Greg Mone Speaks to Grades 3-5 at Berlin

NY Times best-selling author Greg Mine speaks to students at Berlin about his journey to becoming a published author.  Mr. Mone shared a copy of his first book, complete with illustrations, that he recorded in a speckled

composition notebook that his mother had saved for him.  Mr. Mone told the children that he didn't always plan to be an author but wanted to be an NBA basketball player like his older, and much taller, brother.  

Hour of Code in Our Elementary Schools!

This blurb appeared on the Boylston Principal's Page this past Friday, however, students at both Boylston Elementary School AND Berlin Memorial School grades K-5 experiences a level of coding during technology time this past week. 

Last week, students across the world participated in An Hour Of Code!  Here is what Mr. Belanger had to say about the week:

"The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics." - Code.org Our district joined again for our second year in a row in ALL Elementary grade levels!! Making changes with technology will help improve our future for all ages!! So, what are you waiting for?? CODE!"

Coding teaches students planning and sequencing, it also supports mathematics while allowing another venue for student creativity. I'm so happy that we were able to once again participate and potentially inspire some future computer programmers.

A Cross-Curriculur Teaching & Learning Opportunity

I was walking through classrooms the other day and happened to notice this group of first graders from Mrs. Ellen Sabourin's class actively engaged in project-based work in the classroom.  Mrs. Sabourin explained that the students were combining their unit on the community in the Reading Wonders series with their Social Studies unit on mapping.  The students were drawing a map and using their imagination to tell a story about the characters and buildings located on each of the streets.  Much lively conversation was taking place while I was watching.  This is a perfect example of learning across the content areas.  Thanks, Mrs. Sabourin!

STEM Comes to Boylston Staff Meeting

The Boylston Elementary School staff meeting this past Monday, December 7th, hosted members of the Boylston S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) Committee, who spoke about the  work they are doing to support teachers in bringing their knowledge and expertise to the classrooms.  The members, all of whom work in STEM-related fields, also provided time for teachers to see what types of activities and presentations can be offered.

The STEM Committee members are also part of the larger district-wide STEM Advisory Board.  Our next meeting is this Monday, December 14th, at 7:00 pm in the Tahanto Regional Middle/High School multipurpose room.

Greetings!

Check out this photo from the Men's Breakfast in Boylston on Tuesday, December 1st.  Jeremiah Gallant, choral director from Tahanto, and Sarah Richards, choral director and music teacher from Berlin Memorial School and Boylston Elementary School, did a fabulous job conducting their students in a holiday performance and sing-along.  They even joined together in song for a few numbers!  We are so proud of our students and staff! 

S.T.E.M. Career Night Comes to Tahanto

On Thursday, October 8th, more than 31 presenters from the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics shared their knowledge and expertise with students in grades 5-12 at the first annual S.T.E.M event.  The turnout of students and their families was exceptional, and many of them gave high praise for the opportunity to begin thinking about college and career choices.  

During the evening, participants visited tables of engineers, doctors, teachers, nurses, biologists, researchers, physicists, chemists, scientists, gaming instructors, 3-D printmakers, and even a drone builder.  They asked questions and engaged in related activities.

Many thanks to all of the presenters who volunteered their time and expertise.  The S.T.E.M. Advisory Board would like to bring back the event next year.  I you are interested in participating, please email: ccostello@bbrsd.org.