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DeMello Elementary highlights new kindergarten classrooms, math grant and Makerspace
Summary
DeMello Elementary School leaders told the School Committee they added three kindergarten classrooms (about 60 students and three new teachers), are using a Dartmouth Education Foundation grant to support math instruction and created a Makerspace for alternate recess activities.
At the March 3 School Committee meeting, DeMello Elementary School staff presented a "Spotlight on Kids" segment describing recent classroom expansions and curriculum supports.
Principal Elizabeth Correia and Assistant Principal Adam Hill said DeMello added three kindergarten classrooms this year, enrolling roughly 60 students and adding three teachers (Marygrace Condon, Cheryle Kamm and Melissa Sylvia). Correia tied the growth to the district's Strategic Plan and said the additions were intended to preserve reasonable class sizes.
Math Coach Jen Fitton described work funded by a Dartmouth Education Foundation grant and shared brief videos of students explaining "mathematicians" as part of the grant activities. Instructional Technology Specialist Liz Voci explained a Makerspace program — an alternative recess activity — created with DEF grant proceeds. Fifth-grade teacher and Student Council advisor Robin Kolbeck described student council activities and introduced participating 4th- and 5th-grade council members who spoke about their Connections Through Community work.
Assistant Principal Hill also described DeMello's approach to Safe and Supportive Schools as a "whole school" and tiered model that uses a student support team including outreach social workers, school nurses and a school psychologist to meet students' needs.
The presentation was delivered as part of the meeting's consent and informational items and required no formal committee action.
