As students prepare to return to the classroom, Jeff Davis Elementary School is launching several new initiatives aimed at enhancing student learning while continuing its commitment to academic excellence.
Principal T.J. Mercer says one of the biggest changes this year will be the school’s transition to a departmentalized instructional model, allowing teachers to specialize in specific subject areas. School leaders believe the new approach will strengthen instruction, increase collaboration among teachers, and provide students with even more engaging learning experiences.
In addition, Jeff Davis Elementary will join the district-wide “No-Tech Tuesdays” initiative, encouraging students to spend one day each week focusing on hands-on learning, collaboration, and critical thinking while reducing classroom technology use.
As the new school year begins, Mr. Mercer shared the following message with students, parents, and the Jeff Davis community:
“As Jeff Davis Elementary prepares to welcome students back for another outstanding school year, we are excited to reintroduce a new instructional model designed to strengthen student learning and academic success.
This year, our teachers will transition to a departmentalized instructional model, allowing educators to specialize in specific content areas. By focusing on one subject, teachers will have the opportunity to deepen instruction, collaborate more effectively, and provide students with engaging, high-quality learning experiences. While teachers will specialize in content, they will continue to carefully analyze student data to ensure instruction is tailored to meet the individual needs of every child. With this shift, we will utilize two four-man teams and a two-man team on each hallway.
In addition to our instructional changes, Jeff Davis Elementary is joining the district-wide initiative of No-Tech Tuesdays. On these days, classrooms will intentionally reduce the use of technology and place a greater emphasis on hands-on learning, face-to-face collaboration, discussion, writing, and problem-solving activities. This balance helps students strengthen critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills while maintaining the many benefits technology provides throughout the rest of the week.
Jeff Davis Elementary looks forward to partnering with families as we begin another year of learning, growth, and achievement. We can’t wait to welcome our students back and make this our best year yet! At JDES, Excellence starts here: we set the standard, students rise to it!”
As the first day of school approaches, Jeff Davis Elementary’s faculty and staff are eager to welcome students back for another year of learning, growth, and achievement. With new instructional strategies, dedicated educators, and strong partnerships with families, the school is preparing to build on its tradition of academic excellence. Open House for Jeff Davis Elementary School will be held on Thursday, August 6, from 2 pm until 5 pm, giving families an opportunity to meet teachers, tour classrooms, and prepare for an exciting new school year.
