Jefferson High School: "Home of the J-Hawks"

JHS Recognized Nationally

The U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of the nation’s top public high schools recognized Jefferson High School as one of the top 20 high schools in Iowa. Nationwide, U.S. News evaluated over 21,000 schools and Jefferson ranked 2,105, placing it in the top 10 percent of schools nationally.

Schools were ranked based on a three-step process that compared students reading and math scores on proficiency tests, whether or not students were performing better than statistically expected, and an evaluation of these same scores for the least-advantaged students. Additionally, a “college readiness” index, which takes into account AP course offerings and the number of AP tests taking, was used to rank schools.

U.S. News awarded Jefferson High School a silver award for these accomplishments, the same award received by Kennedy High School.

In addition, Jefferson ranked nationally for the second year in a row on Newsweek's "America's Best High Schools" list.

Congratulations, J-Hawks!

Jefferson Counselor Receives Educator of the Year Award

Congratulations to Mr. Edwards for being selected as the 2013 Mary McLeod Bethune Educator of the Year recipient! A prestigious award among African-American educators around the state, it is presented by the education committee for the Iowa Juneteeth Observance. Mr. Edwards will be presented the award at a banquet in Des Moines in early June.

Congratulations, Mr. Edwards!

Student Council Takes a Plunge

Jefferson's Student Council recently decided to take a dip in Palo Lake...on a Saturday morning in the middle of April!

The event was the 2013 Polar Plunge - a fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Eastern Iowa.

"It was a little chilly," said JHS Science Teacher and Student Council co-sponsor Mr. Ballard. "I just kept my arms up and danced my way through the water!"

In addition to the plunge, the students also presented a check for $500 dollars that was raised at a recently school assembly.

Way to go, J-Hawks!

College and Career Information for Juniors & Seniors: April & May Edition!

"College and Career Clues" is a newsletter published by the JHS Counseling Department to advise juniors and seniors on college, careers, testing, financial aid, and additional information concerning life after high school.

Click here to read more...

State Finalists Named

Aaron Carter, Jace Hadish, and Jacob Hasley, were recently named finalists in The Iowa Bar Association’s Young Lawyer’s Division “Know Your Constitution” Project. 5,000 students across the State of Iowa who participated in the “Know Your Constitution” Project participated, but only 100 were selected.

Click here to read more...

Watch J-Hawk Activities LIVE!

Have a family member that can't travel to see their J-Hawk perform live? No problem! Jefferson broadcasts many of the various home games and activities live on UStream.tv. Getting there is easy - just use the following link:

Watch Jefferson Activities LIVE!

Volunteer This Summer!

Summer service opportunities are available for students, staff and community members. The JHS Service Club has compiled a list of organizations and their contact information that need help this summer (see below). If your organization would like to be added to this list, please contact Brian Reynolds at breynolds@cr.k12.ia.us.

Click here for more information...

Interested In Hosting An Exchange Student?

Each year, Jefferson families host several exchange students from a variety of nations. If you are interested in the possibility of hosting an exchange student, please take a look at following links provided by the non-profit organization Youth for Understanding: Q&A's | Fast Facts | YFU Website

The non-profit organization EF Foundation for Foreign Study also provides hosting opportunities and be supported by a local coordinator who provides monthly contact, and planned activities for both the student and host families. Students come with their own medical insurance and spending money. Contact coordinator Tina James today for more information at 319-484-2689 or 319-551-9367. Or email Ms. James at tina.james@effoundation.org

Jefferson WISE Program Presents at U of I Diversity Conference

Last week Mrs. Swanson and former JHS teacher Ms. Kraft presented along with student Kyara Andrews at the University of Iowa's Diversity Conference in Iowa City. They spoke about Jefferson's "Women Inspiring Self Esteem" (WISE) group, along with the Kindness Week they sponsored last year. According to Mrs. Swanson, Kyara did a wonderful job representing her fellow J-Hawks!

Jefferson Spotlighted by Department of Education for Physical Education Innovation

The Iowa DE will feature Jefferson for the innovative approach it is taking towards physical education. A big congratulations to our fitness education staff! Yet another reason why "It's Great to be a J-Hawk!"

Read more about it!

JHS Becomes CrossFit Affiliate

As part of their commitment to continuously improve the quality of physical education and fitness at Jefferson, the P.E. department recently applied for, and was accepted as, an official CrossFit Affiliate!

Visit the J-Hawk CrossFit website...

Jefferson once again in top ranks of Iowa high schools!

Jefferson is the only public high school in the Cedar Rapids Metro area to earn a top ten finish in the Bank Iowa Traveling Challenge Cup!

What makes the Challenge Cup competition unique is that schools are not only ranked based on their academics. Instead, the challenge also considers all the facets of what makes a great high school: Academics, athletics, music, speech, and debate programs. To rank highly, a high school must excel in all facets; something which Jefferson consistently does.

It's "Great to be a J-Hawk!"

Get Involved with Student Council!

Interested in becoming involved in your Student Council? Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Ballard are always looking for new members wanting to make a difference here at Jefferson. Come take an active part in your school! Check out their site for current happenings!