After months of exchanging letters, JJMS 6th graders finally met their pen pals from McKinney Elementary School in Hillsboro, Oregon. The virtual meeting gave students a chance to put faces to names, share stories, and connect with friends they’ve been writing to since September.

#vision2030 #belonging #globalcitizenship

Ancient Greece wasn't a thing of the past.Team Curiosity wrapped up its unit by competing in five events inspired by the ancient games, including discus and shot put. 🏛️
#vision2030 #knowledgeandskills

JJMS 8th graders brought their Civil Rights research to KES, connecting with 5th graders who are learning about many of the same key figures and events. Through presentations, questions, and conversation, students deepened their understanding of the Civil Rights movement together.

#vision2030 #learnercenteredleadership

A Gold with Distinction performance for the JJMS Chamber Orchestra 🎻 Students earned the highest possible rating at this year’s NYSSMA Majors Festival, recognizing exceptional technical and artistic performance.

#vision2030 #knowledgeandskills

💜They understood the assignment 💜💛 Across KLSD, PTOs went ALL OUT for Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, from breakfast spreads and catered lunches to themed days and many thoughtful surprises. Celebrating our teachers and staff who show up every day for our students. Thank you for all that you do.

A full day dedicated to well-being at JJMS 🌱 Students rotated through a wide range of wellness workshops, from yoga, barre, and outdoor activities to art, music, mindfulness, and hands-on experiences like cooking, sign language, vision board creation, and sing-along. Throughout the day, students explored new interests while learning strategies to support their well-being in and out of the classroom.

#vision2030 #wellbeing #belonging

Exciting sustainability achievement 🌎 We are thrilled to announce that KLSD has received the New York State Green Ribbon Schools award! From solar power to cleaner transportation to a geothermal energy system, our efforts are making a big impact. Students are leading the way by advocating for climate policy, getting their hands dirty in the garden, and working with local conservation organizations.

#vision2030 #sustainabilityandglobalcitizenship #greenribbonschools

Turning stories into games 📖
As part of their English Language Arts curriculum, JJMS Team Curiosity 6th graders selected sci-fi novels and designed original games inspired by their books. Using recycled and repurposed materials ♻️, students followed the design process from brainstorming to testing out their games.

#Vision2030 #SustainabilityAndGlobalCitizenship #EarthMonth

Another Successful Sustainability Showcase 🌱🌎

On Tuesday evening, the district celebrated its sustainability progress and goals with student projects, examples of energy savings across the district, and even a tour on board one of the district’s electric buses.

Elementary school Green Teams showed off their efforts and older students shared research projects. These initiatives focused on recycling and waste reduction, protecting wildlife and habitats, and the impact of everyday choices on the environment, along with ecosystem models and builds created from reused materials. Our community partners joined the conversation with displays and a Q&A panel, highlighting conservation efforts, wildlife education, and sustainable practices.

#Vision2030 #SustainabilityAndGlobalCitizenship #StudentCenteredLeadership #EarthMonth #EarthDay

JJHS’ mental fitness training for athletes was highlighted by the New York State School Board Association. We are the first district in the U.S. to implement the program. Read the article here.

Vote by December 17! Debbi Walsh, John Jay's varsity field hockey coach, has been nominated for USA Field Hockey’s 2025 Annual Awards in the National Grow the Game Category! Cast your vote here.

Read more about Debbi and this this prestigious award.