Jackson Gives Back
All it takes? Commitment.

Local and national in scope, our Jackson Gives Back effort continues to grow, and importantly, expand the awareness of each student on the significance of giving. Be it time, money, attention, concern or dedication, our goal is to impress upon students from every economic background that there's always something they can give to make their community a better place. We partner with a variety of charities, organizations and mainstream efforts to allow students to participate in an on-going variety of projects and events. Some of the ways we give back include:

• Holiday scarves and mittens drive for Atlanta's homeless


• Book drives for needy schools and children


• Percentage of Read-a-thon funds raised donated to North Metro Program


• Coin collection for annual Kiss the Pig event donated to various charities


• Jump Rope for the Heart fundraiser for the American Heart Association


• Participation in Fun Runs for the Diabetes Association and other charities


• Dime Drive on the Track for the March of Dimes


• Student/parent tree plantings around our school


• Recycling, composting, energy and water conservation and other GreenThink projects

But perhaps the most dynamic and continuous way Jackson gives back is through our PTA's very active Community Service committee. Always seeking new opportunities to help our students and families take part in ways to make our world better, this committee oversees Roots and Shoots, Jackson's philanthropy club, inspiring young people to follow in the steps of Dr. Jane Goodall and "foster respect and compassion for all living things; to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs and to inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment."

Each year countless events and initiatives take place with our Roots and Shoots efforts, and Jackson was honored in 2010 with a visit from Dr. Jane Goodall herself, acknowledging our student's commitment.

The concept of giving back also reinforces many of the world views promoted within our IB curriculum. In this way, Jackson provides many creative outlets for students to learn by doing. And, perhaps more importantly, to teach by example.