Shawmont School exceeds expectations with Academy Program

Shawmont School Academy leaders Ms. Wallin, Mrs. Banaszak, Mrs. Freedman and Mrs. Pownall led the pilot program in developing the framework for instituting the weekly Academies into Shawmont school's schedule, where cross-grade classes could meet and engage in character and teambuilding activities.

Through the Academy program the school was infused with student and teacher engagement around topics such as respecting and celebrating our diversity, social justice and good citizenship, mentorship and leadership, perseverance, kindness and hope.

Each week the Academy Leaders were given time to meet and develop a theme and a related activity for the month; this brought our teachers together to collaborate and reflect on the social and emotional needs of our students and it also allowed staff to be creative and engage with each
other. Support and bonding abounded between and betwixt our different grade level teachers. It was absolutely energizing for the entire school.

Academy teams were mixed grade levels, and that provided many leadership opportunities for older students. As they guided their younger peers through the activities you could really see them
connecting a little deeper, walking a little taller, shining a little brighter…it was amazing to see the students “buy in” and bring their energy and excitement to each activity.

Each Academy had an awards assembly once a month where teachers, staff, and peers were invited and encouraged to reward students for accomplishments small and large. The school actually vibrated with excitement as you walked through our doors and passed the Auditorium each Wednesday morning. There were also fantastic learning activities each week that required teamwork, skill and perseverance not just from our academic high achievers, but from our artistic students, our outgoing, more talkative students, our athletic students and even our more reserved and shy students had opportunities to lead and shine!

The rewarding and enriching Academy Program that was instituted at Shawmont
School this past year was highly successful, and has helped raise the bar for years to come.