Jefferson’s ‘Student Learning Showcase’ highlights importance of family-school partnership

Student success is possible with strong partnerships between students, families and the school – something Jefferson Elementary staff and families recognize.

After winter break, Jefferson families were invited to the school’s first-ever “Student Learning Showcase” to strengthen their understanding of what their students learn in the classroom every day. During what ended up being a snowy night, families showed up to support their students and learn more about their child’s school experience.

Families and students visited their grade level classrooms to complete activities related to their English Language Arts (ELA) and Math content. They also had the chance to visit Specials classes and participate in a Music, P.E., SECA (Social Emotional Creative Arts), and Media activity.  Activities included a musical instrument scavenger hunt, making bookmarks with 3-D pens in media class, and more. As students completed activities, they earned tickets to enter into drawings for ELA-related board games. 
 

Jefferson students beamed with excitement, eager to show their family what they’ve been learning in school. Many students reversed their role and became the teacher, walking their families through academic lessons and explaining each step. 

Principal Kate Crowe said her favorite part about the event was seeing students excited to share about their learning.

“I loved watching families participate in the activities together,” Crowe explained. “Students had the opportunity to show their families what they do every day, and it was exciting to see how proud they were and how much fun they were having,” she said.
 

Second Grade Teacher Holli Hodson and Academic Coach Tausha Jones said the event was a great opportunity to bring families and school staff together for the benefit of students. 

“It helped families become more comfortable in the building and created a welcoming environment that invited them into the learning process,” Jones shared. “The event strengthened the connection between home and school by opening classroom doors and making learning visible,” she said.

Not only did families get to know more about what their children were learning, they also learned  how they could continue to support their students at home.

“We were also able to provide parents with some fun practice activities to do at home with the students,” Hodson said. 

Learning is fun, and families got to see that first-hand thanks to the “Student Learning Showcase”.
 

“It was awesome to see parents engaging with their students' learning.  My favorite things were the laughter and fun I saw happening among families, and the parents that I saw encouraging and supporting their students through the activities,” Hodson shared.

One of the most meaningful takeaways, Jones said, was seeing students confidently showcase their work and talk about their learning. 

“Students were highlighting all the wonderful things happening across our classrooms,” Jones said.

Though this was the first year of the event, Principal Crowe said it was a success and she would love to continue building on it in future years.

Way to go, Jefferson All-Stars!
 

#WeAreGIPS