Our teachers work in grade-level teams to ensure that every class is successful. See what they’re doing to support and enrich the curriculum in every grade:
Kindergarten at Jefferson
Our Jefferson teachers make kindergarten a very special year of exploration for the kids – in and out of the classroom, academically as well as socially. They supplement the standard curriculum with
• The school garden, an important extension of kids’ play and of the grade’s science curriculum, “Exploring the Environment through the Senses.”
• Collaboration with the Children’s Garden in Strybing Arboretum, which includes visits from garden instructors and field trips to the Children’s Garden.
• Science-based field trips that extend classroom curriculum – visits to the Discovery Museum, the Academy of Sciences, Crissy Field, the San Francisco Zoo, Windrush Farm, and Stow Lake.
• Participation in the San Francisco Opera Aria program, in which K students create and perform their own opera.
• Instruction in music and dance, plus a trip to see a live performance by Children's Theatre Association at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater.
Our Kindergarten teachers are (L-R) Mary Baird, Pamela Kahn, Gail Kabat, and Mary Gow. And Emily Ellingson (below).
1st Grade at Jefferson
How do our teachers make 1st grade special at Jefferson? With projects and activities that supplement the standard curriculum:
- Motor perception once a week.
- Meeting with 4th/5th grade reading buddies.
- Science exploration involving air and weather, liquids and solids, and plants and animals.
- Incorporating study in dance, ceramics, and vocal music.
- Field trips to the San Francisco Zoo, Cal. Academy of Sciences, San Francisco Symphony, the Palace of Fine Arts Theater for a live performance by Children's Theatre Association, plus monthly visits to Mother’s Meadow.
Our first grade teachers are (L-R) Pat Din, Annie Lum, Connie Ma, and Jennifer Tom.
2nd Grade at Jefferson
Our 2nd grade teachers look out for every child, and design programs and projects to meet individual needs. The year at Jefferson includes:
- Learning about plant and animal life cycles.
- Studying and writing poetry.
- Special Science and Math nights, which alternate by year.
- Junior Olympics participation and competition.
- Music and movement.
- Field trips to the Children’s Garden, Academy of Sciences, Children’s Theater at the Legion of Honor, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Symphony, de Young Museum, 826 Valencia, and more.
Our second grade teachers are (L-R) Laura Alonso, Kim Probst, Cathy Giovannelli, and Sequoia Baioni.
3rd Grade at Jefferson
The program for our 3rd graders includes
- Learning math through games that involve problem solving, manipulatives, and logic.
- Studying the Ohlone tribe and creating a mural about aspects of their life.
- Participating in motor perception once a week.
- Meeting weekly with their kindergarten Reading Buddies.
- Learning to play the recorder and giving a performance for students and parents.
- Going on field trips to destinations like the Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers, SFMOMA, the Exploratorium, the Haas-Lilienthal House, bowling, and museums.
Our third grade teachers are (L-R): Allison Lee, Helen Kanbara, Morgan Proctor, and Amy Lee.
4th Grade at Jefferson
Every year, Jefferson 4th grade classes –
- Work on projects about the California missions.
- Write biography reports.
- Work on projects about immigration.
- Participate in motor perception.
- Go on field trips – to Mission Dolores, Angel Island, the Academy of Sciences – and to hear the San Francisco Symphony.
- Are offered new responsibilities and opportunities: instrument lessons, monitor jobs that support the school, and the vice president and treasurer positions on the Jefferson student council.
Our fourth grade teachers are (L-R) Jill Radwanski, Tony Acquarelli, and Loret Peterson.
5th Grade at Jefferson
Jefferson 5th graders learn through projects integrated with field trips that include –
- Reports on the 50 states.
- Brochures about colonial America.
- Reports on famous women.
- Game boards about explorers.
- Learning about the solar system.
- Field trips, such as an overnight to the Marin Headlands, sailing on the Alma, and traveling to Angel Island.
Our fifth grade teachers are (L-R) Marcy Johnson, Steve Stanul, and Loret Peterson.
Special Education at Jefferson
Our students with special needs are supported by the Special Day Class teachers and the Resource Specialists (RSPs).
Special Education (L-R): Victoria Bautista (3rd-5th Grade Special Day Class teacher), Joseph Phillips (K-3rd Grade Special Day Class teacher), Steve O'Reilly (RSP), and Leigh Miles (RSP).
JEFFERSON SUPPORT STAFF
Sarah Cahuas (Librarian) Kelly Carter (Literacy Coach)
Mike Flynn A.J. Cucalon
(Physical Education Instructor) (Education Outside Instructor)
Christina Devling Heather Golden
(Psychologist) (Social Worker)
Livia Petronio Nikol Juarez
(Occupational Therapist) (Speech and Language Pathologist)
Leslie Quan
(Science Coordinator)
