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December 5, 2023

Chestertown Spy

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Education Ed Notes

Field of Dreams: A Very Special Summer Wildflower Garden

July 14, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Jonathan Shaw

You wouldn’t know it was the hottest, driest part of the summer in the abundant wildflower meadow Jonathan Shaw and his wife, Anne Habberton started at their Queenstown farm two years ago. Life springs from every bright green blade of grass. Flower stalks sway with colorful heads atop grassy leaves. Most of all, the birds and the bees are very, very happy (no! not like that!). So, grab your walking shoes, sunscreen and a good hat and join Chesapeake Forum on August 2nd for a rare field trip to this spectacular wildflower meadow (https://chesapeakeforum.org).

Ever since Shaw and his wife turned 32 acres of their working farm into native wildflowers, they have seen an ever-increasing stream of insects and birds including yellow-headed bobolinks, and indigo buntings. In late summer, countless species of butterflies come to enjoy purple cosmos, yellow goldenrods, bee balm and tufts of grass seeds that were planted with the help of Washington College’s Natural Lands Project Director, Dan Small.

Shaw is a renowned wildlife artist and instructor. Born in England, he is an expert Falconer and accomplished horseman. He has a passion for raising, breeding, and training Pasa Fino horses. He and his wife Ann Habberton Shaw are long time Queen Anne’s County residents and reside on a farm in Queenstown.

Join Chesapeake Forum for a rare Field Trip to Jonathan and Anne’s Queenstown farm on August 2 from 8:30 AM – 11 AM. In person. $20. Carpool from vacant bank lot in front of Target. To register, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org. Be sure to bring a good shade hat, sunscreen and binoculars.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the eastern shore. To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your name and contact information, including address and email, to [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chesapeake Forum, Education, local news

Wye River Upper School Honors Outgoing Board Chair Alexa Seip

July 14, 2023 by Wye River Upper School 1 Comment

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Wye River Upper School is proud to announce and celebrate the remarkable contributions and unwavering dedication of Alexa Seip as she concludes her tenure of eight years as the esteemed Board Chair. Throughout her remarkable leadership, Mrs. Seip has played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s growth, guiding it toward new heights of excellence in education.

Under Mrs. Seip’s visionary guidance, Wye River Upper School has achieved remarkable milestones and established itself as a leading institution, providing an exceptional educational experience for students who learn differently. Throughout her tenure, she has championed the school’s mission to empower students with diverse learning profiles to reach their full potential and succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

During her eight-year term as Board Chair, Mrs. Seip has shaped the school’s strategic vision and has played a key role in developing critical partnerships with local businesses and organizations. She has fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, enabling the school to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing educational landscape. Her strategic vision and commitment to excellence have paved the way for transformative initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of countless students.

Alexa Seip

Under Mrs. Seip’s leadership, the school has experienced significant financial growth and academic advancements. In concert with the other dedicated board members and staff, Mrs. Seip has positioned Wye River Upper School as a beacon of excellence and a model for other educational institutions through her intentional finance, education, and community engagement initiatives.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Seip has inspired and guided staff and fellow board members alike. Her commitment to the mission and values of Wye River Upper School has been truly remarkable, setting the standard for others to follow.

After eight years of dedicated service, Mrs. Seip passes the torch to Nicole “Nikki” Williams. The legacy Mrs. Seip leaves behind will continue to shape the future of Wye River Upper School, serving as a testament to her outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student.

Wye River Upper School extends its deepest gratitude to Alexa Seip for her phenomenal service, commitment, and passion throughout her tenure as Board Chair. Her contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on the school and the lives of its students, and her legacy will forever be cherished.

If you would like to donate to our Annual Fund to honor Mrs. Seip’s profound leadership, please do not hesitate.

About Wye River Upper School: Wye River Upper School, located in Centerville, MD, is a premier independent preparatory 8th – 12th-grade school dedicated to serving bright students who learn differently. Through individualized instruction, comprehensive support, and a nurturing community, the school empowers students with learning differences to achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. Wye River Upper School is recognized for its commitment to providing an inclusive environment fostering growth, resilience, and success.

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Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Wye River Upper School

Daniel Harding Appointed as Principal of Kent Island High School

July 14, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Daniel Harding

Dr. Saelens and the Queen Anne’s County Board of Education are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Daniel Harding as the new principal of Kent Island High School.

Mr. Harding has served as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Kent Island High School for the last 11 years. He is a graduate of Towson University, and received a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University. His career in education began in 2006 at Stevensville Middle School as a Special Education teacher. Mr. Harding resides in Grasonville with his wife and four children.

Of this new appointment, Mr. Harding says, “I am looking forward to leading Kent Island High School into the future, as it is always a great day to be a Buccaneer!”

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news

Jafari, Nagel to Lead Chesapeake College Board of Trustees

July 7, 2023 by Chesapeake College Leave a Comment

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A. Reza Jafari

A. Reza Jafari of Talbot County is the new chair of the Chesapeake College Board of Trustees. 

Mr. Jafari, a trustee since 2018, now leads the 10-member body charged with oversight at Chesapeake. Milton Nagel of Caroline County will serve as the vice chair. 

“I am honored to chair the Chesapeake College Board of Trustees and will do my utmost in diligently working with College leadership in serving our five Counties and delivering on our committed stewardship of students’ success,” said Mr. Jafari. 

In addition to his role with the Board of Trustees, Mr. Jafari is a board member of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. He also serves on the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Government Relations and Policy Committee and as the ACCT State Coordinator for Maryland;, and a board member of the India, China, and America Institute. 

Mr. Jafari is the Chairman, CEO and Founder of e-Development International. Based in Easton, e-Development International is an executive advisory group that promotes, facilitates and participates in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives for transformational leadership, social entrepreneurships and change, strategic alliances and ecosystems development, connected healthcare, e-education, smart cities and connected communities. 

Mr. Jafari succeeds Robert Grace, whose term as chair ended July 1. He worked closely with Dr. Clifford Coppersmith to guide Chesapeake out of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Of Mr. Grace’s tenure as Board chair, President Coppersmith said, “Bob’s leadership allowed Chesapeake to weather the unprecedented challenges to the institution during a global pandemic. Throughout his time with the board, he has been a critical link to the region’s business community. Bob is keenly aware of Chesapeake’s role in preparing the local workforce and bolstering economic development on the Eastern Shore.” 

Chesapeake’s Board of Trustees is comprised of two members from each of the five support counties. Members are appointed to five-year terms by the governor. 

For information about the Chesapeake College Board of Trustees, please visit
https://www.chesapeake.edu/about/board

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Ed Homepage Tagged With: Chesapeake College, Education, local news

Congressman Harris Opens 2023 Academy Nomination Process

July 7, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) is pleased to announce the U.S. Military Service Academies nomination application is now available for students wishing to join the class of 2028. Congressman Harris will nominate the finest students from Maryland’s First Congressional District for appointments to the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies. The Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination, though Congressman Harris will recommend interested applicants on a case-by-case basis.

Admission to the service academies is based on SAT/ACT scores, class rank, physical aptitude scores, extracurricular activities, athletic abilities, medical examinations, and a panel interview. Academies accept applications on a rolling basis, beginning in September. Final acceptance is also contingent upon receiving a nomination from an authorized source, such as one’s Congressman or Senator.

The deadline to apply for a nomination from Congressman Harris is November 6, 2023. All qualified residents of Maryland’s First District are encouraged to apply. Interviews will be conducted in the Fall by Congressman Harris’ Military Academy Review Board, which includes Veterans and reservists of the United States military. The Service Academies will be notified of Congressman Harris’ nominations by December 31, 2023.

Students can complete the nomination application at https://harris.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.  For questions, please contact the Military Academy Nomination Coordinator, Leo Thuman, at [email protected]. 

For media inquiries, please contact Congressman Harris’ Washington, DC office at 202-225-5311, or contact Anna Adamian at: [email protected]

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: andy harris, Education, local news

Benedictine School Receives NCASES Accreditation

July 1, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Staff with residential student at the Benedictine school, one of only 22 special education schools nationwide to receive NCASES Accreditation.

The Benedictine School is one of only 22 nationwide to earn accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES) for its school program. This is the second time Benedictine has earned this accreditation; the first was in 2017. The accreditation process is based on a study of compliance to fifty standards covering process, procedures, and practices critical to the functioning of a special education setting. It also includes a comprehensive site-review performed by a team of special education experts.

“Benedictine’s dedicated staff work compassionately 24 hours a day with our students. I continue to be honored to be among such an impressive group and program,” commented Benedictine Education Director Julie Hickey. “And this accreditation is a testament to their efforts as well as that of our volunteer Board of Directors and leadership team.”

The accreditation is an intensive process that reviews standards in the following categories: organization and administration, finance, planning and evaluation, personnel records, facilities, confidentiality, student records, instructional process, individualized education program (IEP), curriculum, classroom management, behavioral affective practices and medication administration. To see the complete list, please go to https://www.napsec.org/ncases-accreditation

For more information about the Benedictine school program, please contact the admissions coordinator at [email protected].

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties.

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Benedictine, Education, local news

Benedictine is Beneficiary of Godfrey’s Farm 5K Run/Walk

June 28, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Godfrey’s Farm held its 3rd annual Blueberry Boogie 5K Run/Walk with 215 participants walking or running in the race. This year’s event raised $17,000, which included a matching grant from Denise Kaczmarczyk and John Johnson, to support Benedictine’s programs that provide crucial services for moderate to severe developmentally disabled children and adults.

“With another great race behind us, I find myself so grateful for the relationship we have created with Benedictine,” stated Lisa Godfrey. “The energy, the excitement, the community, the positive impact we see from this day, makes it an easy decision to support their great work.”

Kids race preceded main race the Godfrey’s Farm’s Blueberry Boogie 5K Run/Walk.

Runners, walkers and guests enjoyed the sounds of Red Sammy, a Baltimore based band, and Godfrey’s homemade apple cider donuts and blueberry scones at the finish line. Awards were presented to the participants by Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director.

Sponsors of the event included Godfrey’s Farms, Richard Brusca Nursery, Harbor Sales, Willard, Cross Street Market, Keany Produce & Gourmet, Tammy’s Cool Things, Graul’s Market, Willey Farms, Langenfelder Pork, Zen Denton Yoga and Wellness, Peoples Bank, Bearing Construction, Inc., and Everbloom Ockels Acres. Fresh fruit at the finish line was donated by Teddy Bear Fresh.

For more information about Godfrey’s Farm, please visit www.godfreysfarm.com.

For more information on Benedictine and how you can support their mission, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at 410 634 2292 or [email protected].

Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, presents awards to winners at the Blueberry Boogie 5K Run/Walk.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties.  

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties.

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Benedictine, Education, local news

Wallace Takes a Bow; Messick to Join Board

June 28, 2023 by Kent County Public Schools Leave a Comment

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The annual passing of the nameplate for the student member of the Kent County Board of Education has occurred.

With his graduation from Kent County High School in June, Brayden Wallace completed his one-year term as the student member of the board.

Rising senior Maddison Messick has been named the new student member. She will take her seat at the board’s July 10 meeting.

 

Wallace attended his last board meeting May 22. The occasion was marked by kind words and a certificate of recognition from Superintendent Dr. Karen Couch and Wallace’s fellow board members.

“I just wanted to note a lot of Brayden’s accomplishments throughout the year,” Couch said at the meeting. “He’s been a very busy young man.”

Photo: Brayden Wallace, student member of the Kent County Board of Education, receives a certificate of recognition for his service at his final meeting, May 22. From left are board members Frank Rhodes and Francoise Sullivan, Superintendent Dr. Karen Couch, board member Aretha Dorsey, Wallace and board members Trish McGee and Joe Goetz.

In addition to his role as the student member of the board, Wallace also served as the executive president of the Kent County High School Student Government Association, president and cofounder of the KCHS Mental Health Club, social media coordinator for the Interact Club and the new member liaison for the National Honor Society.

Perhaps one of Wallace’s most notable contributions was his successful advocacy of a General Assembly bill in the 2023 session that memorializes and better outlines the role of Kent County’s student board member.

The bill, introduced by Del. Jay Jacobs, R-36-Kent, passed the General Assembly this year. It grants the student member an advisory vote in board matters.

Wallace and Messick waited five hours to testify at the Maryland State Senate hearing on the bill.

“They did an excellent job,” Dr. Couch said at the May 22 meeting. “I certainly appreciate your thoughtful participation.”

Joe Goetz, president of the Board of Education, said at the meeting that he has known Wallace since he was very young and has been impressed with who he has grown into.

“I’ve just been really impressed with your character and the person that you are,” Goetz said. “My hat’s off to you.”

Wallace thanked the board members for their support.

He closed out the meeting urging them to continue pushing for what is best for students.

“Don’t get caught up with ‘This is how it is,’ look at the ‘This is what we should be doing,’ and keep doing that,” Wallace said.

This fall, Wallace will continue his education at University of Maryland, College Park.

Messick comes to the board after having completed a year as the student member of the Citizen Advisory Committee.

The committee is a subgroup chaired by two Board of Education members with representatives from each of Kent County’s five public schools.

KCHS Principal Kris Hemstetter announced Messick’s election as the 2023-24 student member of the Board of Education in late April.

Five KCHS students applied for the position. They campaigned and gave speeches. An election was held among the student body, with Messick being the top vote-getter.

Brayden Wallace, left, served as the 2022-23 student member of the Kent County Board of Education. Maddison Messick, right, has been named the 2023-24 student board member.

“They all did an amazing job,” Hemstetter said of the applicants. “Shout out to Brayden for his support and help in the process.”

Couch formally introduced Messick at the Board of Education’s May 8 meeting.

Wallace led a standing ovation after Messick’s name was announced.

“Congratulations Maddison. I can’t wait to see what you do,” Wallace said.

Succeeding Messick as the new student member on the Citizen Advisory Committee will be rising senior Benjamin Loller.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Education, Kent County Public Schools, local news

Benedictine Celebrates Its 2023 Graduating Class

June 23, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Benedictine is proud to announce the graduation of eight students from its school on June 8th. The ceremony took place on the campus in Ridgely. Graduates gathered after the ceremony for a reception with family, friends and staff to celebrate. For Benedictine’s students, this graduation is a culmination of many years of hard work overcoming challenges to move forward and live their best life.

“This year, I had the honor and pleasure of teaching three individuals from the class of 2023,” commented Danielle Poore, Transitional Functional Academics teacher. “Seeing my students grow and reach their greatest potential is my biggest goal for each of them.” One of her students, Ben, received the 2023 Student of the Year Award.

Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, poses with graduate Ben who received the 2023 Student of the Year Award.

“Ben is a hard working young man who has touched the lives of many students and staff members at Benedictine. He came to us when he was 13 and over the last 9 years through his hard work has gained independence and developed skills to serve him in his life beyond Benedictine. He loves to be involved in things and has participated in many local community events and school activities. You will often find Ben drawing in his room, or listening to music in his down time. He loves to create new things and is always willing to lend a helpful hand.” Ben was recently employed at Tenchi Restaurant in Greensboro.

For the past seven years, Nick Fox, a Functional Academics teacher, has taught recent graduate N’Faly. Nick commented, “N’Faly entered my classroom at age 14 and it was his first placement away from home. He is filled with passion and a sense of humor that has made him a pleasure to teach throughout his time at Benedictine. He loves singing songs and dancing to Motown.” Fox went on to share, “But what N’Faly loves most is his family and he was always asking when his next visit would be. On graduation day, I saw a large group of his family and friends in attendance all wearing matching t-shirts in celebration of N’Faly’s accomplishments. It is great to know he is going back to live in his childhood home supported by caretakers and surrounded by his large and loving family.” N’Faly won a senior award for speech and music and received the superlative award for class clown.

Benedictine graduate N’Faly poses with Julie Hickey, Benedictine Education Director and Stephanie Franklin, Benedictine Assistant Principal.

Students with developmental disabilities can join the Benedictine school as early as age 5 and graduate when they turn 21. For more information about the Benedictine school, please contact Admissions and IEP Coordinator at [email protected].

For more information about Benedictine’s job-ready workforce, please contact Adult Services Director at [email protected]. For ways that you can support Benedictine and its mission, please contact the Chief Advancement Officer at [email protected].

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties.

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Benedictine, Education, local news

Galena Elementary School One School One Book Funded by Chestertown Rotary Club

June 21, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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The Chestertown Rotary Club chose GES and the One School One Book program to benefit from their annual Soup & Sip fundraiser. Rotary Clubs are part of a diverse group of professional leaders working to address various community service needs. The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.

Rachel Hopkins, Title 1 Specialist at GES, carefully considered many titles before making the 2022-2023 school year’s selection. The title chosen had to be accessible to all families which means they needed to choose something that was also available in Spanish. They also wanted a novel that had a picture book companion for their youngest readers (PreK-1st grade).

One of the novels that met all the criteria was WONDER by R.J. Palacio. This book has captivated its readers with a mixture of humor and sadness. The main character, Auggie, is a ten-year-old boy who has been homeschooled until the 5th grade. Auggie was born with facial abnormalities and desires to fit in and make friends at his new school. Along with kindness, the book has many other themes such as anti-bullying and having compassion and empathy for others. The author tells the story through different characters’ points of view. Each point of view is beautifully woven together to inspire the reader to be a better person. At the end of the book, readers are amazed at how one kid can positively affect an entire school.

It was very important to GES school that families with low literacy levels could also access the text and have this valuable shared reading experience with their children. GES created videos so they could listen to the text being read aloud. Teachers took sections and recorded themselves reading the text. GES partnered with Kent County High School to record the text being read in Spanish. These videos can be found on the school’s Facebook page and website.

Each day there was a trivia question about the assigned sections from the day before. Students submitted their answers for a chance to receive a prize. All the names of students who answered the question are read during the morning announcements. A winner was chosen live, in the video announcement studio, while the classrooms watched on the smart boards in the classrooms!  This was such a fun experience that GES created “grand prizes” for the students who correctly answered the most questions in each grade level.

Chestertown Rotary Club was proud to sponsor the Galena Elementary School One School One Book program by funding the books and the Magic Shows to cultivate a culture of literacy!

To learn more about how you can join the Chestertown Rotary Club, contact, Les Moorhouse at [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Education, local news

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