IYT at Jefferson School June Newsletter

June 2025

Month In Review

This month, IYT at Jefferson celebrated achievements at every level. We honored our 8th graders with their promotion ceremony, a key transition, while also celebrating Christian Kakow’s academic pinnacle of a 4.0 GPA and the honor of Summa Cum Laude. Our "Brotherhood Fridays" fostered community through strategic tournaments, and Martin Gonzales embodied our program's spirit as Brother of the Month for his unwavering positivity.

Special Occasion Spotlight

Jefferson 8th Grade Promotion Party. A total of 18 brothers were promoted from Jefferson.

The IYT Promotion Ceremony for our 8th graders at Jefferson was a powerful highlight this month, serving as a meaningful transition into their high school careers. The event celebrated their leadership and growth while preparing for their next chapter. A central theme of the ceremony was preparing for the future; mentors and staff emphasized that although change is inevitable, our brothers are well-equipped for success by applying the skills learned in IYT and utilizing the resources around them. It was a proud moment of recognition and encouragement for our rising leaders.

Academic Achievement Spotlight

Brother Christian received an award for making the Honor Roll.

At IYT, we are dedicated to providing an environment rich with academic support and opportunities designed to help our young men excel. We are incredibly proud to spotlight Christian Kakow, a brother who truly embodies this mission by thoughtfully leveraging every resource available. With remarkable dedication and intellect, Mr. Kakow has reached the pinnacle of our honor roll brotherhood, achieving Summa Cum Laude with a perfect 4.0 GPA! His success is a powerful testament to what focus and commitment can achieve within our supportive community!

Workshop Spotlight

The last brotherhood day of the year was bittersweet. However, Brothers are always ready for a challenge.

At Jefferson K-8, the drive for self-improvement is a hallmark of our IYT brothers, and we actively foster this ambitious spirit through dynamic bi-weekly tournaments, a cornerstone of our "Brotherhood Fridays." Echoing our belief that "the best way to truly shine is to consistently show up," these sessions are alive with energy and friendly competition. While the excitement of 2K video game tournaments often takes center stage, cultivating quick reflexes and spirited camaraderie, a dedicated group also gathers to sharpen their strategic thinking by learning and mastering the game of chess. This balance ensures that whether they're navigating virtual courts or contemplating their next move on the chessboard (sometimes with a Kings game adding to the vibrant atmosphere!), our brothers are engaging their minds, building community, and developing valuable skills in a fun, supportive environment. These Brotherhood Fridays are more than just games; they're a weekly practice in commitment, strategy, and mutual respect.

Brother of the Month

Martin Gonzales

8th Grade

Martin is an amazing brother full of positivity, matched with a can-do attitude. This young man is the personification of brotherhood. Always encouraging and motivating those around them, recognizing the effort they put into being great. Brother Martin embodies the phrase “it costs zero dollars to make someone's day.”

Program Info

Mentor & Parent Engagement

Parent Engagement Sessions:	40
Mentor Sessions:	41