Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, a California...
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, a California Distinguished
School, was modernized with bond funds approved by Burbank voters.
The total of $3.3 million spent on modernization at Jefferson
included:
* Utility services such as new plumbing fixtures and restrooms,
air conditioning, lighting and technology upgrades for improved
Internet access.
* Appearance improvements in all classrooms and common areas,
improved campus security and access for disabled students and staff.
* Classroom upgrades including storage cabinets, whiteboards that
allow the use of colored pens and magnetic posting and surfaces for
displaying students’ work.
* Creation of a curriculum lab and new workroom for teachers and
parents.
While we can all admire with pride the physical improvements in
our schools, the most important aspect of the modernization program
is the improved learning environment for our students and teachers.
Students in a Jefferson fifth-grade class were asked how the
modernization has benefited them, and they wrote:
* Jessie: “It’s great to have bulletin boards all around the room
because our teacher can hang more of our work up.”
* Adam: “Better lights have also helped me by letting me see what
the teacher is explaining.”
* Evan: “I’m so glad about the new bulletin boards so when my Mom
and Dad come for open house, they can see my work.”
* Haley: “Air conditioning has really made me so much happier in
class. I never wanted to do something active at recess or lunch
because I knew I was going to get too hot.”
* Jasmine: “Without air conditioning, everyone would be red after
recess. No one could concentrate really well because everyone was so
hot.”
When we have pleasant surroundings for our students, their ability
to learn and pride in their work improves.
The modernization enables our teachers and staff to better teach
and administer to the needs of our students.
The modernization program at Jefferson, and other Burbank schools,
has accomplished the objectives established when the bond funds were
approved by the voters. The outstanding management of these funds has
made possible additional improvements that could not be included in
the original budgets. Our Burbank schools will be a source of
community pride for many years to come.
LOREN JONKEY
Community Oversight
Committee Member