Class 3L recently explored the traditions of Hanukkah with a special guest, Mrs. B shared a wonderful presentation on the holiday's history and foods, followed by a lively game of dreidel. Every student received their own dreidel to take home, capping off a great day of hands-on learning. We are fortunate to have families share their traditions with us!
4 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students playing the dreidel game.
Students playing the dreidel game.
Students playing the dreidel game.
Mrs. B and her daughter and sharing the traditions with the class.
Mrs. B and her daughter and sharing the traditions with the class.
Our students were engaged by an inspiring assembly, the Writer's Journey, presented by author and songwriter Daryl Cobb. He captivated students with his dynamic approach to storytelling, encouraging their own creative writing journeys.
4 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Presenter tells a story with the help of a student.
Presenter tells a story with the help of two teachers.
Presenter has student helpers sing along with him.
Presenter sings to the students.
Presenter tells a story with the help of a student.
Presenter tells a story with high energy.
Our 5th grade students delivered two great performances with the Winter Band and Chorus Concert, led by Mrs. Webber and Mrs. Meyer. The students did a terrific job at both the student assembly and the evening concert for their families. Thank you for everyone's support!

4 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
The music teacher conducts the chorus.
Students singing their songs.
The instructor conducts the band.
Two students introduce the song.
Students singing.
Students singing
Student introduces the next song.
Band teacher and Music teacher
Our 4th grade artists are currently working on a visually stunning project: making feathers inspired by artist Kelsey Montague. In this unit, students are concentrating on the foundational concepts of color theory, specifically mastering tints (color plus white) and shades (color plus black).
4 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students drawing their feather.
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Students painting their feather.
Students painting their feather.
Students painting their feather.
Students painting their feather and teacher giving suggestions.

Our Thanksgiving Food Drive was a great success! With the generous support of the Jefferson families, we were able to donate an incredible 1,011 food items to the Grace Church food pantry. Our dedicated Early Act advisors and a wonderful group of students restocked the pantry. We wish everyone a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

4 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students stocking the food pantry.
Students stocking the food pantry.
Students stocking the food pantry.
Students stocking the food pantry.
Our 1A and 4L buddies had a wonderful time together preparing for Thanksgiving! They gathered to listen to a story and held a discussion focused on gratitude, sharing what they are thankful for—both people and things. To contribute to our school's holiday display, each student then decorated a paper feather to be added to our collective turkey decoration.
5 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Teacher showing students the paper feather.
Student buddies decorate the feather together.
Student buddies decorate the feather together.
The finished feathers on display.
Student buddies decorate the feather together.
To celebrate Veterans Day, Class 2B was honored to welcome Mr. Tuohy, who served as a Marine in the United States Armed Forces. Mr. Tuohy shared stories and experiences from his time serving our country. The students were full of thoughtful questions and truly enjoyed learning from him. It was a wonderful and meaningful experience for all. Thank you to all veterans for your service!
5 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Veteran speaks about being a marine.
Veteran shows his cover (AKA hat).
Students take a photo with the veteran.
Veteran and his son
Veteran introduces himself.
This afternoon's Professional Development session focused entirely on staff wellness! Our incredible teachers took time away from their busy schedules for some much-needed self-care. They enjoyed mindful coloring, wrote gratitude notes to their colleagues, and took a refreshing walk to enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning fall foliage. This time allowed them to either spend time alone for reflection or bond with their peers. We truly love our teachers and recognize they need care, too—today was all about supporting the dedicated professionals who care for our students every day!
5 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Teachers enjoy a walk around the neighborhood on this beautiful fall day.
Teachers engaged in mindful coloring.
Teachers write a gratitude note to a colleague.
Teachers engaged in mindful coloring.
Teacher writes a gratitude note to a colleague.
Teachers engaged in mindful coloring.
Teachers engaged in mindful coloring.
We had a wonderful visit today! The Executive Director of the Westfield United Fund stopped by to read the heartwarming book, The Buddy Bench, to several of our classes. This visit was extra special because it celebrated the arrival of our very own Buddy Bench, generously donated by WUF!

This beautiful bench is a great addition to our playground. It’s designed to help children feel more included and actively supports their social-emotional well-being. A student sitting on the bench signals that they're looking for a friend to play with, making it easier for classmates to reach out.
5 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Director seated on the buddy bench and read the story to the students.
Director seated on the buddy bench and read the story to the students.
Director seated on the buddy bench and read the story to the students.
Director seated on the buddy bench and read the story to the students.
Director seated on the buddy bench and read the story to the students.
Our students were wowed by an engaging science assembly! They dove into the fascinating worlds of chemistry and physics, witnessing various thrilling experiments that brought scientific principles to life right before their eyes. We extend our thanks to the Cultural Arts Committee and the PTO for generously sponsoring this educational and fun program.

5 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Presenter shows the string-like substance.
Student volunteers help stir the mixture.
Presenter uses a blower to create high wind blowing the roll of toilet paper away.
Students are eager to see what happens after the mixture is ready.
The blower made the hair go wild!
To celebrate the Halloween spirit, our staff held a fantastic Pumpkin Carving and Decorating Contest! The creativity on display was incredible, and all students had the opportunity to admire the unique designs and vote for their favorite. It was a wonderful way for the children to see the fun, artistic side of their teachers!
5 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students are casting their vote for the contest.
The pumpkins are ready for viewing.
Students are admiring the pumpkins.
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We hope everyone enjoyed today's Halloween parade! The students and staff looked fantastic dressed in costume. It was wonderful to see so much creativity and school spirit on display. Happy Halloween!
5 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Student dressed in costume and doing safety patrol!
Girls dressed as KPop demon hunters.
Students dressed and ready for a fun day.
Teachers dressed for a fun day.
Student in a McDonald's drive thru costume. So original!
Student is dressed as Pikachu!
Our paraprofessionals all dressed for Halloween.
Teacher dressed as Belle and photographed with her student.
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We had a great week celebrating Red Ribbon Week! This nationally recognized event reinforces our commitment to promoting healthy, drug-free choices and helps our students focus on keeping their bodies and minds strong. We emphasized this year's school theme: "Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Responsible." A huge thank you to Ms. Saliceti for organizing all the fun activities.
5 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students dressed in PJs.
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We were delighted to welcome several parents this week who shared wonderful presentations with our students about the traditions and significance of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Thank you to all our volunteers!
6 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students doing a craft.
Students doing a craft.
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Students doing a craft.
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Parent shares the traditions.
Students doing a craft.
Students doing a craft.
Students showing their finished light.
Parents showing students how to make the craft.
A huge thank you to everyone who donated new or gently used Halloween costumes for our drive! With your incredible generosity, we are donating 135 costumes to families in need. Special thanks to our 5th grade Early Act members and their advisors for their hard work in making this drive a success!
6 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students are proud to help organize all the donated costumes.
Student helps organize the donated costumes.
Students sorting the costumes.
Student helps organize the donated costumes.
Class 2A ended their Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with a visit from Ms. Aldana’s mom! They learned about Guatemala and where Ms. Aldana’s mom grew up. Students had a blast creating their own Quetzal and learning about its importance as the national symbol.
6 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students learning about Guatemala.
Students show their pictures.
Presenter speaks about the culture of Guatamela.
Presenter speaks about the culture of Guatamela.
October is Fire Safety Month, and we were excited to host members of our local Fire Department this week! Students in grades 1 through 3 attended an engaging assembly where they learned critical fire safety tips. A huge thank you to our dedicated Fire Department for taking the time to teach our students how to protect themselves and stay safe.
6 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students watching a short video about fire safety.
Students are proud to be photographed with the members of the fire department.
Fire fighter shows the children his full safety gear.
Fire fighter puts on his fire safe gear.
Students listening to the presentation.
Students are proud to be photographed with the members of the fire department.

Students and staff had a great time showing their spirit by dressing up for our daily themes during RESPECT week. More importantly, our students spent the week focused on learning and practicing various ways to show respect for others—a core value we emphasize every day. A big thank you to Ms. Saliceti for organizing all the fun and engaging activities for this special week!

6 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students are dressed in blue to show respect for others and STOMP out Bullying.
School counselor teaches a lesson.
Student loves her special hat.
Our teachers dress in work out wear to show their commitment to working out conflicts.
Students wearing their favorite hat.
Students are wearing their hat and a birthday boy with his crown.
Student wearing blue to stomp out bullying.
Students wearing PJs to put bullying to bed.
The students are enjoying PJ day!
Our Helping Hands volunteers started last week. Student volunteers in 4th and 5th grade assist our students during recess time. They are great helpers to the lunch aides as well! Student volunteers were trained to assist our younger children, ensuring everyone is safe and having fun during recess time. Thank you to all our volunteers and advisors!
6 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Student volunteers are ready for duty.
Student volunteers are enjoying their time with the younger children.
Thank you to our entire school community for making this year's Walk and Bike to School Day a huge success! The weather was perfect, and it was wonderful to see so many of our students and their families walking and biking safely to school. A special thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this important event possible.
6 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students and families walk to school.
Students signed a banner to show they walked to school today.
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Students gathering for arrival and signing the banner.
Jazzy gives high fives to our 1st graders.
Principal and Jazzy pose for the photo!
Parent volunteer and student pose for the photo.