When a Massachusetts town carved a new school out of the existing grades four through six, many challenges arose. Teachers seemed to come from two different worlds, and the students needed to develop a sense of belonging. What was the key to success? Character education. The task facing the school leaders when the new Mill Pond School opened in 2002 to serve the town’s swelling school-age population was daunting. Not only was the school’s 4–6 configuration a major change from the existing grade-level groupings; the staff, drawn from the elementary and middle schools, brought different perspectives and instructional approaches as well. To avoid a “collision of two worlds,” administrators listened carefully to staff concerns and held lively discussions on the challenges of change, and invited suggestions on ways to ease the transition. What happened at Mill Pond was extraordinary, for the teachers did indeed make something that was their own.
Read more about Mill Pond in the 2010 NSOC book: “Opening Many Doors with the Keys to Success.”
Signature Practices
Lesson Plan: Touchstone Soup
Students will be able to identify at least four key values that are essential to positive character at our school.
Promising Practice: Feeding Our Learning
Feeding the Learning begins in September when 300 fourth grade students visit the Community Harvest farm. Students learn the mission of the farm and how it meets the needs of local food banks to provide fresh, healthy produce for food pantries.
Promising Practice: World Religion Symposium
The goal of this symposium is to teach the sixth grade students about religions from around the world through primary sources. The entire sixth grade class (approximately 300 students), the Mill Pond staff, and the Westborough families and community are invited to attend this event.
Promising Practice: Student Council
The sixth grade Student Council at the Mill Pond School in Westborough, MA, is not a typical election-based student council. Instead, any sixth grade student who is interested in community- and school-based service and leadership is encouraged to apply.
Promising Practice: United Nations Summit
At the U.N. Summit, students play the role of important historic or contemporary “persons of character.” These characters represent diverse cultures and viewpoints from around the world.
Contact Information
Irene HatherleyPrincipal
6 Olde Hickory Path Westborough, Massachusetts
Phone: (508) 836-7780, ext. 5101
Email: hatherli@westborough.k12.ma.u
Website: www.westborough.ma.schoolwebpages.com