The Council Rock School District through the lens of its students was on full display Nov. 30 during an academics and instruction public forum at Holland Middle School in Northampton Township.
Before an audience of roughly 70, students from many different grade levels took to the auditorium stage accompanied by teachers and curriculum supervisors to talk about the interesting and innovative concepts they’ve been learning in a myriad of different subjects.
A total of 16 students from Council Rock’s elementary, middle and high schools talked about what they are getting out of classes in math, science, health and physical education, visual art, technology and engineering, music, English and several other subjects. In introductory remarks, district Superintendent Andrew Sanko said that probably the most interesting way to present a forum on academics and instruction is by the people receiving the instruction.
Council Rock High School North senior Ella Cairone explained how a health and physical education aquatics leadership class at the school is allowing her to work with special education students and giving her a jump start on an aspiring teaching career.
“The experience has been nothing but positive,” she said. “I’ve learned how to read the abilities of kids and encourage them to try new things. It’s extremely rewarding to see them interacting with each other.”
After math curriculum coordinator Julie Eastburn recounted how several students have done exceptionally well in recent math competitions, Newtown Middle School seventh-grader Alyce Zhang said she is learning concepts that “connect math to the outside world.”
Rolling Hills Elementary School sixth-grader Kai Tu then demonstrated to the audience how he solved a basketball-themed math problem by first creating a table and then working the problem through.
Wrightstown Elementary School fifth-grader Lillian Pavloski said she is getting a lot out of the district’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) offerings.
“STEAM helps me embrace my creativity and helps my ideas come to life,” she said.
Newtown Elementary School students Nehee and Ruhee Saraiya said the library programs include many visits from notable authors and learning about words through the game Wordle, among other methods.
Sanko explained how academics and instruction in Council Rock strive to be “rigorous, standards driven, student and success centered” while always focusing on the district motto of “Students First, Always.”
The Nov. 30 event was the fourth public forum held this school year on topics identified as important by residents in a survey taken during the spring. Next will be a forum on special services at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Newtown Middle School auditorium.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
