The committee recognized two high school students for their excellence in the Massachusetts Science and Engineering Fair. One student’s project involved the biodegradation of plastic using waxworms and the enzyme polyethylene. The other presented on the development and execution of a science project, earning an award for their work. Their research and potential impact were commended by committee members.

In another segment, a student presented their project on the effect of caffeine on the growth and development of zebra fish embryos. They conducted an experiment exposing zebra fish embryos to different concentrations of caffeine and analyzed the results using an AI model called Fish Inspector. This presentation aimed to prove their mother wrong about the effects of caffeine on growth and development, and it received positive feedback from the committee for its real-life implications.

The meeting transitioned to presentations on the state of the curriculum, with updates on the elementary, science, and fine arts curricula. The elementary curriculum update highlighted an interactive approach to teaching social studies, focusing on project-based learning and collaboration. A hands-on activity involving the Statue of Liberty was demonstrated, where students guessed the body parts represented by pre-measured pieces of yarn. The science curriculum update included creative solutions for safe observation of the solar eclipse by students.

A math and preventionist from Russell Street Elementary School presented on the school’s science program. The presentation included hands-on activities and the involvement of therapy dogs in the classroom to enhance the learning experience. Another teacher discussed the focus on math education, detailing initiatives like the Spring Festival of Math and Literacy, interactive touchscreen TVs, and “Multiplication Madness” to promote fluency among students.

A teacher from Shaker Lane Elementary School discussed the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, including the piloting of two programs, Whitten wisdom and my view for lit. A fourth-grade teacher emphasized the integration of movement breaks, breathing exercises, and specialized programs such as the “belog heart” and “stripe program” into the social-emotional learning curriculum for K-5.

The STEM integration specialist highlighted the district’s efforts to incorporate STEM into the core curriculum from kindergarten to fifth grade, with a districtwide STEM challenge called ‘Can Do Golf.’ The 6-12 science curriculum coordinator discussed integrating science and engineering practices in the curriculum, engaging students in hands-on activities and experiments. The Littleton Education Fund’s contributions toward purchasing new robots and the Littleton Electric Light and Water Department’s acquisition of 3D printers for the Russell Street maker space were acknowledged.

The High School STEM Research Club’s rise in participation was notable, with 11 students presenting at the regional science fair and receiving awards. The club’s success was supported by grants from the Littleton Education Fund and the PTA.

The arts curriculum was also a focus, with the addition of new specialist staff at the lower level, new music electives at the high school, and the successful integration of a flex block for the chorus. The middle school arts program engaged students in creating art that focused on technical abilities and self-expression. The music teacher’s leave of absence was mentioned, and a new teacher was introduced for the sixth-grade general music students.

The middle school music program included keyboard and guitar classes, technical aspects of music, and rhythm training. The band and chorus clubs developed specific skills and techniques. At Russell Street, extra music classes allowed students to learn about melodic instruments and compound meter, including rhythmic literacy using Tademy and composing their own music. The elementary level art classes focused on expressing ideas and emotions through art, studying art from other cultures, and creating collaborative art pieces.

Miss Lisa Jung, a new music teacher at Shaker Lane, has been working on developing students’ musical skills, including fundamentals of music, pitch, rhythm, and early music education. The financial update assured careful management of funds for remaining expenses, and updates from various subcommittees were given, including the Shaker Lane building committee and the Northboro High School renovation project.