Turning the first Friday of the month into the best Friday!
First Friday is a celebration and an opportunity for students and staff to be rewarded for their achievements. First Fridays began after the COVID-19 pandemic when students returned to school. Office Manager Danyelle Charles, the heart behind the idea, said she felt like people were “kind of in a slump being back in the building after so long.” Charles wanted to help boost the morale of the students and staff alike. Students are highlighted through the Smarty Party and the Honor Roll Assembly, but First Friday aims to highlight students who are making small strides apart from academics, including attendance, being kind, and helping the community. These aspects may seem overlooked but are being highlighted to inspire students to do better daily.
This month’s First Friday will consist of donuts in the lobby, announcements for prizes each period, and from 2:30-3:30, a celebration. There will be a DJ, giveaways, food, club fundraising, a three point basketball shooting contest, a gingerbread house decorating contest, arts, and much more! First Friday carries lots of excitement, not just to get out of school early, but to be able to connect and build the community through activities. Charles aims to “get people in a happy space where they can have a good day.” She understands tough things can happen in the morning so she hopes to help “kick off a good day.” This will continue to inspire students who may not be doing as well as they’d hoped or students who are sometimes overlooked. First Friday helps recognize everyone for the little things that they do every day and encourages them to continuously work hard and grow not just as a good student, but as a good person.
The TJ community does a tremendous job of supporting and uplifting every student regardless of their academic success and acknowledging them for their small wins. First Fridays are not the days to miss or skip. They are opportunities to build community and find new friends with the incentive of fun. Students are able to compete, hang out, grab food or snacks, support clubs, and simply help boost morale. All of the organizers of First Friday hope to see all students there during the celebration!
