Community Volunteers and a Winter Concert Enliven Winter Term

By Ann DeCerbo

On Wednesday, February 5, Botelle School participated in the statewide Read Aloud Day. An annual event sponsored by the NW Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, Read Aloud Day stresses the importance of reading to elementary school students. Botelle Curriculum Coordinator Rachel Incillo recruited local community volunteers to read to students in each classroom. This popular event offers a unique opportunity for students to meet community leaders as they model good reading habits and demonstrate their enthusiasm for the written word.

Another annual tradition, the Botelle Winter Concert, took place at the end of January. The Winter Concert highlights the Botelle band, strings players, and chorus, led by teachers Elizabeth Allyn (chorus/strings) and Ashley Bianchi (band). The instrumental portion of the concert featured several student duets and trios. Choral members performed whimsical pieces influenced by the poetry of Jack Prelutsky.

Student talents will again be on display in March when Bruce Connelly produces and directs the annual school play. A Sesame Street regular and accomplished stage actor/director Connelly leads 4^th, 5^th and 6^th graders through an intensive 3-week program. At the end of that time, the students give two complete performances—one at an all-school assembly and the other, for parents and community, in the evening. Custom-crafted for Botelle, the title of the play will not be announced until Connelly arrives in March.

Although the weather has delayed the 100th day of school several times, it finally arrived on Wednesday, February 19. Classes celebrated this milestone with number-themed parties, math activities and reading goals. Themed activities like the 100th Day celebrations are a tool used by Botelle teachers to reenergize students and staff alike. The goal is to put a spark back into learning in the midst of Norfolk’s long, cold winters.

Botelle School is a public elementary school and the only school located within the town of Norfolk. Check this column regularly for news and events from the school. Please feel free to contact the principal, Peter Michelson, at (860) 542-5286 with any questions or thoughts to share.