Read highlights from the James R. Jordan Foundation's 2020-2021 winter programming and events, including the Holiday Celebration, VFF's Sip and Paint, Read with Me! Day, and more!
2020-2021 Holiday Celebration
Over 1,000 students from Sherman School of Excellence, R. Nathaniel Dett, William H. Brown, and Jordan Elementary Community School received gifts this year in our annual Holiday Celebration.
Gifts were packed by JRJF Staff and dropped off at the four partner schools. Each school hosted their own Gift Pick Up to distribute the gifts to the students. Gifts ranged from toys, school supplies donated by PNC, and books for the younger students. Middle school students received Jordan Brand gear, such as hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and bags. Advisory Board Member Oscar provided 28 Nike water bottles and 179 pens. Selected grades also received items donated by Gatorade, including bags, water bottles, and towels.
Gifts were packed by JRJF Staff and dropped off at the four partner schools. Each school hosted their own Gift Pick Up to distribute the gifts to the students. Gifts ranged from toys, school supplies donated by PNC, and books for the younger students. Middle school students received Jordan Brand gear, such as hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and bags. Advisory Board Member Oscar provided 28 Nike water bottles and 179 pens. Selected grades also received items donated by Gatorade, including bags, water bottles, and towels.
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Pictured Above: Students from our partner schools receive gifts at the Holiday Celebrations.
Pictured Above: Gatorade Gift Bags waiting to be picked up by students.
Volunteer Spotlight – Holiday Celebration
| JRJF Corporate Board Member Roger Veome, and his son Jordan did a school supply drive. They graciously collected various items, which were given to the students during Sherman School of Excellence’s Holiday Celebration. This is Jordan’s second year collecting materials for the students and their families. Last year Jordan led a Coat Drive for families at R. Nathaniel Dett and Sherman School of Excellence. Please join us in a sincere thank you to Roger and Jordan for their outstanding efforts, and commitment to giving back to the communities we serve! |  |
Vision for Families: "Sip and Paint"
On Thursday, October 22nd, the James R. Jordan Foundation hosted a Virtual “Sip & Paint” as part of the Vision for Families program with families, teachers, and school staff at our four partner schools. The “Sip & Paint” took place over Google Meets and was facilitated by Manon, who is an experienced educator and artist. Over 80 parents and 79 students participated in the workshop and created paintings to represent their family, such as a family tree or bouquet of flowers. All materials were donated by Home Depot, including the boards, paint, and paint brushes.
Pictured Above: Participants of the Virtual “Sip and Paint”.
Principal Lyons from William H. Brown S.T.E.M. Magnet School stated that “Vision for Families gives the school an opportunity to bring our entire school community together” and the workshop was “a display of artistic talents”. Stephanie Murphy, a parent from R. Nathaniel Dett stated, “the Vision for Families Program positively impacts my life by giving me time with my children and helping us bond”.
| Pictured Right: Erik, a student of Jordan Elementary Community School, holding the family bouquet that he painted with his older sister and his mother. “I learned that being creative can come with every detail there is around me, so I’ll use creativity and have ideas in my personal life.” – Maria Rodriguez, mother of Erik. |  |
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Pictured Above: Aaliyah and Rickey (students of Sherman School of Excellence) display their artwork, alongside their dad Mr. Fields.
Read with Me! Day w/ Rotary Club
Rotary Read with Me! Day was held virtually with Sherman School of Excellence on November 20th. There were 12 Rotary volunteers reading various books to over 90 students and classroom teachers from Pre-K to 3rd grade. Many of the volunteers really enjoyed reading to the students and look forward to participating in this opportunity in the future. The students were excited to be a part of the event and were engaged in the Reading sessions and activities.
Pictured Above: debi Ross, James R. Jordan Foundation Board Chair, reading “The Boy who Cried Wolf” by Anthony Curran to the Kindergarten students.
Pictured Above: Kevin McQuillan, Rotary Club President, read two books “Flashlight Shadow Show” by Karen Mockler and “Wocket in my Pocket” by Dr. Seuss to the 3rd Grade students.