“That was fantastic!” declared Mettawee School Board Member Anthony Garcia. “Simply amazing. Our best public engagement feedback ever!”
Garcia’s excitement was inspired by the dozen recent graduates of the Mettawee Community School who were invited to attend the May board meeting. The first 45 minutes of the agenda gave the stage over to students from The Dorset School, Manchester Elementary Middle School, Long Trail School, Poultney High School, and Burr & Burton Academy. They spoke about the pros and cons of their Mettawee School experience, specifically on how it impacted their transition to middle and high school.
The session went well beyond an hour.
“Public engagement is very important to our board,” explained Julie Mach, Mettawee Board Chair. “In the past we’ve conducted surveys and held meetings with parents and community members. Last year we devoted time to meet directly with Mettawee students. This year we moved on to hear from recent grads of the school. The kids showed up and delivered.”
The Board’s goal was to listen as former Mettawee students spoke truth to power: Did the school prepare them for the next chapter of their social and educational lives? What positive lessons did they take with them? What did they like best about Mettawee? What could have been done better?
One issue stood out for most of the alumni: Math. “During the first few weeks of seventh grade, I felt behind the other students,” said one, while others nodded in agreement.
Other topics that showed up for improvement were: Not having been taught how to study for tests, difficulty in writing formal essays and making the transition to changing classrooms and teachers during the school day.
On the positive side of the ledger the former students talked about their close relationships with teachers. “They were always there to help us,” said one. “That taught us to not be afraid to ask for help when we needed it. Teachers are not the enemy. That lesson came in handy.”
The students had fond memories of the community spirit at the Mettawee Community School. “All the students joined in for the plays and concerts,” said one. “We felt like we entertained as a whole school, not individual performers.”
A number of students commented on Mettawee’s inclusive environment. “We were always encouraged to engage with other students,” said one alum. “We didn’t have the social clicks that I know are present at other schools.”
Others cherished class field trips, the environmental connections with Merck Forest and Farmland, the emphasis on science and reading. “I learned to love to read at Mettawee,” said one.
“This feedback from recent Mettawee grads is so useful for our Board to hear,” said Mach. “The news on math was a little discouraging, but it reinforces steps taken the last few years to put more focus on this subject. We can always do better, but we’re heading in the right direction.”
(Photo above: Recent Mettawee Community School grads speak to the Board about the pros and cons of their Mettawee experience, specifically on how it impacted their transition to middle and high school.)