We are so proud to support Jefferson Elementary School!

Caroline Pharr, Chair

Jefferson kiddos:  Lake (4th Grade) & Lange (1st Grade)

Favorite thing about Jefferson: It’s a kind and accepting place.  

What I hope the JPC can accomplish this year: More community involvement and fundraising for teacher and staff led initiatives.  

Why other parents should consider joining: Being involved with JPC is a fun and impactful way to positively contribute to our kid’s education and our community.  There are lots of different ways to help and many hands make for light work!  

Caroline Warne, Vice Chair  

Jefferson Kiddos: Annika (4th Grade) and Leo (Kindergarten) 

Favorite thing about Jefferson: That I can hear the kiddos laughter and playing at recess from my lawn. 

What I hope the JPC can accomplish this year: Fundraise to help teachers and staff accomplish the goals they have for their classrooms. 

Why other parents should consider joining: JPC is a fun way to help our local school and meet the staff that interact with our children all day. 

Sara Eldridge, Treasurer

Jefferson Kiddos: Claire (4th grade) and William (former Jefferson student now in 8th grade at HMS)

Favorite thing about Jefferson: The community of parents, siblings, extended families, that are so supportive of the kids, teachers, and staff at our school!

What I hope the JPC can accomplish this year: I hope to draw in more newer families and get parents excited about participating in JPC and the activities we support.

Why other parents should consider joining: JPC is the best way to get to know the school, teachers, and other families. Attending meetings puts you in direct contact with our principle and helps you stay informed about academic activities, school and District policies, and upcoming events. All households get a vote in JPC decisions, and we want as much input from as many families as we can get–to make more voices heard.

Jess Makus, Secretary

Jefferson Kiddos: Cora (3rd grade) and Dane (1st grade)

Favorite thing about Jefferson: The people. The teachers, paras, and staff are all so welcoming, inclusive, and supportive to the kids. 

What I hope the JPC can accomplish this year: I hope we can focus on the best ways to  support teachers, staff, and students to help everyone succeed. 

Why other parents should consider joining: It’s been a great way to get to know other parents, understand more about the school and the challenges for teachers and staff, and positively contribute to the Jefferson community. 

Rachel, Volunteer Coordinator

Jefferson Kiddos: Asa

Favorite thing about Jefferson: I love the cozy art always filling Jefferson halls, the strong focus on academics and the family engagement (plus the metal horses for the mustang mascot are amazing!).

What I hope the JPC can accomplish this year: This will be my 8th and last year on the Jefferson Parent Council and I hope to end 2026 with a strong and intact JPC that can continue important traditions, support students and staff, and bring innovative new ideas.

Why other parents should consider joining: In my many years on JPC, I’ve found the volunteer efforts to be incredibly impactful for the students and staff. Being able to know the enrichment opportunities that JPC helps provide that fill-out the regular daily learning is personally rewarding. It’s a pleasure to be able to thank staff for all they do for the children at Jefferson. It’s also great to be in-the-know about what is going on with Jefferson through engaging with the Principle, teachers and staff. I feel lucky that Jefferson has had such a robust and active parent council historically. It takes some effort that is usually spread out across a group. Admittedly, joining JPC is also a bit of a duty that I hope others feel called to engage in as well. We’ve all got to step up!