Written by Yvonne Fake and was presented to the faculty and staff at Jonestown Elementary School on the final student day at the school. Featured in out August 2023 Print Edition.
The school called Jonestown Elementary sits in a small town,
It’s where you can hear children, teachers, and recess sounds.
Our neighborhood is quiet though many reside,
Some walk to school while other in cars and buses ride.
The school yard has swings, slides, and gaga ball pits,
There’s hopscotch, jump ropes, and tag to keep one fit.
Occasionally traffic has been stopped on Lancaster Street because of an errant ball,
Our bordering neighbor politely returns them when in her yard they fall.
We can boast of having a cemetery outside our playground fence,
The departed must be relaxed and at peace since we don’t feel a bit tense.
There are several churches around our community,
Sometimes one can hear their bells if in the vicinity.
Nearby one can visit a grocery store and some eateries,
Each one is more than happy to appease your hunger for a fee.
The Jonestown Park allows us to claim it for a while,
It is where we have activities and stay for a spell.
A traveling bright carnival frequents the same park in May,
Our kiddos anticipate the time they can ride and play.
The windows of our classrooms have seen many seasons come and go,
In spring we see regrowth and in winter there may be some snow.
Fall brings us multiple colors with the smell of crisp leaves,
Summer means rejuvenation and a bit of a reprieve.
They say some buildings are made with just brick and mortar,
However we know what this strong structure stands for.
It provides support and strength in many varied ways,
As a school year encompasses 180 days.
During that period hundreds of young children are taught,
Where answers to educational questions are sought.
Each student represents a home with a family,
So their success in learning with confidence is key.
There are specials in areas of band, music, library, and art.
It’s important to give minds a creative start.
Social Studies and Health are subjects we explore,
Not to forget Math, Science, and ELA for the score.
Physical Education is high in demand,
Where points are often counted to see where one stands.
The cafeteria ladies serve us breakfast and lunch,
Friday’s pizza is a definite favorite, I have a hunch.
The serving area is often decorated for the holidays,
Students and staff can enjoy them while in the food line to pay.
This school is home to the Head Start program and SACC,
And assists with the distribution of Power Packs.
Our nurse helps us when illnesses or hurts are one’s foes,
The custodial team cleans areas both high and low.
Art pieces children’s work and bulletin boards compete in the halls,
Hurried students passing one another, from the short to the tall.
Like busy buzzing bumble bees each going to their hive,
Their teachers enable them to learn so in life they can thrive.
There are several on a child’s support team to add to their success,
Our principals are like the captains of our ship I must confess.
The staff here at our elementary school like the students are one of a kind,
Instructional aides assist in numerous ways and are some of the best you will find.
Now as the 2022/2023 term comes to an end,
There will be a new campus to discover just around the bend.
Freshly painted rooms filled with furniture teachers and friends,
Another year of classes projects and homework to attend.
This no doubt an exciting time for the district known as NL,
Like a chapter book there will be lots of stories to tell.
Each of us will be the author of our own unique pages,
Collectively making history with the passing of ages.
Teaching kindergarten through sixth grade from across the county sounds quite grand,
Preparing and educating young minds for the future as partners we stand.
As we embark on the journey at hand together as one,
My hope is that we will have many successes under the sun.
Though we may encounter some cloudy or rainy days may they be few,
There is always the great promise of a rainbow or two
