Lower School News

2023-2024 Years of Service Awards

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.

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Book Buddies

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.

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Teachers of the Year Honored

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.

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STEM in the Gym

JA fifth grade spent Friday morning at “STEM in the Gym!” With the help of parents and faculty members, six hands-on stations were set up in the Lower School gym for the energetic fifth graders to rotate through. The six stations were the Marble Run Design, Coding with Dash, Rocket Launch, Imagination Playground, Barefoot Frogger, and the Rigamajig. Each station included elements of science, technology, engineering, and math, which students learned about all year through the Lower School STEM program.

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K4 Brings Stories Alive for World Book Day

Today, students in K4 took the lead in reminding our Preschool and Lower School students and faculty about the significance of books. On World Book Day, these young Raiders selected a book to read and brought it to life through their creative costumes. They paraded their literary creations across the Lower School playground, captivating the attention of students and faculty from seven other grades.

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Lower School Field Day

Lower School students participated in Field Day on Friday. Each year, Lower School students look forward to Field Day. This long-time JA tradition incorporates teamwork, competition, and hard work into exciting races that challenge strength, speed, balance, mind, and endurance. It is a fan-favorite event that students, teachers, and parents await each year.

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Scholastic Book Fair Encourages Love of Reading

Jackson Academy held the Scholastic Book Fair each day last week. Students discovered the latest books, journals, and other educational products. The book fair sparks students’ imaginations and ignites their love for reading, which aligns with JA’s start as a school founded to teach reading by phonics.

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