Published in the June 1, 2017 edition
By BILL LAFORME
NORTH READING – The E.E. Little School had a successful year that focused heavily on the theme of building, Principal Christine Molle told School Committee members at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Calling it a “particularly fabulous year,” Molle noted that the school wrapped up its roof project early in the year. Throughout the school year, the PTO also continued its fundraising efforts to build and re-dedicate the new playground unveiled at the school only a few weeks ago.
. “It really brings tears to my eyes when I leave some days and there’s 100 kids playing,” said Molle of the new playground.
The playground project included a community build day this spring where dozens of parents, students and others turned out to help put the finishing touches on the playground.
“Our theme of the year was construction,” said Molle, recalling the t-shirts and construction hats worn by some teachers at the start of the year to emphasize that they were “ready to construct a wonderful year.”
Molle also had considerable praise for the new maker space at the school, which she praised for helping kids build their problem-solving and teamwork skills. She added that she hopes to continue to improve the school’s maker space.
Students from the Little School also participated in the presentation. A group of 3rd graders discussed their recent project on whales, where they learned about the animals and the threats they face, such as climate change and pollution, as well as past threats such as whaling. The students even reportedly did household chores at home to raise money to “adopt” several whales through a conservation organization.
The entire cast of “Madagascar Jr.” also appeared at the School Committee meeting to offer a preview of the performances set to run June 16 and 17. The students have reportedly been working on the production since January. “What the district has done at the elementary level with arts and music is phenomenal,” noted School Committee Chair Mel Webster.
