Jefferson provides a comprehensive curriculum that is focused on academic excellence. Below are some program highlights:
Academic Programs
Reading/Language Arts is the core of our academic programs. Our goal is to sustain an atmosphere in which reading is perceived as a joyful experience and where all children can and will succeed. Each day we have SSR (Sustained Silent Reading) where the entire school stops to read from 10:50-11:00am. Our students are also encouraged to write both creatively and factually and many classes keep daily journals. Emphasis is placed on both writing and editing so students learn the skill of editing rather than waiting for the teacher to do the correction.
Mathematics is taught knowing our children need to learn their basic facts as well as developing an understanding of mathematical concepts. If students are to have a real understanding of mathematics, they must be encouraged and supported to become mathematical thinkers. We believe that it is no longer acceptable to say, “I’m not good at Math”! We want our children to learn their basic facts as tools to help them solve problems, but we also recognize that these facts are not a means to an end but a beginning. We are committed to the idea and the goal that all students can become mathematical thinkers and problem solvers.
The Social Studies program at Jefferson School begins in Kindergarten with the study of the child’s immediate environment. At succeeding levels, the learning includes the neighborhood, the city, the state and the country. Our Social Studies program offers an inclusive approach to all people’s contribution to society. We will emphasize an in-depth approach toward understanding and learning rather than the memorization of facts and figures.
Science and Health at Jefferson focuses on a “hands-on approach” to learning about science. Teachers act as a facilitators rather than just the giver of knowledge. They are supported by our wonderful and knowledgeable science paraprofessional, Ms. Leslie Quan. The primary goal in our healthy curriculum is to help our students become responsible for their daily health needs. We focus on learning about nutrition and making good food choices as well as building positive practices and habits of health to carry through adulthood.
Key Programs
Visual & Performing Arts is a special highlight at Jefferson. Our outstanding program includes a rotation of visiting artists—a poet, a visual artist, a dancer, a ceramist, muscian and a theatre artist. All classrooms will receive the services of at least one or two of these artists each year. Through PTA fundraising students further their art appreciation by attending the Opera, Symphony, Ballet and all the major art museums. Grades 4-5 participate in a weekly musical program with Mr. Anne Kim and every 5th grader is a member of the Jefferson Choir.
The Physical Education program has recently been enhanced at Jefferson with the addition of a new PE Program. Paid for by Prop H money the school received all new equipment—enough for every child to have their own, new curriculum and a fabulous PE teacher, Mrs. Chi. She works with the teachers to help them understand the curriculum as well as with the students. Each class has at least 2 PE sessions a week.
Caring School Communities is a special program that only a select group of San Francisco schools participates in. It involves working with students in teaching respect, caring and interaction not only with classmates but also with classroom buddies. Each classroom has a “buddy classroom” and the program includes both Home/School activities. We are excited to continue to see the positive benefits this program brings to our school and our students.
The Library Program consists of our wonderful librarian, Marie Robinson, and a library full of resources, book and discovery. Each class visits the library once a week where they learn how to use the library, check out books and read with the school librarian. In addition to constantly updating its collection of books, the library also sponsors Read Aloud Day and Author’s Day.
Our Gate Program consists of clusters of gifted students in intermediate classes (grades 4-5). Children’s needs are met by offering an enriched and expanded curriculum to all students, but in particular to gifted students. Students will be involved in oral presentations and will be encouraged and expected to take leadership roles within the classroom and in the school.
The Resource Specialist Program (RSP) is run by Ms. Gretchen Dryden. Students with specific learning problems receive individual help on a daily basis. Qualifying for this program requires special individual testing of the student in several skill areas. Students are then diagnosed for specific learning disabilities.
Jefferson’s Inclusion Program allows students with specific disabilities to participate in our regular school program. They are given assistance with paraprofessional support under the direction of our inclusion teacher, Kim Oliver.
Special Events
Enriching and community building activities happen throughout the year and include Author’s Day, Family Math Night, Family Science Night, Junior Olympics, Jump Rope for Heart, Volunteer Luncheon, Spring Potluck Dinner, Book Fair, Garden Days, Winterfest and Read-Aloud Day.
