16 | Acton-Boxborough regional school district
Everyone at McCarthy-Towne is considered both a student and a teacher. Integrated curricula and thematic approaches stress cooperation, active parti- cipation, and experimentation. Asking questions is considered as important as giving answers; teachers and students value the process of learning. 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. Students’ individual needs, personal strengths and learning styles are always supported. Maintaining a learning community which is mindful of the needs of families, students, and staff requires the participation of all; teachers and families are expected to be part of the decision-making process for running the school and exploring new possibilities. Here are some highlights of our past year: • Fifth grade went to Merrowvista for a three-day, two-night adventure in teamwork, leadership, and risk-taking. • Almost three hundred of our family members attended an experiential Family Forum Evening where they participated in the inner workings of the Workshop model in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics, Art Integration, and the application of the philosophy and working structure of the Responsive Classroom. • The second grade team worked with state naturalists to raise an endangered species of turtles in the classroom with the intent of releasing them into the wild in the spring. The kids had the opportunity to observe the growing process of the turtles before the release. • The entire school community comes together at monthly Community Assemblies to share achievements and learning, and to join in song together.
David Krane Principal Matt McDowell Assistant Principal
McCarthy-Towne Core Values • Risk taking • Collaboration • Persistence • Flexibility • Trust
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software