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Students showcase STEM projects and student-led clubs at board meeting
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Summary
Students and principals presented winners from a district STEM fair (more than 270 projects) and student-led community-service, equality and Filipino American enrichment clubs at Ben Franklin and Thomas R. Palasita schools.
Students from across the Jefferson Elementary School District showcased their work during the board meeting, and principals described student-led community service and enrichment programs that district leaders said are strengthening school climate.
A district STEM fair coordinator told trustees the fair featured "over 270 projects" spanning kindergarten through eighth grade; trustees and the chair congratulated students and staff and awarded certificates to winners from Ben Franklin, Tobias, Fernando Rivera and Thomas Edison campuses.
Ben Franklin principal Ben Turner described a new community service expectation that will phase in at the middle school level ("Year 1, eighth grade students, it's 5 hours") and outlined opportunities such as mentoring, shelter volunteering and beach cleanups. Student members of the Community Compass Club described recent projects, including a December toy drive that collected nearly 300 toys for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House and a Glide Memorial Church event where students helped serve nearly 250 meals.
Thomas R. Palasita principal Megan Jennings presented an equality club and a Filipino American enrichment program. Student speakers said the equality club offers support for LGBTQ students and their allies and that the Filipino American club helps students learn about culture and history; counselors and club leaders described field trips, hallway displays and cultural events that strengthen belonging.
Trustees repeatedly praised the students for leadership and compassion and encouraged replication of successful programs across sites.
