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Jefferson Elementary School

Principal:  Jan Harwood
Grades:  K–6
Enrollment:  540

The original building that housed Jefferson Elementary School opened in 1919, the same year as Washington Elementary School. Both buildings followed traditional two-story construction, which fell out of popularity the next year. By December 1978, the ten oldest rooms of the aging building were condemned for safety reasons. The entire school closed during demolition, placing the burden on Wilcox, which held double sessions for the 1978–79 school year. For the 1979–80 school year, students were divided between St. Joseph School (rented from the Catholic Church) and the twelve remaining classrooms at Jefferson. Students were split again for the 1980–81 school year, this time between Jefferson and Emerson School. Both the Jefferson and Emerson buildings closed the next year, when the new Jefferson building was completed.

Jefferson is a sister building to Gate City Elementary, both opening in 1982. They were designed exactly alike except that floor plans were reversed. Gate City serves students on the east bench while Jefferson caters to the west bench. The schools were designed with classrooms surrounding a central media center to minimize corridors and architectural barriers. Floors and walls are carpeted, and the buildings are bermed with earth to a height of five feet for energy efficiency.

Mission

Maximizing Student Learning: Whatever It Takes
Preparing Students for the Future by Educating the Whole Child

Parents Options

Parents of Jefferson Elementary students are active participants in the school community. Jefferson has an active Parent Teacher Organization and parents serve on the board and organize a variety of activities, such as Math Night and Picture Day. The PTO also sponsored students' participation in the "Parade of Lights," which won a prize. Many parents volunteer in classrooms regularly while other parents volunteer for field trips and other special occasions. Parents serve on the Building Leadership Team as well as on the Parent Advisory Committee.

2006–2007 Student Body

• 1% participated in gifted and talented programs
• 79% qualified for free or reduced-price lunch
• 1% participated in programs to learn English

2006–2007 Average Class Sizes

	Jefferson	District
Kindergarten	25	21
First Grade	20	23
Second Grade	24	24
Third Grade	24	24
Fourth Grade	27	25
Fifth Grade	25	24
Sixth Grade	25	23

2006–2007 Highlights

Jefferson is very excited about the increased sense of community it has developed. Last year the students earned "bricks" to build a wall of respect and responsibility in the library, and this year the students are earning "cars" by being caring and courageous as they work to finish the "Jefferson 500." Students, staff and parents are commended for their efforts to create and enhance a culture of caring and connectedness at Jefferson.

2006–2007 Academic Performance

	Jefferson Average	District Average	State Average
ISAT Reading Proficiency	78.93%	83.00%	80.86%
ISAT Math Proficiency	77.50%	75.71%	77.02%
Language Usage	66.79%		*78.00%

Driving Directions

Start Address:  (e.g., 1133 call creek pl, pocatello, id, 83201)