As part of the third grade Social Studies curriculum, students had the opportunity to “meet” the Massachusetts state heroine, Deborah Samson.  Of course, Deborah was really an actress, who researches history through the use of primary sources, by the name of Anne Pasquale.  Together with her partner, Keith, they reenact the story of Deborah Samson. 

 As a follow up to this play, Keith and Ann run a workshop in a place that has historical significance to Groveland, the North School (aka the Little Red Schoolhouse).   This workshop teaches children how to interpret primary sources and creatively explore ways to demonstrate their learning.  They led a process they called their “Page to Stage Plan”.    First they read a diary entry written by a 12 year old apprentice in Boston during Revolutionary War times.  The entry included period-appropriate language, which was confusing to us, at first.  

Through their Page to Stage Plan, we unpacked the journal entry through a series of activities that not only taught us about people, actions, trades, and feelings of the Revolutionary time, but also honed our acting skills!  As the culminating activity, we brought to life the primary source that had first been so confusing to us!  We learned that while things were certainly different during that historical period, some things are still the same!

 You can learn more about these exciting presenters at Anne’s website:  http://livinghistoryprograms.com/

Our sixth graders worked all year under the direction of Mrs. Dangora, Mr. Day and Ms. Medley during Enrichment class on this production. Enjoy!

Sponsor-A-Classroom is a cooperative business and education partnership started in 1994 by the Bagnall Education Foundation.  This program is designed to enhance the learning environment and bring business models into the classroom.  Over the last 18 years, teachers at Bagnall Elementary School have been able to make permanent enhancements to their classrooms made possible by the generous donations of these business sponsors.  This year our teachers were able to purchase such items as comprehension and math software for  SmartBoards, literacy materials, touch math materials, Raise-a-frog kit, bone sorting sheets, digital camera and memory card for portfolio assessments, Jamestown DVD, and books for classroom libraries. 

 We are grateful for the 27 businesses who participated in this program this year, many of them long time participants:  All Equipment Services, Acme Packet, Attorney John G. Cleary, Beauport Financial Services LLC, Bradford Orthodontics, C&C Flooring, Dr. Joseph A. Cardarelli, Jr., D.M.D., Dr. Donald E. Kowalski, DDS, Dr. Laura Anne Potvin P.C. Optometrists, Environmental Devices Corporation,  Georgetown Savings Bank, Groveland Landscaping Corp., Groveland Police Association, Hastings Floor Covering, Haverhill Bank, Jon Vals Salon, JRA Cycles, LLC, Minichiello Insurance Agency, New England Accounts Receivable Management Inc., NGAGE Networks, Norwood Insurance Agency Inc., Pentucket Bank, Pentucket Youth Football, Resolve Data, Soep Painting Corporation, Vic Stone Metals Trading, Wordprocessing Etc.   

In the photograph:  Ms. Meehan’s fifth grade class with their classroom sponsor, Derek Reed of Beauport Financial Services, LLC during his visit May 4^thas part of the annual Sponsor-A-Classroom reception.