Winter Happenings at Children's Community School

Children's Community School

Online News - Winter 2020

Growing Partnership Fills Art Need
Several years ago, students were part of a small focus group to get their feedback on improvements at CCS. The question was, “If you could add something to the school that’s missing now, what would that be?” The answer was rather surprising: more art.

CCS does not have a formal art curriculum, like many schools limited by budget constraints. Our students let us know that they wanted more, so we reached out to our neighbors and friends at the Mattatuck Museum. The first collaboration was a photography class for older students and, thanks to a grant from the Robert G. and Marguerite M. Derx Foundation, the school bought digital cameras, flash drives and hired a teaching artist through the museum. An exhibit of the students’ work is going up this week, and a reception with refreshments is free and open to the public this Saturday, Feb. 1 starting at 10:30. These pieces will also be on display at the Art Show & Wine Tasting at Taft on Feb. 21st.

Once the photography project was underway, the partners explored options for the younger students. Thanks to grants from the Connecticut Community Foundation, the museum started an art journaling course for grades 3 & 4 in the fall, and plans for a new program called “Mattatuck Minis” for grades K-2 will begin in a couple of weeks. Mattatuck Minis will bring artists and art concepts to students at an age-appropriate level with books and matching activities for students.

Students Get Their SWAG On
Many people know SWAG as “Stuff We All Get,” like branded products given away at conferences. The new generation uses it to describe anyone who is cool. At CCS, it stands for Students Working to Achieve Goals, and it is a new initiative brought to CCS following a professional development conference attended by principal Katherin Sniffin over the summer.
The goal of the program is to allow students to go above and beyond their work in the classroom during a 25-minute optional period in their day. True to the modern definition, the Title I instructors, Nancy Lodge, Mary Ellen Rourke, and Jason Grenon are creative in what they offer at SWAG -- from dancing, jigsaw puzzles, to plans for schoolwide art projects. They also help with math drills, preparation for the science fair, typing practice, and daily homework.
The blessing of an independent school is that you can be flexible, try something new, and make changes until you get the right fit – that’s so SWAG!

CCS to Launch Legacy Society
Would you like to make a significant gift to CCS? Have you had those dreams, only to fall into these thoughts:

• I can’t give something I don’t have…
• Maybe I could give a little, but not much...
• I’d like to help, but my family has to come first…

There are ways to take care of family first, and still make a gift that will carry CCS into its next 50 years and beyond. To share these opportunities and celebrate their impact, the school is establishing a new legacy society with more details in the coming months. Start now by exploring a bequest in your will – language is already available on our new website at CCSWaterbury.org/support.
You can share your plans with the school while remaining anonymous to the public and get special “insider” news and benefits. If you would like more information, contact Lynn Curless at 203-575-0659 ext. 212. Give yourself the satisfaction of knowing that you are building better futures for children.

Coming Up Next
Black History Month – February - come celebrate with us!
Give Local - April 21 and 22
Annual Dinner, becoming a new Annual Soiree! - May 14th
Keep current on all events and photos from the school on our new website and Facebook.