Reimagining the Jefferson Elementary School
Class | Available
Discover how a beloved Fayetteville landmark is finding new life and purpose. In this engaging session, Shawn and Anita Schwartzman, founders of Potter’s House, will share the inspiring story of how their organization began in 1998 with a simple friendship at Jefferson Elementary—and how that connection has grown into 25 years of community impact. Participants will learn how Potter’s House and the Jefferson Renewed Project Spring 26 came together to reimagine the historic Jefferson Elementary School, built in the 1930s and serving Fayetteville families until 2023.
After the presentation, participants are invited to walk through the Jefferson building with Potter’s House staff, exploring classrooms and hallways soon to be transformed into spaces for connection, learning, and hope. You’ll hear about plans to expand preschool, after-school, and job training programs while preserving the school’s deep community roots.
Join us for a meaningful look at how history, vision, and heart are coming together to create new possibilities for South Fayetteville.
Activity Level: 1
This program will meet in person at the Jefferson Elementary School/Potter's House, located at 612 S College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.
Class changes occasionally happen; please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.
Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:
Jefferson Elem School
Shawn Schwartzman
Shawn Schwartzman a Fayetteville native. He attended Fayetteville public schools and graduated in 1996. Shawn's degree is in Business Management from John Brown University. He is married to Anita and has six children: Cordarius Campbell 31, Nesha and Deneka White 28, Solomon 22, Eli 18, and Mia 8
years old. In 1998 Shawn and Anita started Potter’s House. In his spare time you will find him running, golfing, and spending time with his family.