WESTFIELD-Teachers across the city – from public to parochial schools – are energized and putting the finishing touches on their classrooms as the countdown to the first day of school is on.
“We’re really looking forward to the kids coming back,” said Russell Elementary School principal Alison Hamilton, noting this will be the last year for students at this site as students will be incorporated into city schools for the 2018-2019 school year. “The Town of Russell has welcomed us but we know it is important for the community that the kids come to Westfield.”
Alison Hamilton, principal at the Russell Elementary School, is seen in the library.
Hamilton, who has served for 27 years in the Westfield schools and is now starting her fourth year in a principal role, oversees Kindergarten through Grade 5 and expects approximately 165 students this school year.
“My teachers all work well together and we will continue to build on the cross-grade collaborations,” said Hamilton.
The school, nestled among woodlands at the end of Highland Avenue in Russell, has offered unique opportunities for students the past two years – including having naturalist-in-residence Ted Watt from the Hitchcock Center share his expertise through a Massachusetts Cultural Council STARS residency grant.
Plants and books go hand in hand on the windowsills of Tina Goyette’s second grade classroom at the Russell Elementary School.
“Our first graders learned to plant a garden from a gnarly patch of weeds and I can’t wait for them to return and see how much the garden has grown,” said Hamilton, adding that the radishes and lettuce they planted in the spring were enjoyed before the last day of summer recess. The grant also enabled Watt to spend three sessions with each classroom during the school year.
“Everyone loves Mr. Watt,” said Hamilton.
Computer stations are all set to go in Cindy Newcomb’s fifth grade class at the Russell Elementary School.
While Hamilton was busy organizing her office last Friday afternoon, teachers were filtering in and out bringing in decorations to put the finishing touches on their classrooms. Second grade teacher Tina Goyette was among those organizing her windowsills – and decorating with pots of colorful flowers. Goyette has been a teacher for 23 years in the public school system.
One of Goyette’s first projects for her students will be a “ME BAG” where she encourages students to put up to five items in a paper bag that will tell her and the class a little about themselves.
“ME BAGS are shared at morning meeting over the course of the first few days,” said Goyette, noting that students will gather on the carpet in the front of the classroom which fosters community building.
“I first share my bag which includes a whisk because I like to cook, and a book, because I like to read,” said Goyette, adding she provides the presentation first so students learn the proper way to speak in front of their peers.
On the opposite corridor was Cindy Newcomb who was arranging desks and computer stations and adding last-minute displays to her classroom walls. She has been a reading specialist for the Westfield schools for 14 years and starts her new year in Russell teaching fifth grade.
“A theme for this year’s students will be having perseverance and a growth mind set,” said Newcomb, who also incorporates building a community with students centered on a carpet in the front of the classroom. “Every year I love getting to know the uniqueness of every child.”
A few miles down the road, teachers at St. Mary’s Elementary School have also been adding colorful touches to their classrooms – and organizing the last of the books to be distributed on the first day to students.
Jennifer Daley holds one of the many religious books her kindergarten class at St. Mary’s Elementary School will read this year – “Stories of God’s Love.”
Jennifer Daley, in her second year teaching Kindergarten at St. Mary’s, said she too likes to gather students around a carpet to build community.
“During the first few days some students are very excited, some experience separation anxiety, some are quiet,” said Daley, noting the change to a full day can be a trying transition.
Jennifer Daley, kindergarten teacher at St. Mary’s Elementary School, puts the finishing touches on a “Hopes and Dreams” display board for her students.
Once the school day begins, Daley welcomes the centering prayer for the day and will read from “My First Book of Prayers.” During the daily religion curriculum, Daley will also read from “Stories of God’s Love,” featuring Bible stories including Noah’s Ark.
“All of the stories are tailored for their understanding,” said Daley.
As part of Daley’s teaching plan, a “friendship unit” is also an integral part of the children’s day.
“I like to conduct a friendship unit that reminds students about the importance of being kind to everyone every day,” said Daley.
While classes officially start Sept. 7 for Kindergarten, Daley will host an orientation on Sept. 1 for students and their parents for a meet and greet time.
“During the orientation students will be encouraged to make a little beaded bracelet which they can then wear on the first day of school,” said Daley.
Of course, books are central to any classroom and for Daley – a childhood education and reading specialist – her love of books is central to her teaching.
“I want them to love books,” she said.
One floor up from Daley, Jennifer VanHeynigen was reviewing a pile of books for her third grade students to soon peruse. Her theme to start the school year is “Set Sail for Success” – with a long banner titled “Meet the Crew” just outside the classroom door featuring the names of all the students.
St. Mary’s Elementary School principal Juli Jensen-Derrig looks over the nautical theme of Jennifer VanHeynigen’s third grade class.
“Because students transition from the first floor to the second floor for third grade, it can be scary,” said VanHeynigen, noting that new recess and lunch times in particular can be a difficult change.
To help alleviate some of the uncertainty for students, VanHeynigen had last year’s third graders write letters to the second graders and welcomed them to the classroom for a firsthand look.
Jennifer VanHeynigen teaches third grade at St. Mary’s Elementary School. She sorted through a variety of books on a recent morning as she prepared her classroom for the first day of school.
“Third graders learn more about consequences, being responsible for their actions, and completing their homework,” said VanHeynigen. “I’m firm but soft and we have fun and we get the work done.”
One of the daily discussions during religion class is especially important to VanHeynigen.
“I look forward to students asking questions about God,” said VanHeynigen. “My students also know the importance of being respectful, kind, and caring for each other.”
For parents who might also have some separation anxiety in the coming weeks, VanHeynigen offers some timely advice.
Juli Jensen-Derrig is starting her first year as principal at St. Mary’s Elementary School.
“Don’t show your children you’re anxious,” said VanHeynigen. “Be positive and encourage them which will ensure a positive experience for the first day of school.”
From gardens to God, each teacher has a unique approach to teaching and relishes the opportunity to plant seeds of knowledge throughout the school year for their students.
“We’re all here for the same reasons, said VanHeynigen. “We want to build kids up, to watch them grow and flourish.”
Juli Jensen-Derrig, St. Mary’s new elementary principal, echoed those sentiments.
“I encourage my staff to reach their highest potential every day and I will give the students the tools they need to succeed.”
