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Jackson Academy has long believed that the Alpha & Omega pairings of seniors and kindergartners provide lasting benefits. Sometimes, buddies keep in touch throughout adulthood. Recently, two buddies—Robert Crisler ’16 and current student Caden Callison—reconnected through ninth-grade football.
In educational terminology, virtual reality engages students with learning, increases retention, builds emotional intelligence, fosters creative thinking, and challenges and motivates students. In kids’ terminology, virtual reality is fun.
Play break at school might just be the most exciting part of a child’s day. Not only is it a time for imaginations to run wild, friendships to form, and laughter to abound, but it is also a crucial time for social, physical, and cognitive development in growing children.
It was a football frenzy last week at JA as students of multiple ages celebrated the game! First graders got time with their Upper School Football Buddies on Thursday when the buddies visited their classrooms. Varsity players joined first graders for a fun-filled party with food, games, and great conversation. This annual tradition fosters connections between our older and younger divisions. First graders joined their Football Buddies on the field Friday night for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem to culminate the week.
Jackson Academy has announced the students who have been elected to the homecoming court for 2024. These students will be honored during Homecoming festivities on October 4, beginning with a pep rally presentation of the court and culminating in the formal recognition of the court and the presentation of the Homecoming Queen at halftime of the JA -Madison St. Joe football game. First grade attendants to the court are the children of JA faculty and staff members.
Jackson Academy’s first-grade students experienced the SOAR program for the first time last week, participating in a “boot camp” designed to teach teamwork and faith principles. Complementing armed forces classroom lessons, the activities emphasized the “Armor of God,” fostering physical and spiritual growth.
Jackson Academy has a tradition of honoring the dedication and loyalty of its employees by acknowledging their years of service. Recognizing milestones in increments of five years, employees are given the chance to designate a contribution from JA to a cause meaningful to them in support of the school. Those who have served for 25 years or more are honored with a plaque and special recognition.
In a special two-part event, Jackson Academy’s sixth graders teamed up with their first-grade buddies in the beloved “Book Buddies” program. After interviewing with the first graders earlier in the year, sixth graders worked hard to make personalized books, pouring their creativity into every word and picture. This collaborative effort not only honed their literary skills but also fostered lasting friendships across grade levels, echoing JA’s commitment to phonics-based learning – a tradition upheld since its founding in 1959.
One of the most impactful JA senior ceremonies is JA’s Senior Chapel, which was held today. Seniors don caps and gowns and process into the Performing Arts Center holding hands with their Alpha & Omega buddies.
Jackson Academy acknowledges and honors its Teachers of the Year every spring. The recognition is particularly noteworthy this year as it falls during National Teacher Appreciation Week. During the final chapel program on Tuesday, administrators called four teachers to the PAC stage where they formally expressed gratitude for the teachers’ dedicated service to the school. Faculty members vote for Teachers of the Year from among their peers by division.