Clinton School is covering all the educational bases. Recently third graders used technology to enhance storytelling, and applied science to environmental studies.

First, on Friday, May 13, Clinton third grade students showcased their amazing digital stories for their peers and their parents.

Thanks to Jen Latimer of the Clinton School Library, all four of Clinton’s third grade classes were a part of this wonderful six-week project. According to Latimer, “The students created literary scenes or short stories inspired by a popular image. They then created art, chose sound effects, and recorded their stories into a Power Point presentation.”

Clinton parent, Chris Shamburg, and his work on 21^st century literacy inspired the project and the ideas of MIT Professor Henry Jenkins were also incorporated.

The students worked collaboratively in both library and art (with art teacher Christine Tischio), and they learned how to meaningfully sample sounds while applying the skills they’ve learned through their English Language arts curriculum. The results are phenomenal and Ms. Latimer has posted them on the Clinton School Library website for all to see. 

Next, inspired by Earth Day, Clinton third grade students also held a Science Fair in May devoted exclusively to projects that would promote environmentally conscious living.

All four third grade classes displayed their work in the Clinton School cafeteria for the rest of the Clinton School student body, and their families, to see. The young scientists were passionate as they described their ideas for keeping our oceans and rivers clean, composting to promote a healthy planet, recycling denim, using barrels to collect and reuse rainwater, and even making games out of items destined for the trash.

Clinton students are engaged in many recycling projects on an ongoing basis. Not only do they recycle paper and plastic, but they also support bottle-cap and juice pouch recycling initiatives.