Learn More about J.S. Jenks Elementary School

Kindergarten teas are informal meetings for parents interested in
learning more about J.S. Jenks. It is hosted at the home of a current
Jenks parent and offers the opportunity to meet with other current and
prospective parents to discuss Jenks as a school option.

When: December 6th @7:30PM
Where: 135 West Gravers Lane in Chestnut Hill

Please RSVP to jenkshsa@gmail.com

First in Math

At J.S. Jenks the students have the opportunity to play a math based computer game First in Math (© 2011 Suntex International Inc) http://www.firstinmath.com/. The program is played in schools all over the country.  Students earn stickers and awards as they complete levels of math. Students progress through addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; there are even word problems and sudoku games.  It is the modern version of flash cards.  The contemporary advantage of First in Math is that the kids cannot advance until they master a section. Wow, learning to try again until succeeding, what an appropriate skill for the future.  The program also teaches students an international language that they must master if we as a country are to begin competing in science again.  The competition portion of the game has perks as well, such as learning how to lose gracefully or keeping focus to catch up to your colleagues.  In my opinion First in Math is a great addition to the school curriculum and will prepare our kids for their very technical future. 

We're Making Music!

My youngest (Kid 2) has just started kindergarten at JS Jenks, so I now have a second child in the same school with the same kindergarten teacher as my eldest (Kid 1).  However the accommodation, acclimation and behavior between the children were very different.  Yet the result is equally positive; a happy child who is learning to be adaptable in a new environment and learning much. 

 One example is the experience of Kid 2 in music class. When I observed him in a monthly “Wee Sing” event, where parents come to class with their children, he was fidgety and a bit of an “attention-seeker”. I am sure his behavior is not entirely different when I am not present. However, he has absorbed the lessons of the class.  I learned this when my partner and I were frequently asked to attend “school” at home. Kid 2 would introduce himself as “Mr. G-Y”, grab his guitar and class begins. He sings and then we have to follow and join in. He stops class if we are not following properly; he wants us to learn the songs.  He sings, wants to play music and is basically excited for school each day. Thanks Mr. Kell!! And all the faculty and staff at J.S. Jenks.