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Exploring Futures: The Legacy of Career Day at JTD
Read MoreThere are many reasons students treasure their time at The John Thomas Dye School; time-honored traditions like the Carols program, Candlelighting, Grade 4 Landmark projects, and the Kindergarten Nutcracker are all a part of the unique elementary experience at our school. Each grade level provides many beloved traditions, but no grade level provides more than the sixth grade. First as a parent and now one of the Upper School math teachers, one Grade 6 tradition holds a very special place in my heart. Ten years ago, I was entrusted with the responsibility of continuing Career Day, a Grade 6 tradition that dates back to 1989, when it was introduced as a continuation of a Grade 5 project by former JTD teacher, Ruth Furst. -
Culture Corner: Celebrating JTD’s Culture of Service
Read MoreOne of the defining threads in the fabric of JTD is our deeply rooted culture of community and service.Across grade levels, students engage with social issues through read-alouds, field trips, and classroominitiatives that build empathy and awareness. As a school community, we come together for annualdrives, like our Canned Food Drive, participate in Big Sunday events, and support individual family-ledefforts such as charity runs, bake sales, and other acts of generosity. Service isn't just something we do—it's who we are.This spring, we carried that spirit forward through our Spring into Kindness: Community Service Day.This week, every JTD family in the Family Program took part in hands-on service projects designed togive back and spread kindness. From potting flowers to brighten up classroom spaces, to writingheartfelt thank you notes, our campus was buzzing with generosity, collaboration, and care.
Read on to learn more about each of the meaningful activities our students, faculty, and staff took partin! -
Little Voices, Big Words: The Grade 1 Poetry Presentation
After learning about different types of poetry, our Grade 1 students recently composed their own original poems and recited them in front of their families. Public speaking is an important part of a John Thomas Dye students’ journey, and each Spring, the Grade 1 Poetry Presentation provides an opportunity for some of our youngest students to practice public speaking in a fun and supportive environment.Read More -
Culture Corner: Fat Tuesday Around the World
Read MorePancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, is celebrated worldwide with various traditions that often feature pancakes. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Canada, it's customary to eat pancakes on this day to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent. In the United States, particularly in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mardi Gras festivities include parades, music, and colorful beads worn by participants to celebrate the day. In England, the town of Olney hosts a unique pancake race where participants run while tossing pancakes in frying pans, a tradition dating back to 1445. In Lithuania, the festival of Užgavėnės is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, with people enjoying pancakes called blynai, singing, dancing, and wearing costumes and masks to mark the end of winter and the arrival of spring. These diverse customs highlight the global significance of Pancake Day and Fat Tuesday as occasions for communal celebration before the solemn season of Lent.
In Culture Club this week, students learned about some of these various traditions, while eating pancakes and hearing about Mardi Gras experiences from several faculty and staff members. Did you know that Ms. Dishman was Ms. Mardi Gras in 1976? She attended Grambling State University, an HBCU, and represented the Zulu float in the parade. Coach T attended Tulane and shared that Mardi Gras was a huge part of New Orleans culture – even schools are closed on this day! She gifted all of our Culture Club students some beads in celebration of today. With pancakes, beads, and connections across cultures, we had a wonderful time learning, sharing, and celebrating the rich traditions of Mardi Gras!
Read the rest of the issue here! -
Belonging at JTD: The Work of the Inclusion & Diversity Team
Read MoreThe John Thomas Dye School is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Our Inclusion and Diversity Team (IDT) at John Thomas Dye is made up of three faculty/staff members who are passionate about DEIB work at our school. The team intentionally represents employees with various identities who are in different departments at JTD. Members participate in three year cycles to allow for new voices to be heard and equitable participation from those interested in serving. The team is also available to faculty and staff who have individual questions or concerns connected to this DEIB work. -
A Community Stands Together: JTD's Response to the LA Fires
Read MoreIn times of crisis, the true strength of a community is revealed. This was especially clear during the recent fires that impacted the Los Angeles area. On the morning of Tuesday, January 7, when the Palisades fire ignited, JTD's leadership team, led by Head of School Rose Helm, sprang into action to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, and staff on campus. As the situation developed, faculty and staff worked to address the needs of the JTD community, first supporting evacuating families and later, as the fire moved closer to JTD's campus, removing essential school artifacts and records off campus should the fire threaten the School. -
Culture Corner: December Spotlight
Our school is committed to fostering a community where every individual feels a true sense of belonging and connection. Through intentional programs, initiatives, and resources like our newsletter, Culture Corner, which explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging, we create opportunities for students, employees, families and future community members to feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether through campus activities, clubs, assemblies, conversations, or the books we share, we strive to promote awareness, acceptance, and meaningful connections. One of our cornerstone initiatives is the Family Program, which brings together students across grade levels, along with faculty and staff, into “families” that remain constant throughout a child’s journey at JTD. Through family assemblies and shared experiences, these groups build lasting relationships, creating moments of joy, connection, and mutual understanding.Read More -
Grade 2 Pieces of Me Showcase
Read More“Learning about the past helps us understand who we are today” is the inquiry statement Grade 2 social studies students examined through the lenses of innovation, technology, and their own family history. Other objectives of this social studies unit included understanding the significance of oral history and how to engage in collaborative discussion when interviewing a source. By listening to stories and memories shared by parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents, students discovered that their family’s history provides insight into their values, traditions, and culture.
List of 20 news stories.
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Exploring Futures: The Legacy of Career Day at JTD
Read MoreThere are many reasons students treasure their time at The John Thomas Dye School; time-honored traditions like the Carols program, Candlelighting, Grade 4 Landmark projects, and the Kindergarten Nutcracker are all a part of the unique elementary experience at our school. Each grade level provides many beloved traditions, but no grade level provides more than the sixth grade. First as a parent and now one of the Upper School math teachers, one Grade 6 tradition holds a very special place in my heart. Ten years ago, I was entrusted with the responsibility of continuing Career Day, a Grade 6 tradition that dates back to 1989, when it was introduced as a continuation of a Grade 5 project by former JTD teacher, Ruth Furst. -
Little Voices, Big Words: The Grade 1 Poetry Presentation
After learning about different types of poetry, our Grade 1 students recently composed their own original poems and recited them in front of their families. Public speaking is an important part of a John Thomas Dye students’ journey, and each Spring, the Grade 1 Poetry Presentation provides an opportunity for some of our youngest students to practice public speaking in a fun and supportive environment.Read More -
Belonging at JTD: The Work of the Inclusion & Diversity Team
Read MoreThe John Thomas Dye School is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Our Inclusion and Diversity Team (IDT) at John Thomas Dye is made up of three faculty/staff members who are passionate about DEIB work at our school. The team intentionally represents employees with various identities who are in different departments at JTD. Members participate in three year cycles to allow for new voices to be heard and equitable participation from those interested in serving. The team is also available to faculty and staff who have individual questions or concerns connected to this DEIB work. -
A Community Stands Together: JTD's Response to the LA Fires
Read MoreIn times of crisis, the true strength of a community is revealed. This was especially clear during the recent fires that impacted the Los Angeles area. On the morning of Tuesday, January 7, when the Palisades fire ignited, JTD's leadership team, led by Head of School Rose Helm, sprang into action to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, and staff on campus. As the situation developed, faculty and staff worked to address the needs of the JTD community, first supporting evacuating families and later, as the fire moved closer to JTD's campus, removing essential school artifacts and records off campus should the fire threaten the School. -
Culture Corner: December Spotlight
Our school is committed to fostering a community where every individual feels a true sense of belonging and connection. Through intentional programs, initiatives, and resources like our newsletter, Culture Corner, which explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging, we create opportunities for students, employees, families and future community members to feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether through campus activities, clubs, assemblies, conversations, or the books we share, we strive to promote awareness, acceptance, and meaningful connections. One of our cornerstone initiatives is the Family Program, which brings together students across grade levels, along with faculty and staff, into “families” that remain constant throughout a child’s journey at JTD. Through family assemblies and shared experiences, these groups build lasting relationships, creating moments of joy, connection, and mutual understanding.Read More -
Grade 2 Pieces of Me Showcase
Read More“Learning about the past helps us understand who we are today” is the inquiry statement Grade 2 social studies students examined through the lenses of innovation, technology, and their own family history. Other objectives of this social studies unit included understanding the significance of oral history and how to engage in collaborative discussion when interviewing a source. By listening to stories and memories shared by parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents, students discovered that their family’s history provides insight into their values, traditions, and culture. -
From Soil to Squid: Grade 5’s Hands-On Journey into Plant and Animal Structures
Read MoreA combination of excited squeals and less-than-excited moans filled the air during the Grade 5 inSTED squid dissection in mid-November. As part of the “Plant and Animal Structures” unit, JTD scientists spent time digging deep into the structure and function of the living things around us. -
TeachAAPI Spotlight: JTD's Own Hayley Roberts
Hayley Roberts, Director of Teaching and Learning at The John Thomas Dye School, has been recognized as a 2024 Educator Honoree by TeachAAPI for her exceptional commitment to advancing education and her advocacy for inclusive, culturally responsive teaching. With more than 25 years of experience in various educational roles—ranging from administrator and curriculum developer to instructional coach and teacher—Hayley has continually demonstrated her dedication to fostering equitable learning environments.Read More -
Cultivating a Culture of Belonging in Fourth Grade
From academics to character development, at The John Thomas Dye School we strive to educate the whole child. As our Grade 4 students enter the world of Upper School, they are learning who they are in our school community while trying on various aspects of their identity.Read More -
JTD and The Independent School Alliance
Since its founding in 1985, The Independent School Alliance has been a champion of educational equity in Southern California, focused on recruiting, educating, counseling, and advocating for families from racially underrepresented and economically under-resourced communities. The John Thomas Dye School shares a long, collaborative history with the Alliance that began when the School’s former head, Ray Michaud, spearheaded the creation of the organization and worked with other Los Angeles independent schools to ensure its success. Today, The Alliance has over 50 member schools and has served over 4,500 students in its four decade history.Read More -
Tunes at Noon: Celebrating Talent and Bravery at Music for Lunch Bunch
Music for Lunch Bunch, the quarterly school talent show, is a treasured JTD community event. Once fitting into the school day during lunch, the School now has four dedicated Music for Lunch Bunch assemblies throughout the school year, when our whole community comes together to watch students of all ages share their talents with one another.Read More -
Look to This Day (and the year ahead)… Through Art
There’s nothing more wonderful (or creatively stimulating) than the start of a new school year – excited students, fresh supplies, and of course… blank bulletin boards in John Dye Hall just waiting to host an array of original artwork!Read More -
Alumni Spotlight - Ingrid Hung '07
We recently had the chance to speak to Ingrid Hung ‘07, co-founder of I Have This Friend, an online platform built to discover and book unique, fair-priced lifestyle services. Her career journey outlines her creativity, entrepreneurship, and incredible work ethic.Read More -
Purposeful Learning on Catalina Island
At JTD, we are deeply committed to our mission: "We look to each day with a commitment to inspire purposeful learning, cultivate character, and celebrate childhood." Nowhere in our mission, however, does it say that we have to look to each day from 11414 Chalon Road, or that purposeful learning and character can only develop within the classroom!Read More -
Alumni Spotlight: Sabrina Singh '99
Read MoreWe had the opportunity to catch up with Sabrina Singh ‘99, the Deputy Press Secretary at the Department of Defense. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to public service and a relentless pursuit of excellence. -
Summer Program: Celebrating Childhood at Camp
BBQs, talent shows, creative crafts, exciting science experiments, cartwheels, LEGO, flag football games, dolls going camping… During the first session of the JTD Summer Program, our campus was buzzing! Rising Grade 1 students to recent JTD graduates were busy exploring, playing, and experiencing the pure joy of childhood. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and happiness!Read More -
Class of 2018 is Off to College
As is JTD Tradition, alumni who are wrapping their Senior year of high school came back to campus alongside their parents for the annual Off to College Reunion.Read More -
Celebrating Addy Porter
With over 30 years with The John Thomas Dye School's youngest students, longtime teacher Addy Porter was celebrated as she finished her last year in the classroom.Read More -
Alumni Gather at JTD Fair
Each May JTD current students and their families, friends and neighbors, and JTD alumni gather on campus for the annual JTD Fair.Read More -
Celebrating Black History Month
Read MoreIn honor of Black History Month, JTD hosted a series of events throughout the month of February to celebrate the rich culture of the Black community. In Library class, parents, faculty, and staff were invited to participate in the National African American Read-In, where the adults in our community read stories to students by Black authors featuring Black characters. Students then completed follow-up reflection activities guided by our Librarian.
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The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
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