Annual report 2020–2021 | 21
to study the weather around them. As part of this study, they also learned about how artists show weather using different materials. • Each second-grade class studies Acton Long Ago as part of a Social Studies unit. They dress up in turn-of-the-century garb, pretend to time travel, and explore artifacts from the time period. An observant and historically accurate student noted that, with their masks on, they looked like they had time-traveled to 1918. • After two years of carefully caring for and learning about them, our fifth graders released Wood Turtle 2004 and 2005 into the Nashoba Brook during a virtual field trip. • Each sixth grader completed a group hominid project working via zoom with members of the opposite cohort. This kind of collaborative work connected their full learning community. • The McCarthy-Towne staff reinvigorated our art integration roots by collaborating with one of McT’s founding staff members, Margot Grallert. During building-based professional learning time, our Art Integration committee organized an amazing afternoon where staff members were able to experience the art integration process as learners. • We are grateful to our students, staff, and families for their partnership in keeping our community connected during this unique year.
At McCarthy-Towne, everyone is considered both a student and a teacher. Integrated curricula and thematic approaches stress cooperation, active participation, and experimentation. Asking questions is considered as important as giving answers; teachers and students value the pro- cess of learning. Students’ individual needs, per- sonal strengths, and learning styles are always supported. Children are given the responsibility for learning independently, solving problems, and making decisions. They are encouraged to take risks and are acknowledged for their unique talents, skills, and ideas. Highlights of the year: • We were happy to be able to continue with some of our school-wide, community-build- ing traditions this year. We hosted our Story Night with Silver Unicorn. We also were able to continue our tradition of the Project Spoon . We look forward to returning to the connection with Project Bread in the future. • Kindergarten classes participated in a Story Quilt project that was inspired by the work of Faith Ringgold. Through this project our youngest learners discussed identity, sharing about their favorite places through their drawings. • First graders became weather experts this year. They used thermometers and wind flags
David Krane Principal Matt McDowell Assistant Principal
McCarthy-Towne Core Values • Community • Risk taking • Collaboration • Persistence • Flexibility • Trust
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