Students at Hull’s Jacobs Elementary School Work Together During 'One Word Initiative' To Start New School Year

Jacobs School students pose with the school's new 'together' banner, which was made after the word was chosen as the official word of the year at the school. (Photo courtesy Hull Public Schools).

HULL -- Superintendent Judy Kuehn and Principal Kyle Shaw are pleased to share that students at the Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School are working together during the new academic year as a part of a special school-wide project.

Last year, the Jacobs School kicked off the school year by reading “One Word for Kids: A Great Way to Have Your Best Year Ever” by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page. The book challenges readers to choose one word to help them have the best year ever.

Last year, the Jacobs School's one-word and school-wide theme was "Kindness." This year, as part of the One Word initiative, the word "together" was chosen as the school-wide theme.

As part of the initiative, each class in the school was given the book, and teachers read the story to students. Students then chose their own words to focus on for this year. For the school-wide project, each student then wrote their word on a letter from the word "together" in a giant banner.

"I knew I would have a good start to the year because I just kept telling myself to be 'Rad!'" said Quincy, a fourth-grader a Jacobs Elementary. Rad is an acronym used at the Jacobs School as a reminder of the Core Values (Respect others; Act in safe, caring, and welcoming ways; Do your best learning).

This past week, the "together" banner was hung up and unveiled during the school's monthly assembly to remind the entire school that students and staff alike can all do their part to be stronger together than apart.

"The word 'together' is the perfect word to focus on as part of the One Word Initiative this school year," Principal Shaw said. "We will use the banner as a reminder to our students and staff of the importance of unity and community and that it is always better to work together."

A Jacobs School student excitedly reacts to be chosen as the Heart of the Pirate, an award presented to one student in each grade level for following the Core Values. (Photo courtesy Hull Public Schools).