Dartmouth’s School Committee gathered to highlight some of the positive things going on through the schools in the district on the evening of Sept. 28.

George H. Potter Elementary School Principal Heidi Brooks and Assitant Principal Richard Porter reported on the latest developments at the elementary school. They emphasized that Potter is turning a focus on two educational foundations: technology and social emotional learning.

Brooks emphasized that students will be ready to learn if their social-emotional needs are consistently and thoroughly addressed. They presented the Potter’s Positive Plan as a way to “provide students with a framework that includes strategies, supports and interventionists to help them succeed both academically and socially.”

Bucket-filling was the presented metaphor regarding student emotional wellbeing. Students would be encouraged to "fill their bucket" to excess. Bucket-dipping, or negative statements, are discouraged amongst kids, emphasizing that kids cannot fill their own buckets by taking away from their peers.

Bucket-filling ensures that students are "confident" and "secure," Porter said.

The committee responded very positively to the changes being made at Potter Elementary.

"If you can provide that warm, caring environment, you've made a huge difference in [the students’] lives," Vice Chairperson Carol Karafotis.

Dartmouth High School's marching band has been a huge point of pride for the town, particularly now that they've been invited to compete in the USSBA National Championships in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Nov. 7-8.

Committee Member Dr. Shannon Jenkins asserted that, though the band was an immense source of pride, much of the money going toward their funding and their trip was made through private fundraising. She also noted that, though a substantial amount of private money was funding the trip, it is still partially paid for through tax payer money.

Committee Member Chris Garth expressed concern that it appears mandatory for marching band students to participate in the championships and parents to fund their attendance even if it's beyond their means. The trip would cost families over $200 for students to go.

Despite the concerns, the motion passed unanimously.