By Lauren Valentino

If you ask 50 people what the purpose of public education is, you are likely to get 50 different answers. One reason for this is that people have different priorities: the arts, technology, world languages, raising test scores, the list goes on and on. Differences in priorities became apparent at the October Parent Budget Meeting when those in attendance – parents and community members – shared their thoughts. After listening to the discussion, it occurred to me that despite our varying points of view, there was one thing that everyone agreed on- we want Botelle School to be the best school it can be.

There are a lot of factors that go into making a school great. Academics make a school great. An inviting, safe and well-maintained building makes a school great. But if you ask our students, staff and parents what they love about Botelle, what makes it great, it’s all about the people. It’s about how we treat one another. It’s about relationships.

Fourth grader, Mckenzie Bannerman was the first student I asked the question, “What do you love about Botelle School?” She replied, “I love the teachers. They are so kind. They help us learn what we don’t know yet.” Anthony Cangiano, a fifth grader, echoed her thoughts, “…the really nice teachers. They are all trying to get kids to follow the SOAR rules.”

SOAR “rules” are the behaviors we expect of one another so we have a positive, safe learning environment. SOAR stands for Show self-discipline, Offer kindness, Act responsibly and Respect others. Third graders Reid Nadeau, Ella Levesque, Forest Layton and Jackson Lavertue said, “We love the SOAR traits. Learning how to SOAR makes our school better. People are kind when they follow the SOAR traits.” Their classmates agreed. “On the first day you are here, you have friends. I love seeing my friends every day, “said Kayleigh Hagarty. Another student commented, “I enjoy when someone greets me in the hall. It makes me smile and feel good.”

Debbie Tallon, teacher of multiage grades one and two said she loves how the school community supports one another and the larger community. “Kids can recognize one another with Kindness Cards. They make ornaments for the Norfolk Library Christmas tree. Fifth graders organize a sock drive and there’s a food drive.” Jeylyn Collado, a new sixth grade student said, “I like how we have community- related activities like the Ice Cream Social and the Spooktacular.” Others mentioned the “Soup”er Bowl can drive and the Veterans Day assembly. Students have also made cards for veterans and active duty military and created artwork for residents of Meadowbrook. Giving to others and being kind is who we are at Botelle.

Lisa Bazzano is the vice-president of the PTO and a former Botelle student. When she had her first child she said she wanted him to have the same experiences that she had because she “loves the community feeling here. It’s small so you get to know the teachers and parents. I like the open door feeling. Parents feel welcome.” Parents are partners in the educational process at Botelle. Ann DeCerbo, Board of Education member and PTO President, appreciates how we educate the whole child and provide students with enrichment opportunities like Math Olympiads, Kids’ Lit Quiz and Invention Convention. “I love that the education at Botelle builds students from the ground up – providing both solid social and emotional structures and engaging enrichment opportunities. I think that’s really the key to growing successful life-long learners.

Positive, caring relationships are the foundation from which Botelle students build academic knowledge, critical thinking skills and a love of learning. Our students achieve at high levels and because of small class sizes, teachers are able personalize instruction for their students. “There is so much more attention to the individual learner than ever before,” said Mrs. Tallon.

In the next edition of the Botelle Beat, I will describe innovative, research-based instructional practices our teachers use throughout the curriculum and the impact they have on the student’s role in the learning process.

Lauren Valentino is the principal at Botelle School.