Preparing our Children for the Most Important Test!

When our 3rd graders set out to learn about communities this year, I never dreamed the outcome of their inquiry would lead to an action that would touch so many hearts and lives. Operation Belize, a project started by our third grade classes to collect school supplies, books, fans, first aid supplies, and playground balls and games for a school in Belize City, Belize, and carried out through a spring break visit by our Third Grade team, Ms. Cameron and Ms. Green, is perhaps the most meaningful learning experience I have ever been a part of.

Many folks have remarked that "We wouldn't have time to do that kind of thing at my school, we have a state test to get ready for."

I always reply to them, "We don't have time not to do this kind of thing, for this, the ACTION in this unit on COMMUNITIES, allowed every child in our third grade, and most of the children in our school, to prepare for the biggest test of their lives, learning how to become a part of a bigger community, our GLOBAL COMMUNITY."

More Firsts for a Great Staff!

The NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey went live a couple of weeks ago and I am proud to report that JYJ was the First School in Wake County and one of the first five in the state to have 100% participation on this survey.

Our Teachers are proud of their school and their students!

What Magnet Parents Who Toured Joyner Are Saying. . .

Recently, I received the results of the Magnet Survey conducted by WCPSS and Magnet Parents are saying great things about our school.

For Example,

Of all the schools surveyed, 62% of the parents surveyed ranked Joyner's Open Houses as Excellent (Ranking Joyner #1 in this category). 96% of the Parents surveyed ranked Joyner's Open Houses as Excellent or Good (Again, Ranking Joyner #1 in this category.)

Parent Comment: The diversity and sense of "Internationalism" at Joyner was amazing! It was so wonderful visiting a school with such a caring and dedicated staff. I was very impressed by the number of parent volunteers in the school and how everyone was so positive in their relationships. The main selling point though, was the happiest children I have ever seen!