A hardy group of volunteers, town officials and educators have been meeting since April for a series of community conversations about Botelle Elementary School and to share thoughts about the future. Guided by Deene Morris, above, the conversations culminated with a two-hour workshop on May 20 that generated the framework of a new and more specific mission statement for the school. Prior sessions touched on a snapshot of where Botelle stands today and the values that guide teaching and learning. The lively evening included First Selectman Henry Tirrell, Board of Finance Chair Michael Sconyers and community leader Libby Borden, along with Superintendent Kevin Case, Principal Lauren Valentino, Board of Education Chair John DeShazo and Julie Scharnberg of the Northwest CT Community Foundation. Several regular participants were absent. Ultimately, said Valentino, the goal is “that the town and the school are woven together” and that students “feel grounded and connected to something bigger than themselves.” It was a sentiment shared by Sconyers, who observed, “at sixth grade, we’re ‘kicking you out’ and you have to be a member of a community,” noting that Botelle’s multi-age teaching model provides a strong foundation for that sense of belonging. ■ PHOTO BY AVICE MEEHAN