Fall field day held at The Jefferson School

The Jefferson School in Georgetown used some unconventional educational tools in its second week of school in efforts to bring students together and foster school unity. Skittles, Cheetos, Wasabi seaweed and gross jelly beans were a part of the curriculum when the school held its first fall field day Sept. 16

Why hold a fall field day? The Jefferson School teachers believe that giving students opportunities to reconnect with each other and get to know new classmates outside of the classroom is an important way to establish a strong, positive start to the school year. In addition, the educational philosophy embraces the concept of the multiage classroom as a way to build community throughout the school and to provide natural opportunities for all students to lead as mentors and role models for younger students.

Teacher Kathleen Quigley proposed the idea of starting the year with a field day, and physical education and health teacher Nancy Berg ran with it. The fall field day comprised team building rather than competitive events. Each team was composed of students from all grade levels. Events like Simon Says, feed bag relays, food challenges and transferring Skittles to a cup with a straw are fun, engaging ways to promote careful listening, build focus, and foster encouragement and collaboration.

The finale consisted of volunteer students donning a shower cap which was covered with shaving cream. Teammates then tossed Cheetos at the shaving cream, and the team whose volunteer sported the most Cheetos was the winner. The Jefferson School staff believes field day strengthens bonds, builds camaraderie, enhances the school community, creates memories between students and teachers, and is a smart way to begin a new school year.

The Jefferson School, established in 1992, is a nonprofit, private, independent day school serving students in preschool through eighth grade. For more information, go to www.jeffersonschool.com.