What a fun Orange and Black Spirit day! Our students and staff showed up in fill force to celebrate our school spirit! We love seeing that Bluejay pride shine bright!

about 1 month ago, Barbara Wickwire
orange and black day
orange and black day
orange and black day
orange and black day
orange and black day
orange and black day
orange and black day
orange and black day
orange and black day
orange and black day

Field Trip Fun at Rose Orchards! 🍏

Our 7th and 8th graders had an amazing day at Rose Orchards! They enjoyed a scenic hay ride, navigated the corn maze, and picked fresh, delicious apples.

A huge thank you to the teachers and parents who made this trip possible!

about 1 month ago, Barbara Wickwire
Rose Orchards
Rose Orchards
Rose Orchards
Rose Orchards
Rose Orchards

Just a reminder, we have two exciting events happening this Friday!

1. Pizza and Lemonade Fundraiser: Enjoy a delicious slice of pizza and a refreshing lemonade for only $5! Please remember that all orders must be placed by Wednesday.

2. Orange and Black Day: Let’s show our school spirit! Come to school dressed in orange and black to support our community.

Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to see everyone participating!

about 1 month ago, Barbara Wickwire
pizza fundraiser
orange and black day
pizza flyer

We are excited to celebrate our students' commitment to perfect attendance over the last two weeks! Last week, an impressive 378 students achieved perfect attendance, and this week, 377 students did the same!

Each week, we randomly select one student from each team to come and choose a prize. These prizes have been generously donated by our wonderful community members.

Thank you to everyone for encouraging our students to come to school every day and for supporting our raffle! Keep up the great work!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see all of the great things happening at our school!

about 2 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
attendance raffle winners
attendance raffle winners

Students in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades had an incredible experience with author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky, thanks to our partnership with Possible Futures, a wonderful bookstore in New Haven, CT.

Rachel engaged our students with inspiring stories about her work and the importance of science and nature.

Every homeroom that attended the session received a copy of Rachel’s newest book, “Dinosaurs.” Additionally, our 3-6 ELA teachers and the school library will have extra copies of Rachel’s other titles available for students to enjoy.

Thank you, Rachel and Possible Futures, for a memorable and educational visit!

about 2 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
author visit
author visit
author visit
author visit
author visit
author visit
During our trip to Groton for Project Oceanography, our 8th grade students explored salinity and conducted a variety of hands-on experiments, including testing pH balance and measuring carbon dioxide levels. They also studied plankton, learning about its different types and variations.

After putting on their safety vests, the students boarded the boat. Under the guidance of Mr. Brian, they carried out experiments while he shared insights about their location in the sea and interesting facts about the surrounding waters. Later, a member of their team helped catch some fish, and the students had the opportunity to measure their lengths, deepening their understanding of marine life.

Overall, it was an enriching and educational experience that brought oceanography to life!
about 2 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
project oceanograpy trip
project oceanograpy trip
project oceanograpy trip
project oceanograpy trip
project oceanograpy trip
project oceanograpy trip
project oceanograpy trip
project oceanograpy trip

Enhancing Skills: 3rd and 4th Graders Improve Typing in Library Class

Our 3rd and 4th graders are focusing on typing skills in library class, preparing them for everyday life and upcoming state assessments, which are computer-based.

By mastering keyboarding, our students can eliminate the challenge of typing during tests, allowing them to concentrate on the content. Through engaging activities and games, they are building confidence and speed in their typing abilities.

These essential skills will not only help them excel academically but also empower them in a technology-driven world. We’re excited to see our students thrive as proficient typists!

2 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
Student learning computer skills
Student learning computer skills
Student learning computer skills
Student learning computer skills
Student learning computer skills

Last week, 377 students achieved perfect attendance — an incredible accomplishment! Our school averaged 94% of students present throughout the week. Congratulations to our raffle winners!

Thank you to all our students and families for making attendance a priority. Every day in school matters — and your commitment shows! Keep it up, Bluejays! 💙

2 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
prize winners
prize winner
Our Kindergarten students had a fantastic time exploring the word "and." They engaged in a variety of hands on activities that made learning fun and interactive, just the way Kindergarten should be!

First, the children built the word using playdough, shaping each letter with their little hands. As they created the letters, they traced them with their fingers while saying the letters and the word aloud, reinforcing their learning through both tactile and auditory methods.

Next, they transitioned to paper and pencil, where they practiced tracing the word "and" and then wrote it freely. The pointed to each word in the sentences as they practiced reading and 1:1 correspondence. This practice helped solidify their understanding of the word in a written context.

To wrap up the lesson, the students completed a writing assignment where they illustrated two fruits they like. Using the sentence stem "I like _____ and ______," they expressed their preferences creatively!

It was wonderful to see their excitement and creativity in action! We cannot wait to see how they continue to grow in their literacy skills!
2 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
proud of her work!
reading the letters and word to the teacher
hands on word work
ready to share
writing practice

📸 Picture Day Alert! 📸

We’re excited to announce that Picture Day is coming up on October 21st!

Click here to find the order forms from Steady Photography. Please make sure to fill them out and return them by the specified deadline to ensure your child’s photos are included.

Link to order pictures

✨ Important Reminders:

Date: October 21st
Order Forms: Click Here!

Let’s make this Picture Day a memorable one!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Happy smiling! 😊

2 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
steady photography
Perfect Attendance Shoutout!

Last week our Bluejays reached a 94% attendance average and 287 students had perfect attendance. From those students, we pulled raffle winners who earned a special prize. Congratulations to our winners — your commitment inspires us all!

Remember: Each week of perfect attendance gets you entered into the raffle. On October 15th, we will celebrate all students who had perfect attendance for the months of August and September with a special celebration.

#BluejayPride #PerfectAttendance #EveryDayCounts
2 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
Raffle winners

Our second graders had an unforgettable visit from the New Haven Police Department! Officers shared about their important jobs, how they keep our community safe, and what a typical day looks like in their work.

The highlight of the day was meeting their amazing K-9 partners! Students got to pet Sunny, a sweet lab, and watch Rocky, a German Shepherd, show off his incredible speed, obedience, and tracking skills. Three students even helped hide objects for Rocky to find—and he didn’t miss a single one!

This exciting experience tied perfectly into their HMH reading unit on being a good citizen, reminding us that we can make our communities stronger by being kind, safe, brave, and supportive friends.

A huge thank you to the New Haven Police Department for such an inspiring and memorable day for our students!



2 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
poilce visit
police officer showing a student the body cam
students petting officer sunny
students petting sunny
students petting sunny
students petting sunny
Rocky
rocky waiting for the command to go
rocky waiting for the command to get his toy
rocky
🎉 Celebrating Student Success! 🎉

Last year, we witnessed incredible growth from our students on their i-Ready MyPath journey, and it's time to celebrate their hard work and dedication!

To honor those who reached their stretch growth goals, we hosted a special breakfast filled with delicious hot breakfast, fun prizes, and certificates recognizing their achievements.

We also had two lucky friends who got to dive into a pile of high-value Benjamin Bucks! They’ll be spending their winnings at our exclusive Benjamin Bucks Boutique, where excitement awaits!

Thank you to our amazing students for your commitment to learning! We’re so proud of you! Keep up the fantastic work!

2 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
breakfast celebration
breakfast celebration
celebration breakfast
celebration breakfast
celebration breakfast
celebration breakfast
celebration breakfast
money grab
whole group
Today our 8th grade students had a special visit from members of The Sound School!

They shared all about their unique high school program, giving students a chance to learn more about the opportunities and experiences available there. Our 8th graders asked thoughtful questions and gained valuable insight into what makes Sound School stand out.

Sound School will be hosting their Open House on October 23rd from 5:00–7:30 PM for anyone interested in learning more. Please note that their application process is different from other schools.

If you are interested in applying, please see Ms. Rebekah for support. Applications are due by December 20th.
3 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
sound school presentation
sound school flyer
🌟 Celebrating Our Heroes! 🌟

Last week, Ms. Giuliana's 1st and 2nd graders surprised Officer Barnes for Security Officers Appreciation Week! They created a colorful poster and handmade cards, sharing heartfelt messages of gratitude.

Seeing Officer Barnes’ joy was priceless! 💙
3 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
suprrising officer barnes
This week, an incredible 285 Bluejays rocked perfect attendance! Huge applause for showing up every day and giving it your all!

We also celebrated our amazing 5 raffle winners, each choosing a fantastic prize to enjoy!

Don’t forget: at the end of each month, all students with perfect attendance will be invited to our exciting celebration!

Keep shining, Bluejays! We can’t wait to see who grabs the win next week and who’ll join us for the big party on October 7th!
3 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
attendance winners
Our Pre-K students enjoyed a beautiful day on the playground! From climbing to sliding, their laughter filled the air as they explored and played together.

It’s heartwarming to see their friendships grow as they share these joyful moments. Here’s to more sunny days ahead!
3 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
playground
playground
playground
playground
playground
playground

Today was an exciting day for our Kindergarten students in Ms. Stacie's Class! They visited the library where they learned some important skills:

1️⃣ How to mark a page without damaging the book 📝
2️⃣ The best ways to care for their beloved books ❤️

The highlight? Each student got to check out a book to take home and share with their family! 🏡📖 We can't wait to hear about the adventures they discover in their new stories!

3 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
picking out a book
picking out a book
picking out a book
picking out a book
picking out a book
reading
reading

🌟Perfect Attendance Shoutout 🌟

This week, 253 Bluejays had perfect attendance! Way to show up every day and give your best!

We also celebrated our 5 raffle winners who each got to pick out a special prize!

Don't forget that at the end of each month, every student with perfect attendance for the month will be invited to our special celebration.

Keep up the amazing work, Bluejays! We cannot wait to see who wins next week and who joins us for the big celebration on October 7th.

3 months ago, Benjamin Jepson Magnet School
perfect attendance winners
📢 Open House – Wednesday, September 17th

We are excited to welcome all of our families to Open House! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with teachers, learn more about the curriculum, and hear about classroom expectations for the year.

✨ To accommodate families with multiple children, we will hold two sessions:

Session 1: 5:00–5:45 PM (starts promptly at 5:00)

Session 2: 6:00–6:45 PM (starts promptly at 6:00)

During Open House, families can:
✔️ Meet with teachers
✔️ Learn about curriculum and classroom expectations
✔️ Stop by Ms. Emily’s table for early childhood resources
✔️ Get support from Ms. Barbara with our new communication app
✔️ Get support from Ms. Christine with PowerSchool

We can’t wait to see you there and kick off another amazing year together! 💙
3 months ago, Barbara Wickwire
open house flyer