MEADOW BROOK SCHOOL

2004-2005

 

TOWN REPORT

 

Meadow Brook School has 634 students enrolled in grades preschool through grade two. Class sizes in grade one continue to grow for the third consecutive year. Average class size this year in grade one is 25 students per class. Our grade two enrollment this year is 209 students with an average class size of 23 students among nine classrooms. Demand for full-day, tuition based kindergarten remains consistent with four full-day classrooms. We also still offer half-day sessions, both AM and PM.

Meadow Brook School provides an excellent, child-centered, learning environment through the efforts of a highly qualified, dedicated staff and supportive families. Students participated in a community service project coordinated by Barbara Spear and Karen Wright. Each month classrooms collect a variety of items for children in need throughout Western Massachusetts. Items that are collected include books, warm clothing, and school supplies. This project fosters the nine character traits supported by the district; honesty, kindness, caring, perseverance, empathy, inclusion, courage, responsibility and respect. Meadow Brook's partner in this project is the Center for Human Development.

 

Several new staff members were hired this year. Ellen Pieciul replaced Maureen Zoda as our Reading Teacher. Maureen retired after 20 years in the district. Lisa Robie was hired to teach kindergarten. She replaced Heather Swadel. Carol Dunn is our Special Education teacher in grade two. Carol replaced Alaena Podmore who transferred to the Special Education Liaison position left vacant by Robin Fernandes. Ms Fernandes moved on to the Agawam School System. Meadow Brook also welcomed several new paraprofessionals; Stacey Atkins, Hayley Evitts, Pam Maynard. These are not newly funded positions. Our new hires are replacing staff retirements or resignations.

 

Parent involvement is an integral component of every school and the key to a successful learning community. We are very proud of the many parents who volunteer in our classrooms and who participate in all school activities. The PTO actively supports teaching and learning in a variety of ways. They provide money for teacher supplies, pay for student field trips, serve on a variety of committees, and plan many school wide enrichment activities. We cherish their partnership and participation.

 

We are very proud of the combined efforts of parents, teachers, students and community. The success of Meadow Brook is a team effort, and together, we look forward to another exciting year of learning.