Jefferson Elementary

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Jefferson Elementary School is a neighborhood school serving students from all parts of the city and rural areas.  We average 405 students making up a wonderfully diverse school that draws from many cultures and nationalities.  We celebrate our differences throughout all aspects of our school day.  Deliberate and purposeful teaching and modeling of respect and responsibility are commitments held by all Jefferson staff.

Jefferson was named a " School of Distinction" for the improvements in our measures of school achievment.  The Superrintendent of Public instruction identified the top 3% of schools in the state to receive this honor. 

Teachers and support staff teach the district-adopted curriculum.  A sample of themes, projects and activities carried out in the teaching of the core curriculum are kindergarten Pumpkin Patch visits, Thanksgiving Feasts and a Mailing May letter unit.  First graders write with Washington State University (WSU) pen-friends and work with pre-service teachers from WSU.  Second graders enthusiastically give book talks and Reader's Theatre while third grade students complete Pacific Rim research, learn about and practice using thinking skills.  In fourth grade a favorite event is the Oregon Trail Unit .  Fourth and fifth graders are active participants in the Student Council.  Fifth graders write for multiple audiences, research and present state reports while using and learning about new technology.  In the spring all district fifth graders spend a week at our outdoor education camp at Camp Wooten.

In addition to our classroom curriculum, our program includes special education, academic support in reading, highly capable, library instruction, general music, orchestra, physical education, and art.  In-class and out-of-class opportunities range from classroom service projects to academic and arts competition or performances.  Jefferson staff members typically provide many extracurricular opportunities beyond school hours.

Our school community includes both a PTA organizaton and a Site Council where teachers and patrons work together to provide optimum learning opportunities and a rich school culture.