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Welcome to
Jefferson Elementary School

Thomas Jefferson School opened its newly renovated building in September, 1997, nearly forty years after the original school was built in a residential neighborhood in the northwest section of New Britain. Students, staff, parents and the community make use of the new cafeteria/all purpose room; computer lab, art and music rooms; renovated offices and rooms for Reading Recovery, Parent Volunteers and Pupil Personnel; main offices and a new branch of the New Britain Public Library that is used simultaneously by the students of Jefferson and the public.

In keeping with this community/family-oriented atmosphere, a Family Resource Center was established at Jefferson School in January of 1997. The Family Resource Center provides the families of Jefferson and the surrounding neighborhoods with programs in Early Childhood, Parenting Education and Adult Education. The center is a hub of activity for parents, housing an extensive lending library of parenting books, magazines and videos. The Family Resource Center also oversees after school and Saturday positive youth development programs, including Lao Saturday School, a cultural, social and academic program for Laotian-American students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Family Resource Center is located in the portable behind Jefferson.

As a satellite of the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Head Start was started in December of 1997. This program is housed in the same building as the Family Resource Center and programs are coordinated between the two. Head Start offers full-day, year round childcare for 3 1/2 - 4 year olds.

Jefferson students reflect the city’s diverse population, housing the District’s only Lao Bilingual Education program, as well as an extensive English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) program. The ESOL teacher works with students from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Yemen, Poland, Lithuania and Guatemala.

Jefferson also has an active PTA that sponsors school spirit activities such as bingo night, movie night, cupcake, plant and popcorn sales, essay contests, a book and holiday fair. The PTA also sponsors Saturday morning activities for students such as "silly dancing," arts and crafts classes and "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny." Funds are raised each year by the PTA to sponsor trips for all students.

In addition to the Lao and PTA activities, Jefferson School is an integral part of many organizations as evidenced by the use of the building by the YWCA Fore-N-Aft, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Creative Parenting, Support Center and the Police Athletic League (PAL).

Jefferson students are rewarded for academic and social achievement at award assemblies and promotion ceremonies in June. Over 400 medals, trophies and certificates have been given to achieving students.

With its major renovations and the addition of a Family Resource Center and Head Start Jefferson School is a more integral part of the community than ever.