Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Edwardsburg schools highlight play-based learning in primary grades and a student-led arts-STEAM concert
Loading...
Summary
Primary school staff and Eagle Lake's music teacher showcased play-based learning, sensory activities and a March STEAM-integrated performance that drew about 500 patrons; the superintendent tied those examples to district improvement data and curriculum work.
Edwardsburg Public Schools used the April 28 board meeting to showcase classroom innovation and student work across the district, spotlighting play-based learning in a primary classroom and a collaborative music/STEAM performance at Eagle Lake.
Tracy Faulding, presenting highlights from the primary school, described a first-grade classroom model led by Ms. Dennis that combines active play with guided learning: "Play based learning ... gives children repeatedly meaningful opportunities to practice controlling their thinking, behavior, and emotions," Faulding said. She described sensory bins, a kitchen area, writing centers, loose parts on the playground and nature walks that support language development, problem solving and executive function. Faulding said teachers and the PTO used grants and donations to outfit the classroom and the district's 'loose parts' shed, which will be available on a limited schedule, weather permitting.
At Eagle Lake, music teacher Britney Marlow described a March 24 performance built around the children's book The Day the Crayons Quit. "Our performance this year was centered around the beloved children's story 'The Day the Crayons Quit,'" Marlow said, noting collaboration with library and STEAM classes, student-created artwork displayed in a hallway and roughly 500 patrons in attendance. Students also used digital tools in library class to create personalized 'crayon' narratives and practiced public presentation skills during the event.
Superintendent Mr. Heller placed those classroom examples in the context of district school-improvement work, describing the MyCAP process and use of benchmarking tools. "We use I Ready as one of the legally required benchmarking tools," Mr. Heller said, adding the district reviews I Ready and DIBELS data alongside state assessments to guide interventions and professional development. He said the district is emphasizing the science of reading, targeted remediation and expanded course offerings ranging from Bridge to Writing to new middle-school electives.
Why it matters: administrators said the classroom practices and the performance are evidence of the district's focus on both foundational academic skills and broader student engagement through arts and hands-on learning. The board acknowledged the presentations and thanked staff and students.
What happens next: teachers will receive newly adopted K–5 curriculum kits and continued professional development; Eagle Lake will continue VIP days and upcoming musical and band events noted in the superintendent's report.
