Thanks to the planning by the BES Literacy Team, spearheaded by Mrs. Stephanie Kneer and Mrs. Tracy Peter-Hoen, the elementary school had a day-long literacy celebration themed around the Northern Lights and Iditarod.
Leading up to the March 5th celebration, teachers were given a background on the Iditarod in preparation for the guests who came to give an immersive experience for the literacy celebration.
During the school day, the BES Mountaineers were captivated by author/storyteller/blues singer/sled dog racer/adventure outfitter Ms. Marla B. Brodsky, who came to BES with her daughter Ruby and four sled dogs from her Hilltown Sleddogs racing kennel in Chesterfield, Massachusetts.
Ms. Brodsky spent the day with the elementary students, sharing her book ‘Our Serum Run Story’, singing, and telling the Mountaineers about the Iditarod, mushing, and her life with her sled dogs at Hilltown Sleddogs. Ms. Brodsky brought her book to life by retelling her 750-mile, three-week journey with her 12 mushing Alaskan Huskies across the frozen Yukon River to Nome, Alaska, through its illustrations projected for the students to follow along and enjoy. A slideshow and music video were also shared, which also included Ms. Brodsky’s singing. Ms. Brodsky made time for the Mountaineers’ questions, which ranged from her travels to Nome, Alaska, to her amazing sled dog team.
After the presentation, the Mountaineers had a meet-and-greet with the sled dogs, who were generous with their affection and attention toward the Mountaineers. It was a truly enriching experience arranged by the Literacy Team, with thanks to the BCSD PTO for funding support. Learn more about Hilltown Sleddogs here https://www.hilltownsleddogs.com/
BES students also received a mini dog from the literacy team after the event to be their reading partner in school for the month of March, providing extra excitement and inspiration to grab a book and read.
During the evening of March 5th, the BES Literacy Team lit up the night; the team, with support from staff, decorated the front of the school with different lighting and invited Mountaineers and their families to participate in a variety of literacy-based activities, all focused on the theme of the Iditarod and the Northern Lights. Members of the Middle and High School Student Council also volunteered in the event, making it extra special for the youngest Mountaineers.
Principal Cataldo would like to thank all the teachers, staff, and volunteers who helped to organize the event!
“It was a wonderful day and evening of literacy and learning about the Northern Lights and the Iditarod!” said Mrs. Cataldo.
photos: BCSD Communications
Mountaineer Musher Album
Hilltown Sleddogs Visit and BES Literacy Day & Evening Celebration