By Cathy Terwedow
As reported in the Beat’s September issue, the Becket Washington Elementary School (BWES) has launched an ad hoc committee to examine how BWES might become a “destination school” in its efforts to boost enrollment. Look for a quarterly story here going forward where we’ll report on the committee’s activities and progress.
Guided by Central Berkshire Regional School District (CBRSD) Assistant Superintendent Aaron Robb and BWES Principal April West, the ad hoc committee is actively working to transform the school’s campus into a vibrant and welcoming community center for families across Becket and Washington.
Short-term success is already being felt as enrollment increased to eighty-seven students this fall, up from a projected eighty-two students. (The committee’s ultimate goal is 100 students).
The committee meets monthly in working sessions to advise on and examine school enrollment, to gather community input, and to explore and enact steps for making BWES a school that local parents seek out. Current members include Aaron Robb, April West, Colleen Trager (BWES fourth grade teacher), Jeff Pike (Wahconah Regional High School teacher and local community member), Jan Paxton (community member), and Kate Hubbell (parent). Other parents interested in joining the committee should contact West at awest@cbrsd.org.
Innovative classroom learning is at the top of the list for growing the school’s enrollment. New this year are specialized WIN (“What I Need”) educational blocks that provide academic and enrichment periods for grades 2 through 5. Designed to offer targeted math and reading support alongside creative activities, these blocks give students unique opportunities to explore new interests. A student journalism program has also been added in which 5th-graders actively report on school news and will see their work published in the Becket Beat.
Local community partnerships further broaden students’ learning through new, hands-on science programs, a watershed unit, and creative collaborations with the Becket Athenaeum and Becket Arts Center.
Another key to growing student enrollment is welcoming the next generation of students by making early connections with local parents. To this end the committee is exploring special outreach events for families with children aged birth through four. Proposed events include a Birth-to-4 Family Movie Night and activities during February vacation week.
The committee’s strategic plan also includes exploring initiatives to enhance pre-K programming, researching the possibility of before- and after-school childcare options, elevating the school environment, and creating a strong sense of belonging.
“Our goal is to create a warm, high-quality learning environment where every child succeeds, and every family feels connected,” noted Robb. “The BWES ad hoc committee is excited to find new and creative ways for the school to serve as the heart of the community.”
