Computer Lab

Note: Author Katie Bass is a second-grade classroom teacher, who also serves as PES’s Responsive Classroom Lead Teacher. She taught grade four for her first four years at PES. In looking back at my five years here at Pittsfield Elementary, I can easily say that I have come a long way in my communication with parents….

In Everyday Mathematics (EDM) students are introduced to many different methods for subtraction. As they get older, they are introduced to subtraction algorithms. Some are easier to learn, but not as efficient as others. EDM picks one algorithm as its focus algorithm. Focus algorithms are powerful, relatively efficient and easy to learn and understand. The…

Note: The following article summary is shared with permission from Kim Marshall, a former Boston principal, author, and nationally recognized educator. This is from his weekly educator e-newsletter, The Marshall Memo. In this New York Times article, sixth-grade teacher Sara Mosle says some parents are overly intrusive, which robs children of the opportunity to solve…

Pittsfield Project HOME is a schoolyard habitat improvement initiative that aims to develop our schoolyard so it is attractive to wildlife and people, creating an outdoor classroom for our students. A group of teachers, parents, and community members has been meeting monthly with Marilyn Wyzga, of the NH Department of Fish and Game, to develop…

                                                      Activities to help boost child’s skills:   Improving fine motor/motor planning skills Bear walks Crab walks Hop on one foot Hopscotch Twister Cutting Drawing/Painting/Writing at an easel Playdoh Using tweezers to pick up small items (beads, cereal, etc.) Playing card games Playing board games with small pieces to move Team sports Gymnastics   Improving…