Learning Exhibitions Provide Opportunities for Students to Shine

For students and staff in our Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS), the semi-annual exhibitions of student learning known as Design Jams is something to reflect on and look forward to every year.

“The jams are my favorite,” said 37ECB Principal Gretchen Rhoads about a recent Design Jam. “When we provide learning environments and opportunities to share what is learned, our students shine.”

The jams take place in December and April of every year. Leading up to each are large student projects such as compilations of written stories and a websites created to showcase year-end projects.

The Design Jam is designed to engage students in relevant learning, offering them an opportunity to elevate their voice and agency through writing, math, art, photography, and more. Each jam has a theme, and students and teachers can choose how they want to participate and exhibit their final product. Most schools work with one of JCCS’s community arts partners, such as Outside the Lens, to create their projects.

The main objective is to create something using multiple subjects and answering the essential question, which in winter quarter is “What inspires me? What makes me unique?” and in spring quarter is “How can I take action for a cause that is meaningful to me, my family and/or my community?”

Metro Principal Theresa Fox said that Design Jams give kids a purpose. “They take the projects so much more seriously knowing that they will have the opportunity to present it,” she said.

Adrian, a former student at La Mesa Community School said it’s pretty cool showing people your art. “It makes you proud of yourself, and you get to show other people what’s on your mind.”

Check out some of the student projects from December and mark your calendars for the Take Action Design Jam April 8-19.