THROUGH THE EYES OF CHILDREN

Every day, our children walk through the doors of their elementary schools into places where they learn, grow, explore and build lasting memories. What captures their curiosity? What helps them feel welcome and safe? Matters Magazine invited the principals of our elementary schools to share a special place or feature that reflects the heart of their school. Discover what they chose and how these spaces or features help shape the experiences of the children who learn there.

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Seth Boyden Elementary School:

Lunchroom Mural

Seth Boyden School has several murals in the building, but the one in the cafeteria was the first. Painted by Jess Cabato, it ties in to our outdoor learning classroom and strawberry fields garden that are unique to Seth Boyden. Given the nature of upkeep, school buildings can be very utilitarian and drab, but this gorgeous mural is anything but plain. It has succeeded in transforming the lunchroom into a warm and kid-friendly space to eat lunch.

~Shannon Glander, principal

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Tuscan Elementary School:

The Tuscan Dell

The Dell is a peaceful grassy amphitheater that has been used as an outdoor classroom, performance space and playground over the years. It sits along the brook (fenced off obviously!) and in 2024 was renovated by Keegan Bohlman as a project to help earn his Eagle Scout Award, He wanted the Dell to continue to be enjoyed by future students for educational and theater programs.

~Maureen Davenport, principal

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South Mountain Elementary School:

Physical Education Superhero T-shirts

South Mountain school offers special physical education T-shirts featuring the PE superheroes PE Seidon and Medusomething. When kids wear these shirts, they earn the power to "whoosh" their PE teachers. Whooshing gives kids the power to request that the PE teachers complete a fun physical challenge, such as running in place, doing push-ups or jumping jacks. The shirts turn every PE class into an interactive adventure where students and teachers stay active together while having fun with the superhero theme. Every kid has access to the shirts via the PTA store, SMS Swap page or through the school social worker. No one is left out of the fun!

~Dara Gronau, principal

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Marshall Elementary School:

Fish Tanks

The Marshall fish tanks are a beloved focal point for both students and

staff as they enter the school each day! Filled with colorful fish and aquatic

life, they provide a welcoming and calming presence that helps create a

positive atmosphere from the moment students walk through the doors.

Beyond their beauty, the tanks foster curiosity and an appreciation for the

natural world, offering opportunities for observation, conversation and

learning. They serve as a daily reminder of the importance of caring for living

things while creating a peaceful space that supports students' socialemotional

well-being.

~Laura Swyberius, principal

How students interact with the fish:

• The tanks are right inside the main entrance, a perfect location for providing a positive

  distraction for students who are feeling overwhelmed or having a hard time

  separating from parents or are simply waiting for the bus at the end of the day.

• Our younger students will visit the tanks and ask endless questions about the lives

  of the fish and their environment.

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Clinton Elementary School:

Our Library

At the heart of our school is a place where every student belongs: the library.

More than a room filled with books, our library is an inclusive space where every

child is welcomed, valued and inspired. Under the guidance of our exceptional

librarian, the library has become the hub of curiosity, creativity and innovation.

It is a place where imaginations flourish, ideas come to life and students are

encouraged to think critically, collaborate and explore their passions. Whether

students are discovering a new favorite book, designing a creative LEGO piece,

conducting research or simply finding a quiet place to learn, the library meets

every learner where they are. It is a space that celebrates diverse voices, fosters

a love of lifelong learning and reminds us that the greatest adventures begin

with curiosity. The library is more than the heart of our school. It is where every

student's story has the opportunity to grow.

~Melissa Butler, principal

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Delia Bolden Elementary School:

Ducklings

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What had long been a quiet interior courtyard filled with overgrown plants and

weeds suddenly became the most exciting place in the building, a peaceful sanctuary

for two duck mothers and their 20 ducklings.

For nearly three weeks, students, teachers and staff eagerly gathered at windows

and doors throughout the day, hoping to catch a glimpse of our feathered friends.

Every day brought a new adventure. We waited anxiously for eggs to hatch, counted

tiny ducklings as they emerged, watched them waddle closely behind their mothers

and marveled at the gentle, protective care each mama duck showed her babies.

The ducks didn't just capture our attention, they also inspired learning. Students

became young scientists, carefully observing the duck families, asking thoughtful questions, making predictions and brainstorming ways to help the ducklings safely reach the water and the natural habitat they would need to thrive.

Thanks to the kindness and expertise of two community veterinarians, both duck

families were safely relocated to the brook behind Delia Bolden School, where they

could continue to grow and flourish.

Although our duck families have moved on, our courtyard brought our school

together for a few special weeks, reminding us that sometimes the most meaningful

moments are waiting to be discovered in the places we least expect. It's a memory

our students and staff will carry with them for years to come.

~Kim Hutchinson, principal