Jack Jackter Intermediate School
Jack Jackter Intermediate School (JJIS) was opened in September 2006 to educate the third, fourth and fifth graders of the growing Colchester community. School procedures, routines and expectations are developed collaboratively by our staff to ensure the well being and academic success of our students in a positive school environment.
We at JJIS pride ourselves in servicing that academic and social curriculum needs of third, fourth and fifth graders in the town of the ever growing town of Colchester. All of our staff members are constantly striving to become experts in the development of the intermediate aged child. School procedures, routines and expectations are developed collaboratively by our staff to ensure the well being and academic success of each and every student. We are constantly seeking ways to better foster and maintain our positive school environment.
JJIS offers rich curricula which includes a literature-based reading and process writing program. Students regularly participate in hands-on math, science and social studies activities. This ensures that learning is both interesting and relevant. Weekly art, music, media, technology, health and physical education classes are an important part of our students' comprehensive education program. Students may also elect to participate in the popular instrumental and choral music programs.
Special Education, Title I and school wide enrichment opportunities are available for students. All students participate in a variety of production companies during our weekly enrichment block. Learning experiences are extended beyond the school day through a very successful After-School Clubs Program. Over 300 students participate in high-interest clubs ranging from cooking to chess and drawing to basketball four times per year. In addition, we offer other enriching extra-curricular activities after-school including but not limited to Lego-Robotics, Math Olympiad, and Junior Achievement. We are excited that this will be our third year participating in Connecticut's annual Invention Convention.
We are proud that JJIS is a state HOT (Higher Order Thinking) School, an honor bestowed on schools embracing the connection between learning and arts integration by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. As a HOT school, we are committed to developing students' multiple intelligences by providing them with high-quality arts-infused instruction. Students have multiple opportunities to share their artistic and academic talents with others in our school community. Artists-in-Residence work extensively with our teachers and students to make learning come alive through music, art, writing and drama.
JJIS is also proud to be a PBS school. PBS stands for Positive Behavior Supports which means that all staff recognize positive student behavior. Research has found that the more often positive behavior is acknowledged and rewarded the greater chance that it will continue and influence the actions of others. However, we hold high expectations for proper behavior and if a student misbehaves, a referral will be submitted and administration will take disciplinary action to correct the problem so that it does not happen again.
At JJIS we value student voice. Students are actively involved in many aspects of school life. From running monthly events, choosing our mascot, logo and motto to serving as tour guides for various event throughout the year, students' voice is always valued. In addition, we have student reporters who write monthly reports describing what they are learning in their classrooms. These reports become a focal point of each newsletter that is sent home at the beginning of each month.
We are pleased to have an active student council who identify, develop and implement many important community service initiatives with the entire student body. These initiatives have historically raised funds and items for local families, developed relationships with the elderly in the community and beyond along with honoring American service men and women. Lastly, student council initiates school spirit days throughout the year that makes JJIS an inviting and supportive school.
The JJIS staff recognizes the importance of strong home-school-community relationships. A very active PTO supports our school by sponsoring cultural assemblies, artists in residence, field trips and our annual Family Math Night Program. Funds are raised to purchase needed playground and instructional equipment along with expanding the collection of library books. We welcome all parent and community volunteers who want to work in the third, fourth, fifth grade classrooms, library and office of our school In addition, we welcome those who would like to share their special talents or interests with students as production club leaders and/or as after-school club advisors.
Jack Jackter Intermediate School is always working to develop strong bonds and working relationships with community organizations. We have formed strong partnerships with several these organizations. The Colchester Historical Society sponsors a walking tour of Colchester as a culmination of the third grade students' study of their community. The local police department instructs the DARE program to fifth graders on drug prevention. We also work collaboratively with the local Senior Citizen Center to complete community service projects for "Make a Difference Day". In addition, the staff and students also sponsor senior citizens and provide holiday baskets to many of them who either cannot get out themselves or who may not have family.
Please feel free to contact administration at anytime to share your thoughts, questions or concerns. We value parental and community feedback and are always willing to discuss the role that JJIS plays in the lives of our students.
