BCJ SOAR Spotlight
October 13, 2025
Hello BCJ Parents and Caregivers,
Red Ribbon Week at BCJ!
Barbara C. Jordan Elementary is proud to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles and encouraging students to make positive choices for their future. Each day this week, students will participate in fun, themed activities that highlight the importance of self-respect, safety, and healthy living.
Last week ended on a very special note for our Kindergarten through 2nd grade students, who enjoyed an inspiring author visit from Arriel Briggs, author of Pink Cupcakes for a Cause and Stanley K. Harvey, author of I Love Myself. Both authors led our students in engaging literacy activities focused on confidence, perseverance, and believing in themselves.
As a special gift, each K - 2 student received their very own signed copy of one of the authors’ books to take home and enjoy. The excitement and joy on our students’ faces was a wonderful reminder of the power of reading and believing in one’s potential.
It was a fantastic way to end the week and kick off Red Ribbon Week - celebrating healthy choices, positivity, and the joy of learning! ❤️📚
With gratitude,
Your BCJ Instructional Team
You are warmly invited to join me for our State of the District & Strategic Planning Meeting on
🗓 Monday, November 10, 2025
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 University City High School Library (7401 Balson Ave.)
Together, we’ll reflect on our progress and engage in meaningful conversation about the future of our District’s Strategic Plan - ensuring it continues to reflect the values, goals, and priorities of our University City community. 🌟
During the meeting, we’ll also share updates from our Annual Performance Report (APR), which will be released by DESE on November 6. Your perspective is essential as we continue to transform the life of every student, every day. 💬
💡 Our Focus Areas:
📘 Rigorous, Modern & Relevant Learning
💛 Well-Being & Joy
🧑🏾🏫 Excellent Staff
🤝 All Hands
🧩 Resources
📲 Please register by scanning the QR code or visiting ucityschools.org/strategicmeeting.
🎀 Wear Pink with BCJ Staff on Thursdays! 🎀
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and our staff is proudly wearing pink on Thursdays to show support and raise awareness. Several students have asked to join in and we think that’s wonderful!
Students are encouraged (but not required!) to wear pink on Thursdays - shirt, socks, hat, or any pink accessory to show solidarity with our staff and the cause. Let’s come together as a BCJ family to honor those affected by breast cancer and show our school spirit!
The remaining Pink Thursday is October 30!
