Jefferson Elementary

Our 5th graders had an exciting field trip to Eagle Bluff Nature Center. In the morning, they challenged themselves on the ropes course, and in the afternoon, they participated in a survival class where they worked together to build shelters and start a fire.

Minnesota 5th Grade Science Standards Connection:

• 5.ESS3.1 – Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

• 5.ETS1.2 – Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

• 5.ETS1.1 – Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

This field trip supported hands-on learning aligned with these standards by encouraging students to apply problem-solving, teamwork, and environmental awareness in a real-world setting.

Exciting news—our pollinator garden has been planted! Fifty-four different native species have found a new home in the Jefferson terrace. This garden will not only support the sustainability of local plants and insects but also serve as an additional outdoor learning space for our students next year.

By engaging with the pollinator garden, students will have meaningful, hands-on opportunities to observe ecosystems, explore biodiversity, and understand the important role of pollinators in sustaining our environment—all while supporting grade-level science standards.

Our kindergarten students had a fun and educational visit from Pet Expo, where they learned about different exotic pets and how to care for them—a great hands-on way to explore the letter "P"! Meanwhile, our second graders have been practicing their speaking and listening skills by inviting in their special pets and giving presentations to their classmates.

For our last Phenology Friends of the year, students went on a quiet outdoor walk to explore and record sounds in their journals, categorizing them as “Nature-made” or “Human-made.” They walked on various surfaces—like grass, sand, and woodchips—using both their ears and feet to notice differences. Afterward, they shared observations in small groups and discussed patterns in what they heard, how sounds might change by season or time of day, and how animals might hear differently than humans. This activity helped students build awareness of their surroundings and strengthened observation and comparison skills.

Minnesota Science Standards Supported (K–5):

• Kindergarten:

  • K.PS1.1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

  • K.ESS2.1: Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.

  • K.ESS3.1: Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals and the places they live.

• Grade 1:

  • 1.PS4.1: Plan and conduct investigations to provide evidence that sound can make materials vibrate and vibrating materials can make sound.

  • 1.PS4.4: Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses light or sound to solve the problem of communicating over a distance.

• Grade 2:

  • 2.PS1.1: Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.

  • 2.LS4.1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

• Grade 3:

  • 3.ESS3.1: Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard.

  • 3.PS2.2: Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.

• Grade 4:

  • 4.PS4.1: Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move.

  • 4.LS1.2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses.

• Grade 5:

  • 5.PS1.3: Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

  • 5.ESS3.1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

This sensory walk not only integrates science practices such as observation, classification, and discussion but also supports the development of environmental awareness and systems thinking through direct experience.

Over the past few weeks, students have had some exciting musical experiences. We welcomed performances from the secondary band, orchestra, and choir, and our 3rd graders took a short trip to attend the MASEL Musical Festival. These opportunities were both engaging and enjoyable for our students.

​The DMMS Music Department performed their annual 8th Grade Elementary School Tour. Their Band, Orchestra, and Choir performed.

5th graders interested in Band, Orchestra, and Choir please reach out to the DMMS Music team.

There has been a lot of progress this week. Footings were poured for the new vestibule and outdoor storage, rebar was installed for the retaining wall, and wall panels were set in place. Mixing towers also arrived on site. Today, concrete will be poured for the retaining wall, and work will begin on the CMU foundation walls for the vestibule. Foundation wall construction is expected to wrap up by mid-week, followed by waterproofing and backfilling.

If you would like to order a Jefferson School yearbook, the cost is $15.00 per yearbook.

There are 2 ways you can order a yearbook:

1.) Click on This Website (buytheyearbook.com) school's # 720324 to order online (preferred method).

2.) If you cannot order online, you may send cash or check (written out to the Jefferson PTO) for $15.00 to the school office. Paper order form linked here.

*Please be sure to Include a note along with your check with the following information: Name of student(s) and the number of book(s) you are ordering for each student.

If you would like to sponsor a yearbook for someone, please send a $15 check to the school office with " Yearbook Sponsor" written in the check memo.

PLEASE NOTE: Yearbooks will not arrive until closer to the end of the school year.

Free, nutritious meals are available for all kids 18 and under—no sign-up needed, just stop by and eat on site!

📅 June 9 or 12 (check locations)–August 15 (Closed June 19th, July 3rd, July 4th)

Meals must be enjoyed at the site—no takeout or pick-up options.
Let’s fuel up for a fun summer! 💪🍎

To find free meal sites near you, download the Free Meals for Kids app.

Rec on the GO! is a free mobile recreation program bringing fun to parks near you! It offers a variety of activities like group games, arts & crafts, STEAM projects, water days, sports, and so much more— all at no cost to the community!

Find out what Rec On The Go offers this summer! Click HERE

Transportation registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open and available online.

If you're unsure whether your student qualifies for transportation, you can check eligibility here. If your student does qualify, please complete the registration form by clicking this link.

Families can visit the Central Registration Office at the Intergovernmental Center (10 Civic Center Plaza) to complete the form in person. Transportation for students receiving special education services will be arranged separately by the Special Education Office and your child’s case manager.

Have transportation questions? Contact Tricia Ries TRies2@isd77.org or call (507)507-387-5949.

• Sign up for Remind app: https://www.remind.com/join/jefpto

Community Education

Your Step by Step Guide for MAPS PRESCHOOL Registration

Step One : Register with MAPS - Visit the MAPS website to complete the general registration process.

Step Two: Apply for Preschool - Submit your application for the MAPS Preschool program.

Step Three: Schedule Your Early Learning Childhood Screening Appointment - Book your Early Childhood screening appointment the Early Learning Department to schedule a screening appointment for your child.

Step Four: Confirmation of Enrollment - Early Learning will contact you to confirm your child’s preschool enrollment once all steps are completed.