Yes, the great memories of our experiences in the Jefferson School system and our appreciation of the Jefferson culture stay with us for life. (Not all of us, obviously, but a great many Bronco alumni express these sentiments).
Sometimes we wonder how we can "pledge our best". Will the school even continue to exist as it gets smaller and smaller with a declining enrollment, defeat of school levies and efforts of parents to take their children to other schools?
This year there are several parents who seek to take 8 square miles of Jefferson Township, about 6 students and more than $400,000 of tax money to connect to the Valley View school district. The State Board of Education has heard the arguments and will make a decision. Apparently, Valley View was not supportive of the move, which is usually one requirement for annexation.
Recent articles in the Dayton Daily News about Jefferson reflected on troubles in the administration of the educational aspects of Jefferson. Two principals were fired and some classes didn't have a qualified teacher at the start of this academic year. Many alumni have expressed concern and some have met and are organizing to explore the situation and possible solutions.
Ricky Poole and I, both from the Class of 1964 met with Superintendent Dr. Gates on November 14 to express our concerns about the school and to seek clarification about the future.
We've met with Dr. Gates from time to time in the last four years about starting and giving out a scholarship to a senior student after graduation from the Jefferson Township Alumni Association (JTAA), which has now happened three times. During those meetings we also discussed and received approval from the School Board to use school land for the Bronco Monument and Brick Garden project of the JTAA, which now stand on "Alumni Corner" at the corner of Union Road and Dayton-Farmersville Road. We also discussed the History Committee of the JTAA and our desire to have each class appoint a class historian to better keep track of the Jefferson "Story" and alumni. We have received approval to have space in the Doris Marker Memorial Library in the high school to store appropriate Jefferson and alumni memorabilia, such as year books and trophies. We've been pleased at the responsiveness of Dr. Gates and the School Board to these mutual Jefferson and alumni issues/projects.
Dr. Gates provided his perspective about the current situation regarding the principals and teachers. Other perspectives obviously exist about Jefferson today. Teaching standards and contractual obligations and state mandated reporting are elements of the administrative and educational problems that exist at the school. Students must satisfy state level criteria to graduate. (As a physician, I might add that all professions are going through intense transitions regarding similar issues that also reflect on certification and licensure and survival of careers and organizations.) It's a complex set of issues that impact people and "The school we love" (from The Alma Mater).
What can we do to be supportive as alumni?
1. The school wants to set up a mentoring program to help any students and faculty who might benefit. We have lots of alumni who are or have been educators and/or educational administrators. We need at least two volunteers who will work with the school leadership to establish an appropriate program to respond to the need. We may already have alumni seeking or establishing similar avenues of connection through recent organizational gatherings of Bronco groups. That's great if it's happening. Alumni and others in the community may be then asked to volunteer to mentor, tutor or whatever might help Jefferson to regain or salvage the culture of learning and respect that we remember.
2. Refresh or re-establish the culture of Jefferson that was so meaningful to alumni, faculty and the community through the years. One idea is to have at least one publication, event, activity or situation occur each month that involves the history of Jefferson and The Bronco Nation. There are lots of stories that go back to 1836 when our school was founded that are meaningful as Bronco Messages. Each student may identify with a different aspect of Jefferson history and tradition. We should allow them to be exposed to many aspects of our culture and how it came about. Let's sing the Fight Song and Alma Mater together again. Let's get the celebration of the Annual Alumni Banquet and the celebration of the Mega Reunion to overflow back into the culture of the school.
Remember, too, the JTAA Endowed Scholarship through The Dayton Foundation web site, and remember to honor yourself, your favorite teacher and coach with a Bronco Brick i the Bronco Brick Garden. Celebrate the Bronco Nation on the Bronco Brick Road!
3. Reaffirm the connection between the culture of Jefferson Township and Jefferson Local Schools from K through 12.
"Come lift your voices to Jefferson in Song
The school we love, the one among the throng.
Sing of her praises that men everywhere
May know she is great and in her glory share.
We love thy memories and pledge our best to thee
Dear Jefferson, and may we always be
True to thy precepts and honor thy name
With deeds great and true which will win thee fame."
Follow the Jefferson Township Alumni Association on Facebook.
Pat Jonas, Dr. Richard Gates and Rickey Poole
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