Jefferson ES 2013-14 School Year

Jefferson honored two special members of its community today: Carson Cornbrooks of Education Outside and Gerry Knezevich, father of students Luke and Zoe. Carson has spent the past two years developing and growing the garden education program that Jerry worked tirelessly to begin countless years ago. Both men are loved by the parents, students and community of Jefferson for their tireless effort, dedication and vision in transforming bleak, empty space into our own educational garden haven. Thank you Carson and Gerry!

This Wednesday, the PTA hosted a luncheon for Jefferson teachers. Special thanks to all of the parents that brought in delicious food and donated gift cards. We are so thankful for our wonderful teachers and thoughtful parents! 

This Wednesday was Admin Day. Parent Monica Urick invited all students to bring a flower from home to add to bouquets to our two wonderful front office ladies, Ana and Shirley. Beautiful! We are very thankful for all the help they give to our school!

4th and 5th graders (along with their adults) were treated to numerous experiments and projects during the Annual Science Night on March 19. Sporting lab coats, Jefferson's teachers, staff, and volunteers worked hard to lead the students though stimulating activities located at many different stations in the Auditorium.  Shown here, the making of GAK – a Science Night favorite!

All of Jefferson's students will be helping to make a beautiful mural on our yard this week!  The mural concept and design is by Margaret Eshia and her 5th grade son Ian Eshia (room 205). Margaret was the former Jefferson Artworks Coordinator for several years. This school-wide art activity is this year's Spring Arworks project. Every Jefferson child's painted handprint will be part of a colorful flower mural which reads: "One community, many hands". The mural is located on the wall in the upper yard and will be finished soon.

Jaguars kickball won a great victory over West Portal this Valentine's Day, with a final score of 24-5. Star players included pitchers Sophia G. and Kiara, defenders Josh C. and Phillip P. and powerful an offense led by Pete L., Zach T. and Zachary G. Thanks to parent Michael Thomas for the photos and news.

The kindergarteners did their own lion dancer parade through the halls of Jefferson on Friday afternoon. All four classes made their head pieces and they played instruments along the way. Jefferson kids and teachers lined the halls to cheer them on!

Today we celebrated Chinese New Year with performers from the San Francisco Hung Sing Lion Dance. Live music accompanied the lion and we learned that he dances to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck in the new year.

This particular lion, named Bubble Tea, threw tangerines and shredded lettuce to the kids - all for good luck! We also learned that he can defend himself with the sharp horn on top of his head and that the mirror between his eyes will kill evil spirits by showing them their own reflections. And now we know how to say "Happy New Year" in Cantonese: Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Thanks to all the students, teachers, parents, staff and friends who came out this Saturday to help take care of Jefferson's gardens at our first Garden Workday of 2014!

We accomplished many things in a short amount of time: weeded, watered, edged beds and built a new composting structure. To celebrate, we ate delicious salad harvested fresh from the garden. You are all invited to join us next month when we do it again!

Congratulations to Jefferson Parent, Gerry Knezevich who was awarded the 2nd district PTA Service Award on February 15, 2013.