciation and end of year (funded by the PTO).
Party Parent — Coordinates the classroom parties: Holiday party in December, Hot Cocoa day, and Valentine’s party. Responsible for setup/prep and running the day-of. Supplies are purchased by the PTO and supplied for you, and there is a signup for other parents to assist with day-of prep and execution so you aren’t alone.
Grade-Level Room Parent Lead — Handles all communication with parents for the entire grade.
Grade-Level Party Lead – Coordinates with the Room Parent Director to ensure all classrooms have their party decorations and supplies for each party day. Communicates with the Party Parents leading up to and day-of to make sure that classroom parties go off without a hitch.