Jefferson Primary School students have always displayed formidable artistic talents. Who knows why? That’s just the way it has been since the building first opened in January 1962.
Jefferson students have always loved their weekly art class and even during the COVID-19 pandemic, that tradition has continued. The youngsters also enjoy art activities spearheaded by classroom teachers and even the PTA. No one needs much of an excuse to get creative. Everyone jumps at the opportunity.
With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, the Jefferson School community came together for a really special creation: a giant paper turkey. It obviously isn’t going to end up on anyone’s table, but that’s fine because it is so handsome that everyone should be able to stop by and see it. The kids love it and so does everyone else.
PTA treasurer and Jefferson School mom, Erin Piersa, herself an art teacher, pitched in to help with the recent project. Every class participated with each student adding a paper feather emblazoned with a sentence indicating what they are thankful for during this difficult period.
It was heartwarming to see students reflecting and responding and noting they still have an awful lot to be appreciative for in their lives. Kids have a way of shrugging off what they cannot change and instead focusing on the positive. Adults can often learn a lot from children if they take the time to watch and listen.
Jefferson Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide and Huntington UFSD Superintendent James W. Polansky both loved the project and the finished product. What’s not to love?
Jefferson students have always been a very special group. In its nearly six decade history of service to the community, a conservative estimate would be that about 15,000 students have moved through Jefferson. They all shined in their own way and moved on to some of the best colleges in the country and dozens of different career fields.
Even when a Jefferson alum has reached the pinnacle of their profession, they have a penchant for looking back at their time in the building with their classmates and teachers and special childhood friendships and smiling as their mind recalls carefree days at the special place on Oakwood Road in Huntington.
