Now in its second year, the musical pen pal partnership between CFJ and GFJ Elementary Schools continues to bring students together through creativity and collaboration. Supported by the UEEF Collaboration Grant (2024–2026), fourth-grade classes at both schools were paired to build connections through music rather than letters.
Using Orff instruments such as xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels, students learned 
songs together and worked collaboratively to compose their own musical sections. Throughout the year, classes shared their progress and built friendships with their partner classes.
The highlight of the project came when students met in person to perform for one another, create a collaborative mural, and participate in team-building activities. The experience helped students form meaningful connections before coming together later at JFS.
The program will continue growing next year as current students move into fifth grade and new fourth-grade classes join the partnership. With students from both schools participating, the initiative continues to strengthen community, encourage creativity, and help make future school transitions more comfortable and familiar for students.
