In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, dual-language students shared about important cultural figures like Frida Kahlo and Pelé. They danced the cumbia.
In between the scheduled Jupiter Elementary School Curriculum Night student performances, teachers updated parents on standards and expectations. They answered questions and encouraged communication via notes and email.
In one classroom, Mrs. Ashby explained how her third-grade students are taught “hardcore” math concepts such as fractions, graphs and geometry.
Mrs. Ashby works with Mr. Luengo—a native Spanish speaker who specializes in science instruction—to provide a dual-language learning environment.
Earlier that day, Principal Patricia Trejo met with El Sol Executive Director Jocelyn Skolnik to discuss collaboration.
Principal Trejo came to Jupiter from Freedom Shores Elementary School in Boynton Beach.
Mexican-American and raised in Florida, Principal Trejo was one of eight children in her family. Her parents were farm workers and she was classified as an ESOL student.
She confirmed she is committed to helping immigrant students at Jupiter Elementary overcome obstacles and rise above expectations.
“I’m really excited and honored to serve our community and our families,” Trejo said.
Earlier that week, the Florida Department of Education announced its list of Five Star School Award winners for the 2016-2017 school year.
According to the School District of Palm Beach County, the Five Star School Award is given to schools that are committed to incorporating community members into the school environment to enhance student learning.
Jupiter Elementary received Five Star School honors by meeting benchmarks in the categories of community partnerships, family involvement, volunteerism, student community service and school advisory councils.
About 40 parents attended Parent Teacher Organization and School Advisory Council meetings held a week before Curriculum Night. More than half of those parents used headphones for live translation services provided by the school’s language facilitator.
This week, Principal Trejo emphasized the importance of recognizing teachers for all their hard work. She mentioned the School District of Palm Beach County social media campaign “Thank a Teacher Thursday.”
Thank you Mrs. Ashby and Mr. Luengo! Thank you Jupiter Elementary teachers! Thank you School District of Palm Beach County teachers!
Story and photos by Andres David Lopez.