Getting Back to Normal

By Ann DeCerbo

On Oct. 13, Botelle students gathered on the gym bleachers for “The Wacky Science Show” with scientist Mike Bent. As promised, the show delivered the “magic of theatre, attention-grabbing comedy, and scientific truths” that thoroughly engaged and entertained the audience of children and their teachers. The interactive science presentation was the first in a series of 2020/21 events planned for the school as part of the Botelle PTO’s Cultural Enrichment Program. 

Historically, the Cultural Enrichment Program brings five to six presentations to the school each year. The program offers a broad variety of enrichment experiences – focusing on foreign cultures and artistic performances as well as STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) and social emotional learning. The goal of the Cultural Enrichment Program is to give all students access to ideas and experiences that might not be a regular part of their lives. The hope is that these events create memorable moments that inspire the children and supplement the typical school day. 

Fifth grade student Lorelai DeCerbo says, “The events the PTO plans are exhilarating! I’m so grateful that our school gets to have these performers come. It’s always fun to learn something interesting from someone new.”

COVID precautions that forced public schools online interrupted the Cultural Event Program in the spring of the 2019/20 school year. Botelle students returned to in-person learning for the 2020/21 school year, but the PTO kept the program on hiatus as long as whole-school assemblies were not permitted and restrictions against outside visitors to the school remained in place. The program was reinstated in September 2021 when classroom cohort requirements loosened, and masked visitors were permitted to enter the school more freely. 

The Botelle PTO completely funds the Cultural Enrichment Program using a combination of fundraising efforts and grants. The Norfolk Connecticut Children’s Foundation is a significant grantor each year. In addition to The Wacky Science Show, programming for this school year includes “Art of Inspiration,” “The Paper Airplane Guy,” the Tanglewood Marionettes, and Chinese acrobat Li Lui.