Mixed-grade Groups Come Together for Intentional Time at JCSD

This year, we introduced something new to our school community— Families. Once a month, these mixed-grade groups come together for intentional time focused on building relationships, fostering connection, and creating a sense of belonging across our entire building.

Each family is led by a staff member and includes students from each grade level, kindergarten through fifth grade. Early in the year, families worked together to create their own mission statements, outlining what kind of family they wanted to be and how they hoped to support one another. From there, the focus has been simple but meaningful: have fun and get to know each other.

The impact has been felt throughout our school. Students are now recognizing and greeting peers from different grade levels in the hallway—friends they may not have crossed paths with otherwise. Younger students proudly wave at their “big kid” family members, and older students enjoy the chance to be leaders and role models.

It has also given students the opportunity to connect with adults in the building beyond their classroom teachers. Those small interactions have strengthened the sense of community we strive to build every day.

Our K–5 Families have become a wonderful addition to our school culture this year, and we’re excited to see how these connections continue to grow.

Written by: Rachel Hinschberger, Janesville Elementary School Counselor