Schools are complex systems with many efforts at play at all times. And while I tend to be a critical thinker focused on moving schools and learning forward for children, I am also mindful of how many wonderful elements make our schools strong and dynamic each day.
Dedicated, Committed Staff
Our school's staff is dedicated, caring, well-prepared, and focused on teaching children well.
Music
We have a tremendous music program that includes instrumental music, music workshop, music classes, chorus, and regular performances. The school string, band, choral concerts and the fifth grade play are highlights that students and the entire community look forward to each year.
Wellness
Our physical education program focuses on wellness, collaboration, physical fitness, creativity, and fun! Field Day and Dance are two signature events in this area.
Art
The art program weaves multiple disciplines together through a deep, creative, and child-centered focus on art skills, knowledge, and practice. Our main school hall is essentially an art gallery of wonderful multi-age student creativity.
Assembly
Our weekly assembly features students' showcase projects and skills. It is also a time for the community to recognize student birthdays, service learning, community news, celebration, and more. The fifth graders lead the assembly as moderators, tech crew, and ushers.
Technology
We have wonderful tech tools, projects, and teacher outreach. Our students learn to use technology with skill and strength at early ages. Highlights include the fifth grade tech crew who create movies and run the technology associated with school assembly and early coding activities for all students.
Recess
The playground is big and grassy, and children have ample time to play and move during the day.
Lunch
Our food service crew is welcoming and offers students and staff a healthy lunch each and every day.
Courtyard
We have a "secret garden" located in the center of the school that is beautiful.
Library
Our library has an extraordinary collection of wonderful books. The library is readily available to all students all days. Highlights include our yearly author visits which inspire teachers and students alike.
Supplies
We have the supplies we need to teach well.
Signature Projects
Every grade level has one or more signature projects which create a synthesis of standards-based learning in a celebratory way. For starters first grade studies maple syrup process and penguins, second grade focuses on community, third studies the history of Massachusetts, fourth focuses on culture, geography, and endangered species, and fifth has multiple math/science projects, the fifth grade play, and biography celebration. These are the projects that children look forward to as they move from grade to grade.
Invested Families and Community
The school families and community at large support our schools so students come to school each day believing that school is a positive, integral part of their life--a part of life worth the time and effort. This really makes a difference when it comes to our ability to serve children well.
This list is a start, and I believe that others would help me to think about many more aspects of our school that work with strength. My own children have benefited from the terrific strengths our school brings to children. As I look to improve my own practice, and build learning programs to best meet students' needs and interests as well as identified standards and goals, I want to be mindful of what is already in place with regard to school strength.
