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Articles
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| NEWS FROM THE CLUSTER SCHOOL |
VOICE writes, "NEWS FROM THE CLUSTER SCHOOL
Watkins parent designs new library
By Heather Edelman and Gabriella Boston
As a Watkins Elementary School parent, John Edwards could see the school library needed rejuvenation. As an architect, Edwards was able to create just what the space needed.
The School Libraries Project, an initiative of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation to revitalize eight local public school libraries, was a perfect opportunity for Edwards to help his child’s school. "
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“Because I’m there every morning dropping off my kid I’m able to see what’s important,” said Edwards, an architect at DC firm Bonstra Haresign Architects.
This summer, using a design created by Edwards, the School Libraries Project is doubling the size of the Watkins library, making the space more user-friendly for kids of various ages, and creating a visual appeal to students and teachers to come explore the already strong collection of books.
The new library will have a cozy story time nook, an area for computer-assisted research, and space for two classrooms of students at a time, important in a school of 530 students.
In addition to being larger and more functional, “we wanted to make it a much more enjoyable, inviting space,” said Edwards. “It should turn out beautifully.”
Helping children find their way in the new library at Watkins Elementary School will be new librarian Juanita Hendricks, a cluster parent and former employee of the Library of Congress.
“She is eager to work with the students, fellow colleagues, and parents of Watkins Elementary School,” said Principal Brandon Eatman.
Last summer’s renovation at Stuart-Hobson Middle School transformed the space and students’ attitudes, said the school’s librarian Janice MacKinnon.
“One of the features that is special about this year’s experience with the library is the students reaction and how they have taken responsibility for what they have been given by our community,” MacKinnon said.
To learn more about the project, visit www.schoollibrariesproject.org. Donations also can be sent to Capitol Hill Community Foundation’s School Libraries Project at 419 East Capitol St., SE, Washington, DC 20003.
Other goings on
Also at Watkins, a new pilot program, GATE (Gifted and Talented Education), will be introduced and spearheaded by instructional facilitator Nathan Havner.
Other personnel changes include a new assistant principal for the Cluster School: Clarence Humes, who previously worked as a seventh-grade geography teacher and dean of students at Stuart-Hobson Middle School.
Finally, at the end of September, students will be treated to the second annual back-to-school fun fair, sponsored by local Masons.
Last year’s event featured pony rides, moon bounces, hot dogs and hamburgers as well as popcorn and cotton candy. Keep eyes and ears open for the time and date of this event.
“It was a fun filled event for all that attended,” Eatman said.
NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL HILL DAY SCHOOL
New leader at CHDS
By Caroline Knickerbocker
Martha Shepardson-Killam will start the school year as the eighth head of the school. Shepardson-Killam succeeds Cemmy Peterson, who retired in June after 22 years of service.
Shepardson-Killam’s career in education spans over 30 years. Her love of teaching and working with young people began as a French instruactor. She quickly added to her professional repertoire: class dean, admissions officer, house parent, coach, advisor, dean of students, division head, head of school, and consultant to schools.
Her desire to exert a broader influence in the education of young people led her to focus on school administration, where she has gained invaluable experience in strategic planning, hiring, fundraising, and marketing.
“Schools have intangible qualities that draw people to them. Each time I visited Capitol Hill Day School I could feel the energy and enthusiasm of the members of the community: administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students. What struck me was that the School really does what it says it does. It is responsible, clear on its mission, and dedicated to living up to it on a daily basis,” Shepardson-Killam said.
Before coming to Capitol Hill Day School, Shepardson-Killam served as the interim middle school director of Redwood Day School in Oakland, Calif., a coeducational day school serving kindergarten through eighth grades. Prior to this appointment, she served as the head of school for Stoneleigh-Burnham School, a girls’ boarding and day school in Greenfield, Mass., from 2001 to 2006. Earlier, Shepardson-Killam was the head of the Upper School at The Rivers School in Weston, Mass., for nine years.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in French from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master’s degree from Middlebury College/La Sorbonne.
NEWS FROM MAURY ELEMENTARY
Rhee hold meetings at Maury
By Elizabeth Nelson
Maury Elementary School was recently chosen as the site for two public meetings with D.C. Public Schools Chancellor, Michelle Rhee.
The first, sponsored by Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells, was held Aug. 8. Capacity crowds were formed into work groups to develop suggestions and set priorities for school improvements — updated facilities and increased communication with families were common requests.
Rhee gave each group an opportunity to share their thoughts and pledged to “put children first, before rules and regulations.”
The second meeting, sponsored by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25. As school will have been in session for a month, Rhee will be asked to share what she has learned from that experience as well as the series of “listening sessions” she has been attending in each ward. The public will be invited to ask questions as well.
Pizza will be served, courtesy of the restoration society. The presentation will be preceded by tours of the newly renovated library.
New faces
Maury is delighted to welcome three new faculty members:
Brenda Wilkins has 14 years experience as a special education teacher. She relocated to the area from North Carolina because she “always wanted to teach in the District.”Wilkins said sheprides herself on her classroom management skills.
Kate Sweeney is the new librarian. After several years in public relations, she is completing her master’s degree in Library Science at Catholic University.
Sweeney said she looks forward to this career change because she remembers the impact libraries had on her as a child and looks forward to having the same impact on other children.
Coleman Rose will be teaching third grade. Rose is fluent in Spanish, having taught in Mexico City for the last four years.
He chose Maury because he was impressed, during his interview, with the professionalism of the faculty.
All are looking forward to meeting the students and their families in September.
The school is located at 1250 Constitution Ave., NE.For more information about the school call (202) 698-3838.Those interested in volunteering at the school should e-mail mauryfriends@earthlink.net or visit maury_elementary@yahoogroups.com.
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Posted on Sep 25, 2007 19:52pm.
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