Jackson Elementary School

The improvement at Jackson Elementary School in the one year since new principal Rita Exposito took over has been phenomenal. According to the Star Test Results released this week, the percentage of Jackson students scoring basic or above in science improved from 45% in 2010 to 91% in 2011. This is just fantastic. Ms. Exposito brought in a new science teacher, instituted science field trips for ALL students in EVERY grade, worked with the Pasadena Educational Foundation to add science equipment and circuit kits to the science classroom, and with community members to boost the science program from the worst in the district to one of the very top. This year Ms. Exposito is working with the music teacher to expand the school band and introduce a string orchestra so that every child has the chance to learn a musical instrument. She is also working with community members to implement an intensive student reading and tutoring program, along with the new step-up math tutoring program. Ms. Exposito may be the best principal in the PUSD. Jackson also offers a preschool program and had the highest percentage of students in summer school in the Northwest portion of the PUSD.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been teaching at Jackson Elementary School for 14 years. In fact, I attended Jackson from kindergarten through sixth grade. While many things in the neighborhood have changed since then, Jackson is still a community school where most children live in the area and walk to school. We have just finished our first year under Principal Rita Exposito, and Jackson is once again becoming a great place to teach and learn. I am very proud of the progress that we are making. There are many positive things happening at Jackson. Our science program is proving to be a great success. We have a wonderfully supportive PTA. Jackson is once again beginning to forge new community partnerships. We welcome our community volunteers and look forward to teaming together as we work towards building an environment for the "whole-child" and not just a test score. As dedicated teachers, committed to the academic achievement of our students, we measure our success in the academic, social, and emotional growth that children garner. Test scores will come naturally as we forge ahead striving to be the best we can be. Jackson is a great place to work and an even better place to learn. Go Dolphins!!
--Submitted by a teacher

Jackson Elementary school has made great progress under the new principal, Ms. Exposito. She is fantastic. The school now has a wonderful science teacher and a great library. Students receive a great fundamental education in addition to science field trips for every grade, science instruction in a special classroom with science materials and computers for every child, music instruction and programs are available, math tutoring (if needed) and reading tutoring (if needed). Parent groups are active. The school has one of the few health centers in the district and offers a pre-school program. The school buildings are classic and well maintained with a large playground and an afterschool LEARNS program that offers the Imagine Learning program for English learners. This school appears to have made more progress in the last year than any other school in the district.
--Submitted by a parent

This is not a good school by observation. The lowest scores in the disrict and poor discipline by the school. My kids teachers arrive late almost everyday, that should tell you something. We are transferring to another school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a good neighborhood school. The teachers are dedicated and work hard. I have taufgt here for years. The first grade teachers are strong and very dedicated. There are a few vetern teachers still teaching here who know how to teach,but most of the best teachers have moved on.
--Submitted by a teacher