Berkley Street School Starts the Month with Some Exciting Events

March got off to a busy start at Berkley Street School. First, students celebrated Read Across America with theme days and a special author presentation. Next, parents heard about new programs from Superintendent Michael Polizzi at the PTO meeting.

March 2 was Dr. Seuss’s birthday and has become a day to celebrate reading in recent years. Termed “Read  Across America,” schools, libraries and other educational organizations honor the famous author and highlight the joys of reading on this day and throughout the week. Everyone at Berkley had a chance to show school spirit by dressing according to a theme each day of the week.

On Wednesday the 2^nd, an audience of children dressed in red, white and black enjoyed a visit from Michael Dooling, children’s book illustrator whose books focus on history. Dressed as George Washington, he engaged children immediately by asking, “Do you like to draw?”  An illustrator of over 50 children’s books, book covers and middle-aged novels, Dooling discussed his process and in doing so made illustrating seem doable for this young audience.

Dooling shared that he gains inspiration and researches beforehand at museums, libraries, and reenactments. “Every day at my house is like Halloween,” said Dooling. “My family and neighbors come over dressed in costumes. They pose to convey an emotion and then I paint them.” Since his books are historical, the costumes depict character such as Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson or Anne Hutchinson.  Once Dooling creates an oil painting of the character, it is photographed and then used as the illustration for a book.  “It’s my job to tell a story with a picture,” he commented.

Dooling captured Berkeley students’ interest when he revealed, “Today I am going to teach you two artists’ secrets so you can go home and be a better artist tonight.” The first secret is to draw with emotion such as happiness, sadness, fear or hope. The second secret is to paint in three steps. “First, look for the big shapes in the picture and paint them. Next, look for smaller shapes and add those. Finally, paint the lights and darks,” he suggested. The audience watched as Dooling illustrated the process himself with paints and a canvas. He even used two student volunteers to assist him.

“You should always have your artist’s eyes with you. Pay attention to your surroundings,” advised Dooling.  His soothing voice and “can-do” approach captivated students. He provided time for them to ask questions and showed them a display of his books. Some fourth and fifth graders ate lunch with Dooling and had an additional opportunity to ask questions and learn more about his process.

At March’s PTO meeting, it was the parents’ turn to be engaged when they learned of the exciting changes happening in the New Milford School District. Mr. Polizzi spoke about The Academies beginning in September at NMHS. The Academies will provide the opportunity for concentrated studies in one of three areas: Global Leadership, S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), or Arts and Letters. Students will be able to select in which, if any, they wish to participate.

Polizzi also spoke about the Enrichment Academy beginning after school this month. Families have already received a list of class offerings for which elementary and middle school students can sign up. The offerings focus on areas such as sports, art, drama, technology and many other areas of interest. Taught by the district’s own teachers, students pay a small fee to participate in a given class. Courses generally run for 4, 6 or 8 week sessions and meet after school once a week.

In addition, Polizzi discussed some of the district’s goals or areas of interest for the future, for example, the science program at the elementary and middle school level. He hopes to adopt an inquiry-based program. He also mentioned a possible summer reading enrichment program. He talked about the increase of professional development as well.

Polizzi informed the community about programs already adopted and shared some of the direction the district hopes to take. He succeeded in exciting the parents who attended the meeting. Many lingered to talk about the new programs. Alicia McMahon, parent and PTO Vice President, seemed to sum up the overall sentiment, “These programs are progressive and very exciting!”

Upcoming Berkley Events:

• March 17 is Green Day
• March 21 report cards go home. 1/2 day for students. Professional Day for teachers.
• March 28 - April 1 is theater week.