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Daily DigestSchool Closing
Conte Middle School in North Adams will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 3, & Thursday, December 4, as the investigation into a mercury spill continues.
The North Adams School Committee this evening at 7 will be held in the City Council chambers. |
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 (2).jpg) North Adams kicks off the holiday season with its annual treelighting on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m.
Pittsfield lights its tree on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 at Park Square. |
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C.T. Plunkett Looks Forward to Major ChangesBy Jen Thomas - September 02, 2007
ADAMS - C.T. Plunkett Elementary School Principal Kristen Gordon repeatedly used one word to describe the upcoming school year.
"It’s all really exciting," said Gordon in an interview at the school on Saturday morning. "I’m excited to see the new kids, I’m excited about the new programs and I’m excited about working with my amazing staff."
With classes to begin at the biggest elementary school in Berkshire County on Wednesday, Gordon hopes to spread that excitement to more than 600 youngsters. In addition to three new teachers and five new paraprofessionals, the school will also unveil key curriculum changes and approximately 80 new computers this year.
"We were due for some changes," Gordon said.
About 40 desktop computers will be placed in a common computer lab for students and another 40 laptops will be used in classrooms. Additionally, students in preschool through Grade 2 will now utilize LeapPads, educational and interactive computer toys for children that focus on particular academic subjects.
Though Plunkett officials have yet to select the right mathematics software for the new computers, they will introduce Lexia, a series of reading programs used in more than 12,000 schools across the U.S.
"It’s a big introduction this year. Lexia goes hand in hand with our English/language arts program; it’s a perfect marriage," said Gordon. "This year, the goal is to get Lexia under [students'] belts and reinforce their reading readiness skills."
Gordon said she does have some concerns about introducing technology into the classroom, but she said she is confident the Plunkett staff will maintain teacher-student contact.
"We never want to lose that personal touch," she said.
Time On Task
This year, Plunkett underwent major restructuring, partly because of the demands of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests.
"At Plunkett, we have two main goals. First, our goal is to have a happy and safe environment for students and second, we want to promote student achievement," said Gordon. "We are committed to raising student achievement and encouraging students to reach their potential and then some. We have a direction, we have a plan and everyone’s on board."
Thew new curriculum will allow for more in-classroom time for students with special needs and more focus on the best use of scheduled time.
"We’re delivering more services to the classroom rather than taking students out. You’re going to see much more time on task when we come back in the fall," said Gordon.
Dedication
A former student of Plunkett herself, Gordon, who has been principal for four years, has one more thing to look forward to every morning of the school year.
Earlier this summer, the entire staff surprised Gordon by dedicating a corner of the school’s garden to Carlen Robinson, Gordon’s sister who died suddenly in 2005. "Carlen’s Corner" will be officially dedicated with a plaque the first week of school.
"I love, love, love C.T. Plunkett," said Gordon. "And this just shows the character of the people that work here. Every morning, before I walk into school, my sister is right here with me."
With only a few more days to prepare, Gordon is full of, you got it, excitement.
"School’s ready to roll," she said. |
| I miss this school very much. | | from: Marissa | on: 05-27-2008 |
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| Why anyone in the Adams community would choose any other elementary school than C.T. Plunkett is beyond me. Plunkett has all the resources, technology and dedicated staff that anyone could ask for their children. Coupled with one of the most active and dedicated PTG groups I have encountered, who provide a wealth of extra enrichment for children and staff, Plunkett simply can't be beat! | | from: Mike Powers | on: 09-24-2007 |
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| Plunkett School is a wonderful place to work, and Kristen is an incredible principal. | | from: K. Koehler | on: 09-08-2007 |
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| Sounds like a great year is in store for all. Keep up the great work Mrs. Gordon, we all think you and your staff are doing fantastic things for that school and our community! | | from: a friend | on: 09-04-2007 |
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