Jefferson Principal Retires from Sunset School

By Edmund Moy

Long-time Jefferson Elementary School Principal Judith Rosen will retire this spring after 19 years at the school's helm.

"I'm retiring because I've put in many, many happy years. I feel it's just time to let someone else do this job and to end my career on a very happy note," Rosen said.

"I'm very happy with what I've accomplished. I feel very fulfilled and I want to do other things. I want to take time to enjoy my retirement," she said.

Rosen plans to spend her retirement traveling, playing golf and bridge, and slowing down a bit from the day-to-day administrative duties of running a school. She has been Jefferson's principal since September 1988.

She came to the school following a three-year tenure as principal of the Starr King Elementary School. Prior to that, she was "acting principal" at Sutro Elementary School for a two-year hitch.

A native of San Francisco, Rosen was born and raised in the Richmond District. Her mother, Joan Keller, was a public school teacher for 40-years in San Francisco, teaching both elementary and secondary schools.

Rosen attended Alamo Elementary, Presidio Middle School and the Star of the Sea School. She graduated from Notre Dame College in Belmont, where she earned a B.A. in history and her teaching credential. She then attended the University of San Francisco, where she earned her masters degree in educational administration.

In 1963, she began her career as a teacher at Bessie Carmichael Elementary School. It was there that she was inspired to become a school administrator - inspired by her mentor Principal Sidney Trager.

"I wasn't sure I really wanted to do it," she recalled. "One great fear I had was that I wouldn't get to work with children. But that wasn't the case at all. I spent just as much time working with the children and that was the most rewarding part."

During her tenure at Jefferson Elementary, the school has grown to become one of the most popular schools in the San Francisco Unified School District. With more than 95 percent of parents participating in the school's PTA, the school has received generous financial support for its arts programs, library and school beautification projects.

One program that stands out has been the parent "art works" program, which allows parents to take art classes and then to work in the classrooms teaching children what they have learned.

Rosen also points out that the schoolyard has undergone major upgrades thanks to the teachers, PTA support, grants and volunteers. Upgrades included a new play structure and the removal of an old brick wall, which was replaced by a new iron fence. Landscaping has been added to the yard, including an herb garden, which volunteers, students and staff come to work on various Saturday "Garden Days."

Students from two classrooms also designed and created a mural, under the direction of artist Josef Norris, on the wall facing the schoolyard. The project was made possible by a grant from the San Francisco Community Challenge Grant. A second mural is currently underway.

Last year, Norris worked with a fourth and fifth grade classroom to design and install a mural at 19th Avenue and Irving Street.

Rosen officially retires on June 30, but a potluck community picnic will be held Sunday, June 3, from noon to 4 p.m., in Mothers Meadow in Golden Gate Park.

Jefferson Elementary School alumni and colleagues are invited to attend. Friends and alumni of Jefferson Elementary School are also invited to submit memories of their time at the school, and their fond experiences with Rosen in honor of her retirement. Photos and recollections are welcome. Recollections, which should be on standard letter-sized paper, can be dropped off or mailed to Jefferson Elementary School, C/O Ms. Kathy Doherty, 1725 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122.

For additional information on the school and its plans to celebrate Rosen's tenure, go to the Web site at www.myjefferson.com. For more information about the picnic, call Susan Kostal Rondoni at 681-2385.