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Date: 3/21/2023
CHICOPEE — Bowie Elementary School Principal Norman Burgess and Streiber Elementary School Principal January Wilson provided updates to the School Committee on their schools’ operations during the committee’s March 15 meeting. The presentation is part of the School Committee’s State of Schools series, which highlights new developments within Chicopee Public Schools.
Burgess said a plethora of “great things” are going on at Bowie. He acknowledged the school’s staff as the backbone of their operations.
“What a great job they do. Without them, we would not be where we are today,” said Burgess.
Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, Bowie continues to enact new initiatives. The school’s new reading series, Amplify, provides a before-school reading program for students in grades 1, 2 and 3.
Burgess views Amplify as a positive tool for addressing learning loss that occurred during the coronavirus pandemic.
“These are the kids during the COVID-19 years that missed quite a bit of the basics,” said Burgess.
Another Bowie reading program is the Stick it to Reading initiative. Sponsored by the Springfield Thunderbirds, Stick it to Reading awards students with a ticket to one of the team’s games if they complete their reading log.
Literacy is also encouraged through other offerings, like a Dr. Seuss Birthday celebration, bingo for books and book fairs.
Additionally, Burgess highlighted Bowie’s new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) room. The principal said the room has been embraced by students, providing them a collaborative, problem-solving oriented experience that educates in various disciplines.
“The kids love this room … STEAM is focused on collaboration and teamwork, as well as problem solving, with an emphasis on how different skillsets can solve a problem,” said Burgess.
The STEAM room allows students to design a variety of unique creations, such as keychains and 3D printed models.
Burgess concluded by highlighting Bowie’s ROAR events, which are designated to help enrich the school’s community. Family gatherings, including trunk-or-treat and frosty family fun night, help promote a positive school environment.
“This has been such a success,” said Burgess.
In her presentation, Wilson recognized the work of her staff.
“I am very fortunate to have the staff that I do,” said Wilson.
Streiber Elementary School is embracing several new educational tools for the 2022-2023 school year. Along with Bowie, Streiber also introduced a STEAM lab that awards opportunities for positive skill development.
“A lot of the things kids do are very engaging and very exciting … The STEAM room has been a great asset to our building,” Wilson.
Streiber remains focused on literacy through the Core Knowledge Language Arts program that bookends learning units with various activities, including measuring the phases of the moon with Oreo cookies and sizing students’ wingspans compared to birds and other animals. Wilson said students continue to speak positively of these efforts.
“The kids were all walking out of school amazed talking about it … These are the things they remember,” said Wilson.
The Enchanted Circle project serves as a tool for art education at Streiber. Wilson said Enchanted Circle awards students the opportunity to transform a children’s book into a stage play. The school is preparing to debut their first stage production for the end of the school year, but Wilson has already witnessed student growth from this offering.
“It’s been a really successful, hands-on program … The kids just love it,” said Wilson.
In addition, Streiber is promoting social and emotional learning for students and staff. The GALLOP program gives students prizes for being positive influences in the classroom, while Stallion Fun recognizes the school’s staff dedication through various events.
Bowie and Strieber are also beginning construction on new playground spaces.
The School Committee will meet again on April 5.