Springing Ahead At The Reed School

By Larissa Lytwyn

After opening last January, signs of construction still linger at Reed Intermediate School. Frequenting trucks deliver materials designed to give the schools its finishing touches. A few feet of caution tape twist through trees by the building’s main entrance.

Reed Intermediate parent Maura Fletcher, head of the school’s Beautification Committee, recently joined Reed faculty, including sixth grade science teacher Sheila Kolesak, as well as members of the outside community, to plan a special “beautification” project for students.

“It was a very community-oriented effort,” said Ms Kolesak. “Everyone got involved!” Parents were invited to partake in the event.

Students planted daffodil, tulips, iris, and other springtime bulbs in Reed’s courtyard. The bulbs were so plentiful that extras were planted on other grounds around the school.

“This was the perfect day for the planting,” said Ms Kolesak. “We were worried because of the rain all week. But today — Halloween — is beautiful!”

The sixth graders were eager to enjoy the mild autumn day. “It was great to get outside,” said sixth grader Katie Bloxsom. “Instead of being inside all day.”

Students first made a graph outlining the courtyard to plot, literally, which bulbs would be planted where. “It really brings in a lot of different topics,” said Ms Kolesak. “Like social studies and math!”

After the planting, students wrote journal entries about the experience. Observations would range from the planting’s preparation stages to the kinds of creatures identified in the process, including ladybugs and night crawlers.

“The school is so new, we haven’t had a lot of time to do much with the outside yet,” said Ms Fletcher. “Now we can begin to do that!”

Students said they couldn’t wait for springtime to come. “My favorite flowers are the tulips,” said Ms Fletcher’s daughter, Amy.

Another student, Kristen Errico, said she liked irises best. “It’s great to go out, have fun, and get a little dirty,” she said, smiling.