From Homecoming, to Friday-night football games, and getting lost in the maze of hallways that is Jackson-Reed, each school year is chocked full of traditions. There is always something to show up and look forward to. As we gear up for this school year, I asked faculty members to share their favorite school events, and their answers embody our tight-knit Jackson-Reed community.
A fan favorite is Spirit Week when students can dress up according to each day’s theme. English Teacher Joella Braun (3 years at JR) laughs about showing up two years ago in a “head-to-toe giant dog costume” wondering “why everyone was staring at me until I remembered I was in a giant dog costume.” She also loves the moments when people “slightly misunderstand the assignment.” Braun also highlighted the Club Fair recalling how incredible it is to see all the activities that students are so passionate about.
Towards the end of the year, Field Day takes place. Students participate in outdoor activities on the field, such as giant hungry hippos. Science Teacher Christopher Martineau (4 years at JR) enjoys Field Day, specifically the dunk tank, recalling, “I’ve been dunked before and it was so fun, Field Day is an interactive way to cap off the school year.”
On the other hand, History Teacher Patrick Cassidy (12 years at JR), shares that Culture Night is his favorite as“students of all backgrounds get to share a little bit about their culture” saying that “there were cultures I’ve never encountered before, students seemed really proud of their cultural backgrounds.”
Some favorite moments aren’t big events at all, like Principal Sah Brown’s signature announcement ending with “Let’s make it a positive and productive day,” which Math Teacher Fatima Melendez (3 years at JR) shares that the simple phrase “starts my day off good.”
Over her 18 years at Jackson Reed, Finance Teacher Deirdia Ward has many favorites but one day in particular stands out, “I like the first day of school, meeting students, seeing teachers in their uniforms, it’s like we are all one band, one sound.”
So, as we start off this school year, let’s not forget how much everyone also looks forward to the end of the school year like Art Teacher Avram Lubliner-Walters (14 years at JR) who jokes, “I love the end of the year staff party because it’s so much fun, it’s a party! It marks the end of school and the official beginning of summer, and I love summer.”
What will be each of your favorites when someone asks you about it 2 or 20 years from now? •