Enrichment

Students have the opportunity to learn computer science at JF Smith. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path.

At JFS, our first through sixth grade students learn computer science fundamentals by participating in the Hour of Code classes with an instructional coach from the district.

School Play

Students in grades 1-6 have the opportunity to participate in theater arts through our annual school play. The after school drama program allows students to fully experience being a part of a theater production from auditions, to rehearsals, to the excitement of the performance, and finally, the reward of applause for a job well done. Students work hard to hone their acting, singing and dancing skills over the course of a 3 month period. In recent years, we have had the benefit of the directional talent of Starting Arts, a nonprofit organization whose mission is the promotion and preservation of quality arts education in public schools. The program also relies on parent volunteers in order to run smoothly.

This is always a wonderful experience for the children so be on the look-out for details about each play.

Talent Show

students are superstars and the Talent Show is an event where they can showcase their talents. Look for more information auditions and rehearsals on the front page of our school website.

Evergreen District School Band
Band is an optional part of the curriculum offered to all 5th and 6th grade students. Class meets for approximately 45 minutes once a week during the school day and is a “Performing Arts” class. Instruction will be offered on flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, and trombone.

There is no cost for this program. However, all students may need to rent or buy their instrument and are expected to purchase a cleaning/care kit for their instrument of choice. Students choosing to learn Clarinet or Alto Saxophone also need Reeds.

Performances are important and all students are expected to perform in the three concerts in December, May and a combined program concert at Quimby Oak at the end of the school year.

Registration and classes begin in September. For more information and to register, visit Evergreen School District Music Teacher Mrs. Kolber's Band Program website . Or email Mrs. Kolber at kkolber@eesd.org.

5th grade students attend YMCA Camp Campbell. Students experience the thrills of nature through hands-on lessons and activities. Outdoor Science School teachers foster a love for nature and the outdoors, and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and awareness for the environment—all amidst the fun of campfires, songs, and meaningful relationships.

At Camp Campbell Outdoor Science School, students will:

• Experience a hands-on “living” curriculum in an outdoor setting
• Develop an understanding of their role in the environment
• Gain independence as they spend 4 days and 3 nights away from home in an atmosphere committed to building healthy youth through asset development.
• Learn responsibility as they take care of themselves and their belongings
• Gain respect for others as they share a living space with fellow students

Students also participate in traditional camp activities like sing-a-longs, bouldering/climbing wall, skit nights, arts & crafts, group games, BBQs, and science-based night hikes.

For more information, please visit the Camp Campbell webpage.

What is the Project Cornerstone ABC Program?
The ABC Program is a literature-based program addressing important issues like respect, tolerance, honesty, peaceful conflict resolution, taking a stand against bullying behaviors, and refusing to participate in gossip. Volunteers read specially selected books then lead discussions and activities that help teach valuable lessons related to these issues.

The program's goal is to help school communities achieve the following:

• Create a common language and vocabulary about student respect and behavior expectations among all members of the school community — students, parents and caregivers, teachers and staff.
• Help students develop skills to handle physical, verbal, relational and digital bullying and to STAND UP if they see someone else being bullied.
• Increase the number of caring adults on campus so that all students feel that there is at least one adult they can turn to if they have a problem.
• Contribute to a positive school climate where every student feels valued and supported to achieve and thrive.

ABC Program Books
During the school year, 8 books are read, once monthly (skipping December and June.) The ABC program is a cumulative program spanning 3 years, so books are repeated every three years.

Get Involved – Become a Volunteer Reader!
Become a volunteer and empower a life. For more information, contact the school front office. More information can be found on the Project Cornerstone website.

Students in 4th-6th grade can participate in after school Homework Club. Our own teachers assist students with completing their homework. See your child's teacher for more information.

Each year a selection of student council students work with a teacher advisor to create a yearbook filled with great memories from the school year.

We have a wide variety of after school programs on campus. Students can build robots, learn another language, play the violin, and practice academic skills. Please check Peachjar and our weekly newsletter for more information.

As a part of the city of San Jose's Walk n' Roll program, JF Smith families are encouraged to walk or bike to school to promote daily physical activity, reduce traffic congestion around the school, and learn critical skills that enhance biking and pedestrian safety.

This program is funded through the city of San Jose's Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Climate Initiative grant to increase the number of students who walk or bike to school. Since the program began in 2012, there has been a 53.5% increase in the number of students who walk and bike to school at least three times a week. To learn more, visit the Walk n' Roll webpage.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and world level. Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program.

Students meet weekly to learn different problem solving techniques and practice solving non-typical math problems. The Math Olympiad contest consists of 5 exams held once a month from November to March. Exams cover advanced math problems and have the same paper for 4th, 5th and 6th graders.