JCPS supports student health
Jersey City Public Schools participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program
Every year many of our schools participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program sponsored by the USDA (US Department of Agriculture). The Program aims to reduce childhood obesity by encouraging healthy eating. It introduces school children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to sample. Students learn that fruits and vegetables are healthy choices and tasty alternatives to snacks high in fat, sugar, or salt. The program, which provides funding for schools to serve free fresh fruits and vegetables to students not only exposes students to healthy eating, it increases their fruit and vegetable consumption and can make a difference in their diets that positively impacts their present and future health.
This year, Alexander D. Sullivan School, PS #30 is one of the schools selected to participate and students are enjoying the experience.
Schools provide fun activities to get kids moving
Many schools hold special field days and other events that get kids moving and build community spirit. Profiled here is the 2nd annual Fall Harvest Field Day at PS #33. All teachers pitched in to encourage students to be active and participate in physical activities. Students took part in team sports, individual sports, and dancing. Everyone had a great time exploring the variety of fun stations. Principal Frank Piccillo explained, "We hope to help motivate them to find a sport or activity that they can continue to enjoy throughout their lives."
Students Helping Students
The PS #27 school community came together to support their classmate, first grader Ayushi Patel, who was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. Ayushi's illness has forced her to miss school sometimes and has required a lot of strength. The PS 27 community wanted to show their support for Ayushi and to let her know how special she is. The idea for the princess tea started with the school nurse, a teacher and the school's resource officer and quickly spread to the entire school community. Staff, parents and students donated time, food and entertainment to create a really special event for a tough little princess. Click here to read the full story.
To share their excitement for French and serve as role models for their younger peers, Infinity Institute's French Club brought a French-themed holiday program to the students of PS 20. French Club members performed bilingual holiday carols, demonstrated an interactive ballet routine, and taught winter vocabulary words in small groups. They enjoyed preparing for the event and teaching their younger peers.
Building Community
Author Eleni Theodorou helped first and second graders at Watters School, PS #24 learn compassion and how to combat bullying. She shared her book, Noko the Knight which promotes a culture of compassion to combat the issue of peer bullying in schools. "My students absolutely loved the engaging presentations that incorporated geography, art and culture. They were able to participate in the book read, hold discussions, view artifacts, and participate in research-based calming techniques," shared Watters Principal, Rosalyn Barnes.
Theodorou's presentation was directly aligned to the vision and mission of the school which is committed to providing a safe environment for students to learn, take risks, and be successful. To support this kind of environment, the school has created C.H.A.M.P.S. Corner (Creating Habits and Mindsets that Promote Success). In this corner room, the school engages students in goal setting, self management skills, and calming techniques. Author Theodorou lead her sessions in C.H.A.M.P.S. corner where in addition to discussing her book with students, she also shared calming techniques, and discussed advocacy for self care, and compassion for others. The school invited the author believing that if we build a strong culture of compassion, we can change the course of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
PS#16 converted the traditional Report Card Night into a learning experience for parents by offering Parent Workshop Night instead. From 6:30-7:30, teachers presented parents with workshops in ELA and Mathematics, covering topics such as Personal Math Trainer, Parent Access, Math Edge, ThinkCentral, S.T.E.M. and Small Group Rotations. Teachers also engaged parents in a mock Language Arts lesson to help them understand PARCC readiness skills. The night concluded with a Q & A session and report card distribution. "We want parents to become empowered with the necessary resources and tools to properly assist their children at home as well as be a support to schools in the process," said school Principal Watkins-Williams. "The night was truly a success and a great way to build upon our partnership with parents," she added.
Upcoming Events
- January 25--Board of Education Special Meeting
- January 30--End of 2nd Marking Period
- January 31--Collaborative PD Day (Half Day for students)
- February 13--Board of Education Caucus
- February 13--Elementary School Report Card Day(Half Day for ES Students)
- February 15--Board of Education Monthly Meeting
- February 15--High School Report Card Day (Half Day for HS students)
- February 16--Middle School Report Card Day (Half Day for MS students)
- February 19--Presidents' Day, District Closed
Credits:
Created with images by Taymaz Valley - "Hope" • Soorelis - "paper colorful color" • ParentRap - "statue of liberty turmoil political"