Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
South Elementary principal highlights advisory program, theater and transition work for fifth graders
Summary
South Elementary Principal presented programs designed to build community and prepare students for middle school, and said the building is at capacity as the district plans a new elementary school.
Principal Katie Doerr (presenting for South Elementary School) told the School Committee on Oct. 14 that her school runs several community-building and student-lead programs, and that the building is operating at or above capacity.
Doerr described the "Sharks and Minnows" advisory program for grades K–5, where mixed-age groups meet regularly for social-emotional learning and to connect students with a second trusted adult in the building. She said the goal is a multi-year relationship spanning K–5 and that the school runs the program during shorter "early Thursday" days.
She detailed an expanding school theater program—now in its fifth year—that serves 42 students and is tuition-supported. The theater program partners with the middle and high schools so returning students help with rehearsals and production days. Doerr said the latest production will be Junie B. Jones the Musical in May.
Doerr also described student-led announcements, a long-running "Leaders are Readers" program that invites community volunteers to read to classes, and a PBIS-aligned awards program called "Shark Awards" (safe, hardworking, accountable, respectful, kind) that recognizes students across grade levels and specialist teams. She noted a book vending machine tied to the award process that lets award recipients select books with a reading teacher.
On transition work for fifth graders, Doerr said the school rotates students among math classes to mirror middle-school structures, moved fifth-grade lunchtime earlier to reflect middle-school schedules, and expanded "what's next" visits including a fifth-grade visit to Curry College as a community partnership.
When committee member Jillian asked about space, Doerr said South is "maxed out on space" and cited examples of doubled-up rooms and unconventional uses of classroom space. She said the school will function in its current footprint until the new elementary building opens.
Doerr closed by inviting committee members to the PTO pumpkin patch event Sunday and presented a small PTO gift to the committee.
The committee asked for the schedule of school presentations; the chair confirmed each school will present once during the year so the committee and public can learn what makes each building distinct.
