My family’s time in Philly is drawing to an end. We are sadly leaving our school community and
heading to California. As a final post I want to share my top 5 things that I appreciate about
J.S. Jenks Elementary School.
I will miss the school community but not the yearly School
District drama and budget woes. I hope
Philly will realize the importance of public education and fund the schools and communities without the politics that seem to play out each spring.
1. The Teachers
During our 5 years at J.S. Jenks, my
children have benefited from excellent teachers. They have nurtured, challenged and mentored my
children, providing them a first-rate academic environment.
Thank You All…….
Kindergarten: Ms. Tish
1st Grade: Ms. Smith, Mr.
Kennedy, Ms. Glanzmann
2nd Grade: Ms. Mucerino
3rd Grade: Ms. Amir, Ms.
Williams
4th Grade: Ms. Walsh, Mr.
Burgwald
2. Administration and Programming
The staff, administration, teachers and Ms.
Lynskey (Principal) have not allowed the draconian yearly cuts stop them
from moving forward with new ideas and programs. The specials have remained intact; Computers,
Flex (Language Program), Music and Physical Education (Art was lost last year
but Mr. Green, parent volunteer and retired Art teacher keeps the program
running)
In addition the JAM (Jenks Art and Music
Program) continues to grow. Music Jam has performed many times this year and
they have been to the World Café Live three times to experience the music of
different trios.
3. Music and Arts
Thanks to Mr. Wesner for providing an
exceptional experience for my daughter on both the violin and cello. The exposure to music at J.S. Jenks is
unparalleled. The kids can audition for
strings or band in 2nd grade.
My 4th grader started with violin and is now playing cello. As a result of her strings
experience at Jenks she had the opportunity to play with the Strings Project at
Temple University (part of the Community Music Partnership) http://www.temple.edu/boyer/community/music-prep/programs.asp#CMSP
Thank you Melissa Douglas and Ms. Parente
for a great year.
4. Parents and Community
The parents, guardians and community have
proved to be tireless advocates for public education in Philly. In addition to an active Home and School
Association, parents and supporters have expanded funding for the school. The Friends of J.S. Jenks held its inaugural fundraising
event last year raising over $8000 and on June 1st it will host “Oh,
The Places We’ll Go” https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfJsJenks.
The Jenks Beautification Committee has been
growing each year and is transforming the front garden of the school, thanks to
parents Adam Eyring and Angela Stewart http://jenksbeautification.blogspot.com/.
There has also
been a long history of welcoming and introducing families to the
school. Current parents host "Kindergarten Teas" which are informal gatherings where families can learn about the
school. Join the Potential Parents list potentialjenksparents@googlegroups.com
The
entire Northwest Philly region works together to support public education. The Mount
Airy/ Chestnut Hill Teacher’s Fund provides small grants for teachers (my
daughter’s class received an apple TV system). This fund was founded and is
organized by the Trolley Car Diner. trolleycarassistant@gmail.com
5. The Rhythm of the School Year
Even
with the constant struggle for funding and resources for public education in
Philadelphia, our school has many traditions that carry us through the year.
Fall:
Back
to School Night: A positive night full of potential and possibilities.
Harvest
Ball: A festive night filled with happy kids, families, friends and teachers.
Thanksgiving
Feast: A complete feast for the kids put on by parents and the Home and School.
Winter
Concert: A night filled with music and song, the majority of the students are
involved with choir, strings or band.
Winter
Break: A welcome break for students and teachers!
Spring:
Book
Fair and Report Card Conferences: Nice to catch up with teachers and buy a few
books to support the school and our kids.
Musical:
This year was the "Sound of Music". In preparation the entire school learns the
songs during their music classes. The
ENTIRE school could break out into song which I think is very cool. (Thank you
Mr. Leland and Mr. Kell)
Spring
Concert: A night of music and song by even BETTER musicians. (Thanks to all the music and instrumental teachers)
Color
Day: The kids are excited when they hear the color (Blue or Gold) that their class will wear this
year. A day filled with lots of activity and fun. Thanks Coach Whitney.
Last
Day of School: Report cards and room assignments for the next year….always
exciting.
