The new school year is off to an exciting start at Jefferson Primary School. Students are enthusiastic and come through the doors each morning with a spring in their steps and smiles on their faces.
Jefferson’s teachers and paraprofessional staff members are giving the youngsters they work with everything they have. Students are provided with large doses of instruction, motivation and encouragement along with plenty of kindness each day. Everyone associated with the building wants every child to love school and go home happy.
Recognizing especially outstanding efforts brings delight to the faculty and Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide. Jefferson recently honored September’s Citizens of the Month, presenting each youngster with a personalized certificate before gathering the group together for a commemorative photo.
The honorees included Ali Brady, James Buffa, Francesca D’Eloia, Diana Diaz-Mejia, Madeline Francis, Gabriela Genao, Adetole Gold, Shiela Giron Morejon, Keyri Gudiel Ramirez, Gabriel MacManus, Mabelin Maldonado, Alexa Mazure, Iliana Jarmolowski, Briana Maldonado, Ainesh Paul, Jose Reyes-Benitez and Aiden Thomason.
Jefferson School opened in September 1962.
(Darin Reed photo (3)
In an effort to support a school-wide focus on “Being Respectful, Being Responsible and Being Safe,” Jefferson has implemented a positive reinforcement plan.
“Each morning while the students are transitioning to their classes, we play classical ‘brain music’ over the PA system,” Mrs. Capitulo-Saide said. “Research has shown that one of the strongest effects of music on the brain is in the area of memory. In fact, it is believed that music can activate emotional, motor and creative areas of the brain. We feel playing classical music in the morning will help students start off their day in a positive and calming manner, which supports our efforts to maintain a responsible, respectful and safe school environment.”
One student from each class is recognized as Citizen of the Week for demonstrating respectful, responsible and safe behaviors. The honorees are announced every Friday during a “happy news” segment. Students receive a prize.
One student from each class is also recognized as Citizen of the Month during a monthly Jefferson assembly. “Classroom teachers give a brief anecdote providing specific details as to the respectful, responsible and/or safe behaviors the student demonstrated throughout the month,” Mrs. Capitulo-Saide said. “This anecdote is read when the student’s name is announced at the assembly. We believe highlighting specific will support and encourage these behaviors throughout the building, at home and in the community. Our goal is to continue focusing on and encouraging being responsible, respectful and safe citizens.”