CONSTRUCTION BEGINS JUNE ’24

ALL THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT

It’s a great time to be a JES Patriot! In the past five years, our dedicated staff, students and families have earned Jefferson Elementary a National Blue Ribbon Award and driven substantial enrollment growth. As a result of our steady growth, the school is in need of a new dedicated space for outdoor learning and physical education.

Outdoor Learning is a national trend in elementary education. New elementary schools being built across the US include dedicated space for outdoor learning. These spaces have been proven to have a positive impact on everything from academic performance and standardized test scores to student self-esteem and teacher satisfaction. Research shows that the benefits extend to increased ownership of learning, development of social and collaborative skills, and improvement of self-concepts.

The Malin Opitz Outdoor Classroom will provide permanent space for physical education, an area for shaded and covered recess, event space for the school, and unique outdoor educational opportunities. In fact, the education opportunities have already begun! Jefferson’s Class of 2024 is participating in every step of the planning and building process; learning about architecture and the construction process, all while creating a space dedicated to their beloved classmate, Malin Opitz.