ANNUAL REPORT 2022–2023 | 19
• We hired a new literacy coach, Anne Joyce, who supported our staff in shifting their literacy practices from a workshop model to including more structured literacy instruction. CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PRACTICES • Our Culturally Responsive Teacher Leaders (Heather Matthews, Tippett, Ashley Lawlor, and Emma Twitchell) worked with SEED Leader (Kestrel Scherr) to provide professional learning on identity, names, and dependent/indepen- dent learners for our entire staff. • Our DEI subcommittee began work on a guidance document to support PTSO planning committees. SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING • Our entire staff participated in Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensitivity . • Our Instructional Support team worked with Jessica Minihan to refine practices to support students with behavior. ART INTEGRATION • Students continued to learn about them- selves as learners through the art integration process. • We held an art show where students shared a piece from their art integration practice and one from the visual arts studio.
At McCarthy-Towne, integrated curricula stress cooperation, active participation, diversity of ideas, and experimentation. Teachers and students value the process of learning. Art integration is a primary vehicle for learning about the learning process. Children are responsible for learning independently, solving problems, and making decisions. We value including families and staff in the decision-making for the school and strive to center our diverse community with every decision for our students. COMMUNITY • Our PTSO hosted a McHearty Party , a World Heritage Day celebration, a movie night, and an end-of-the-year Art Show. • All school assemblies included guests like Brazilian musicians, Grooversity, and authors Jessie Sima and Rajani LaRocca. • Our 5th graders visited Merrowvista for an overnight camping trip, and our 6th graders enjoyed Thompson Island. MULTI-TIERED SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT • We implemented grade-level and school- wide data meetings for each grade level. This process helped us identify our instructional strengths and to make instructional changes to support students’ growth. • Staff refined our flex block practices to ensure that students who needed more support could receive it without missing core instruction.
Christy Nealon PRINCIPAL Matt McDowell ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
McCarthy-Towne Core Values • Community • Risk taking • Collaboration • Persistence • Flexibility • Trust
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