ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022 | 21
STUDENTS • Blanchard percussionists joined percussionists from the junior and senior high as well as MIT students at MIT’s Kresge Auditorium, to perform the premier of John McLellan’s “The Master of Time.” • In May, The Brass Wind Ensemble earned their (13th consecutive) gold medal at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Solo and Ensemble Festival and were invited to perform at the MICCA Honors Concert. • Blanchard hosted Nature’s Classroom on Wheels for all grade 5 and 6 students. Over the course of two consecutive 12 hour days, our campus was transformed into an outdoor learning environment complete with a Bonfire. FAMILIES • 20 families participated in our newly formed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Family Advisory Committee educating one another and guiding our efforts in equality and inclusion. This work entails providing a safe and welcoming environment that uplifts and enhances the well- being of all and promotes connection and identifies areas where we can better support all the identities represented at Blanchard. • Dozens of community members, families, and contractors worked together over the course of several weekends to complete the Hagar bridge as part of a community build. This boardwalk ensures safe emer- gency evacuation as well as nature access for generations to come! • Our Festival of Cultures included 20 tables hosted by families and highlighting different cultures and over a dozen student performances. Our PTF provides free access to events like this and the Fall Festival, Bingo Night and the School Dance and adds in extra fun like Hygge Day Hot Chocolate, and Kindergarten and New Student Socials.
Blanchard Students, Staff, and Families came back together this fall under our #reunitED theme. Our focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Literacy, and Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and our shared STARR values continue to guide our inclu- sive and happy school! Reinforced by our relationships through school and town events, monthly community meetings, and cross-grade buddy partnerships, and with the support of our strong Parent, Teachers, Friends (PTF) board, we had a lot of positive opportunities and bright spots to celebrate this year. Some of the highlights from the year at Blanchard: STAFF • Our educators participated in professional development work- shops dedicated to establishing a collaborative culture. Topics included error analysis, unit and lesson planning, interventions, observing each other’s practice, and common assessment. Others participated in a facilitated series focused on student social-emotional needs. Educators in grades K-2 participated in a series that provided strategies that efficiently build literacy skills by targeting instruction. Through guided practice, teachers interpreted students’ assessment results, planned instruction, and practiced evidence-based routines centered in the Science of Reading. • Staff worked together to ensure refreshing teacher classroom libraries was a priority. Teachers were each provided with $500 to purchase a variety of culturally responsive and inclusive picture and chapter books, graphic novels, and more . . . that are culturally responsive.
Dana Labb PRINCIPAL Mike Votto ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Blanchard’s STARR values • Support • Teamwork • Attitude • Responsibility • Respect
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