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Edison Elementary highlighted for literacy programs; fourth-graders perform national anthem
Summary
Edison Elementary showcased literacy initiatives and community partnerships at the April 8 Kenmore-Tonawanda board meeting; students and staff were recognized and two fourth-graders spoke about library activities and book clubs.
Edison Elementary was the featured school at the Kenmore-Tonawanda Board of Education meeting on April 8, where staff, students and volunteers presented the school's literacy initiatives and received recognition.
Superintendent Samano called the school's fourth-grade chorus to perform the national anthem, and Principal Sean Sedoll (introduced by the principal during the presentation) described schoolwide literacy efforts that include library media collaboration, a new social-emotional learning program (MindUp), inquiry-based projects and after-school book clubs.
Joseph Mitrovitz, Edison's assistant principal, described the library media specialist's expanded role supporting classroom standards, digital-fluency lessons and inquiry learning. He said library lessons have included a jigsaw protocol on the benefits and dangers of artificial intelligence and that the library hosted author visits and a fourth-grade book club.
Fourth-graders Robert Gleason and Liliana Ennis spoke to the board about their experiences. Robert said the library's AI lesson taught students to weigh benefits and risks and that an author visit inspired him because the author persisted through hundreds of rejections. Liliana said book clubs exposed her to books she might not choose herself and discussed reading "El Deafo," which helped her understand challenges others face.
The board recognized a teacher, a student and a support staff member from Edison, and presented a community-connection award to the Gleason family for longstanding volunteer work and fundraising support. Principal Sedoll described outreach activities such as a summer bookmobile, a PTA-funded book vending machine that rewards students, and community author visits. The presentation noted more than 1,500 donated books and programs that pair older and younger students for shared reading.
Ending: Board members praised the school's positive culture and acknowledged staff and community volunteers; several trustees noted the presentation illustrated the district's investment in literacy and student engagement.
