Town Column : Chilmark
By Katie Carroll
Published: October 8, 2009
It's that time of year where my focus turns from sharing the comings and goings of summer friends to the "what's happening" at our school. Our wonderful head of school, Susan Stevens, has implemented a new in program called "student of the week" as a way to reinforce the character education that takes place on a daily basis. The teachers in each of the three classrooms are asked to pick someone who has done something they should be recognized for. At Friday morning circle each teacher takes a few minutes to describe what the student has done to make them so special for the week. Susan plans to ask each Wednesday morning, "Who can remember why each child was chosen?" to reinforce these characteristics. Last week's students were: Menasha LePort K/1, Kimberly Bawuah 2/3, Max Eber 4/5, and a special recognition went to fifth grader David Webster. This week's students are: Brooks Carroll K/1, Cary More-Straton 2/3, and Gabe Bellebuono 4/5. Congratulations to you all for being good problem solvers and positive role models.
The Chilmark School is looking for new members to round out the School Advisory Council. We are looking for three or four parents, and two community-at-large members. Meetings are typically held the second Wednesday of each month. Please contact Susan Stevens at 508-645-2562 if you are interested in serving.
Presently, the Chilmark School Outing Program organizes two trips a year. The first is a week-long immersion for the fourth and fifth graders into maritime life of 100 years ago aboard the Shenandoah, where students study wind, tide, weather, and our island's maritime history. The second trip, to Sugarloaf ski area in Maine, is specifically for the graduating fifth grade class and provides a chance for the class to challenge themselves together in a new environment and to reflect on their years at the Chilmark School as well as their future.
We try to keep the costs down for families as much as possible and believe no student should ever be excluded due to finances. The students, along with the help of their parents, have started their first fundraiser of the year selling products from Sally Foster. If you are interested in supporting our students, please contact any parent or email me and I will forward the link to the online catalog. Big thanks go out to Hillary Noyes-Keene for her huge amount of dedication to keeping the Outing Program alive and well organized.
Speaking of Keenes, big birthday wishes go out to Thea who is eight today on the eighth.
Two top fisheries research scientists from South America will deliver a talk on sustainability in small-scale fisheries at the Chilmark Public Library on Monday, Oct. 12, at 3 pm. Ana M. Parma and José Orensanz are research scientists with the Argentine Council for Science and Technology. Both have participated in United Nations fisheries management programs and in the prestigious Pew Fellows in Marine Conservation program. Their talk is sponsored by the Menemsha Fisheries Development Fund and the Friends of the Chilmark Public Library. Admission is free. Call the library with questions at 508-696-9322.
Candy Shweder is having an end-of-the-season sale at her pottery barn/studio on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 am to 12 noon. This is her third annual Columbus Day Weekend blockbuster sale. She will be selling many discontinued items, one-of a kind items, and seconds at deep discounts, plus all of her regular pottery. She has sold pots in Chilmark for 25 years, first at the Chilmark Flea Market and currently at the Artisans Shows in West Tisbury. She is known for her cheerful floral designs and bright colors. She will be serving coffee and pastries and will also be doing wheel-throwing demonstrations. To get to her studio at 4 Fulling Mill Hill, take Middle Road to Fulling Mill Road and follow the balloons. All are welcome to stop, shop, and visit.
Pam Goff was kind enough to send me an email reminder regarding Elinor Littleton's Memorial Service, which is scheduled at the church for this Saturday at 11 am. We have lost some a real fixture around here with Ellie's passing. I could count on Fred pulling to the pump once a week with his bride beside him. We'd chat for a few moments about everything from the weather, the kids, to the Ernestina. I hope many of you will find the time to stop by to see Fred and his family.
Also at the church, on Sunday at the 9 am worship, the Reverend Arlene Bodge will be the preacher.
Fishing has been somewhat slow this past week, but, at last look, some Chilmark names made it up on the Derby daily winner board. Those names include, Sandy Mincone, Gus Leaf, Johnny Graham, Quinn Keefe, and Bradley Carroll. At last look, the division leaders board included Charlie Finnerty, Paul DiMaura, and Christopher Mayhew. The Derby rolls on until the 17th.
