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Greenfield Schools: 2009-2010
Moving Forward with Vision & Innovation

WINTER BULLETIN: WELCOME THE NEW YEAR, 2010

A MESSAGE TO OUR PUBLIC

The Greenfield Public Schools have great energy—even through these cold, darker months. In particular we are making gains in math, science, technology, and the arts for all grades. And the prospect of a high school renovation nears.

We have three schools now completely outfitted with SMART Board interactive technology (Four Corners, the Middle School, and Greenfield High School). And teacher training continues every month.

Our Elementary Schools: At Greenfield’s three elementary schools, science programs are expanded through a dedicated Science and Discovery center where a  science resource teacher gives all children engaging hands-on science and research projects. The Four Corners Elementary school re-opened as a theme-based school and specializes in science and the environment. On ten acres, Four Corners Elementary has nine different gardens planned.  Our elementary technology teacher is introducing students to beginning film-making this year.  

Our Middle Grades:  We have two schools within the middle school this year—a grade 4/5 upper elementary school on one floor and a grade 6/7 middle school on one floor. This extended learning time school offers more time for science, math, enrichment, arts, and athletic programs. We opened a high-tech center where students learn the basics of hydraulics, robotics, beginning engineering, and many types of science & technology. The woodworking shop is re-opened; students are learning to work with wood and practicing math. As we locate music instruments, the middle grade band program is expanding. There are three bands now and approximately 200 students taking instrumental lessons. Enrichment programs include swimming at the YMCA, African drumming, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese,  mask-making, and so much more.

The 8^th Grade Academy at GHS is a wonderful change for Greenfield. Grade 8 students may take authentic grade 9 classes and 30% of grade 8 students have chosen to accelerate by taking grade 9 mathematics and world language. These students should be able to accomplish a year of college before graduating high school. A grade 8 exploratory program gives every grade 8 male and female a chance to try all GHS lab programs (culinary arts, woodworking/carpentry, metalwork, aquaculture/marine biology, textile arts, film studies, and soon—TV production). The academy’s culture stresses citizenship, scholarship, and leadership. We are beginning a grade 8 chorus. Grade 8 students may participate  in GHS team sports.

Greenfield High School: The high schools math and science programs just keep getting stronger. We continue to offer AP Calculus and the class is filled. Grade 8 to 12 science teachers are working together for a dynamic program that includes field research and an in-school aquaculture research center.  Physics is now taught in grade 9. Solar energy is being developed as a new specialty for next year. All classes 8-12 have been outfitted with SMART Board interactive technology; teacher training is ongoing. And in the arts—GHS courses now include film studies, textile arts, and, of course, the fine music, theatre, and visual arts programs Greenfield’s   community respects and enjoys.

Sum: We enter the new year full of ideas and goals to keep improving Greenfield’s  school programs. On the docket for these winter months: redesigning the technology support system for the entire school system, studying business and financial collaboration with the city, increasing academic recognition, clarifying the unique features of our three elementary schools, and bringing more parents and community members into our schools.

On with winter and a happy new year to all.

Susan Hollins
Interim Superintendent