Curriculum Enrichment

To complement Chickering’s curriculum, the Dover PTO funds outside programs for grades K-5. Over 35 programs are brought into the school each year to reinforce concepts in English Language Arts, Social Studies and Science. These programs include multi-day writers-in-residence, hands-on electricity workshop and school wide cultural programs. 
(This year’s programs.)

The Curriculum Enrichment (CE) team, Chickering Leadership and each grade level work together to ensure that programs fit tightly with the curriculum. A proven process has been developed to determine enrichment programs:

1. K-5 CE grade level coordinators meet with their Teacher Liaisons to review previous year’s programs.
2. Programs are reviewed on performer quality and fit with the curriculum. Needs for new program areas and/or performers are identified.
3. CE Chairs attend West Suburban Arts Council monthly meetings to canvas programs in desired areas. WSAC is an affiliation of CE representatives from Eastern Massachusetts schools. 
4. Recommended programs are previewed at local schools before hiring for Chickering.
5. Teacher evaluate program presentations to ensure quality. (Download Evaluation Form - PDF)

The Curriculum Enrichment team is also responsible for the Understanding our Differences program at Chickering. Parent volunteers work with Chickering’s Special Education Department to bring Understanding our Differences into the classrooms. This proven curriculum developed by the Newton School District, helps students appreciate the limitations of learning and physical challenges. Currently, two modules are offered to Grade 2 students; over time, the team would like to offer this program more broadly.

This Year's Programs

Kindergarten
Wingmaster
Origamido
David Biedrzycki
Emily Boon

First Grade
Audubon Nature program
Suzanne Bloom
Bug Works
Kids Lab -- Roller Coaster

Second Grade 
Norah Dooley
Discovery Museum – Kitchen Chemistry
Brian Lies
Native American Perspectives
Duncan Sings Alone
Dinoman
Understanding Our Differences
PlantMobile

Third Grade
Len Cabral
Wompanoag Indians (Plimouth Plantation)
Techsploration – Circuits & Electricity
Clara Barton
The Recorder Goes to School
D-S Middle School Sharp Nines
Sara Hunter
New Planet Program

Fourth Grade
Audubon Nature Program
Ted Scheu Poetry Guy
Jeff Kelly
NE Aquarium – Global Ocean Odyssey
Plant Mobile

Fifth Grade 
Bay Colony Educators
Cry Innocent
Barbara O'Connor
Weather
Techsplorations – Simple Machines

Schoolwide
Bash the Trash