Students 'Play it Forward' in Braeburn Elementary School Library's Carella Castle

The first day of fall is upon us, and the newness of the school year may not yet have worn off, for teachers or for students.

In the library, a new addition is likely to foster many unique experiences, even after everyone is adjusted to the day-to-day regimen.

"This year, there is an exciting addition to our library – Carella Castle," said Claudine Lavoie, Library Media Specialist at Braeburn. The brainchild of Lavoie and second grade mom Jill Gavalis, this puppet theater/castle was envisoned "as a way to honor the late Kathy Carella and inspire creativity in our students," said Lavoie.

Carella, a beloved kindergarten teacher at Braeburn, died of cancer in 2009. Others in the community have found and celebrate the legacy she passed on to their children, and this permanent addition to the Braeburn media center is one way that her spirit will continue to live on in the school.

According to Lavoie, Gavalis began designing and creating this magnificent performance space over a year ago.

"She created a blueprint for the structure and executed the design with the help of her father, Don Sauer. Her final product was installed in our media center [in late August]. The result is just amazing!" said Lavoie.

Carella Castle is centrally located in the library, between the computer lab and the circulation desk, so it it easily accessible and enjoyed by students during their library classes.

Lavoie has already acquired a number of puppets for students, staff and parents to use in this space.

"This theater was made possible, financially, using the proceeds from our recent Scholastic book fair and through a contribution from the PTB. As such, we appreciate everyone's support of these two avenues that allowed this project to reach fruition. Certainly, there aren't enough words to adequately thank Mrs. Gavalis and Mr. Sauer for their vision and the hours they put into the castle's design and execution," said Lavoie.

According to Lavoie, "The students and staff of Braeburn will instead 'play' it forward as they create, perform, laugh and giggle and genuinely enjoy the space that was created!"