Like the beginning of all school years, the hallways and classrooms at Jefferson Elementary have been filled with excitement and energy. The first trimester of the school year is spent building relationships, covering learning expectations, and focusing on the academic and social emotional success of all students. Jefferson Elementary uses the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) framework to teach students expectations and routines in the building. This framework provides common language across all settings. At Jefferson students SOAR with Self-control, On-task, Accountable, and Respect. Students earn SOAR tickets for their positive behavior and meeting the expectations at school. Students can redeem their tickets at our SOAR store, and they are also collected to go towards a school wide celebration.

Along with our PBIS program, Jefferson Elementary offers other school-wide social emotional supports for all students. These include the Second Step program, an evidenced based social skills curriculum and the 10 Core Skills program – taught through a weekly “Skill of the Week” video and classroom discussion. We also offer a variety of targeted supports for students. We offer a behavior management program that focuses on skill development for students to self-manage their behaviors, small group sessions with our school counselor, and individual sessions with Greater Minnesota skills workers who provide services in our schools.

Staff at Jefferson continue to focus on moving students forward academically. Each fall our students’ complete assessments in math and reading. These assessments provide our staff with the necessary data to create learning plans for all the students. These plans include quality instruction for all students in the classroom as well as providing small group instruction daily to target skill deficits. Data is also used to identify students who need additional interventions. These interventions are specific and targeted to the individual student’s needs in order to move them forward.

At Jefferson Elementary School, we believe in focusing on a whole child growth approach; we contribute to a child’s overall development by providing social emotional and academic skills. The staff at Jefferson are committed to the positive development of all the students they serve. This dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for all their work. We are Jefferson Elementary – where Eagles SOAR together.