by Suzanne on December 19, 2008
As previously mentioned, I’m going to be giving a run-down of all the island schools…
When the Edgartown school first opened in the quaint whaling town known for it’s white clapboard houses and brick walkways, it was located in two buildings. Grades 1-6 met in the North School and grades 6-12 met in the South School. The first graduating class in 1926 granted 11 diplomas.
In the early 50’s overcrowding became a significant problem, and The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School was opened. In 1959, the four upper grades moved to the high school, leaving more space for the remaining grades.
Since then many additions have been built and the school has transformed into the biggest elementary school on MV. The most recently completed addition gives the school the capacity to hold over 550 students.
The Edgartown School offers unique opportunities such as School Store, Volleyball, Football, Cheerleading and more - all Elementary-School style. The school also provides workshops for parents of children taking the MCAS and helpful suggestions for getting kids to do their homework.
by Suzanne on December 8, 2008
As previously mentioned, I’m going to be giving a run-down of all the island schools…
Even after all of these years living on the island, when I hear the words, ‘Oak Bluffs’ images of Circuit Ave with its lights, music and Flying horses jump to mind. But, like every town on the Vineyard - families and schools are the cornerstones…behind the scenes but mainstays for all year round activity.
The Oak Bluffs School (OBS) was built in 1761 and originally attended by children from the whole island. Today, OBS houses students in grades K-8 and is open to only OB residents. The school has a population of over 460 and operates from a new $12.9 million, state-of-the-art facility. Encouraging community-involvement at every level, OBS garners support from townspeople and parents, and it’s governed by a three-member, elected school committee.
For curriculum, all classrooms teach math, science, social studies, reading, writing and the arts. The school encourages researched-based and publishing-intended writing for all students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Additionally, teachers work closely with parents to support individual student needs.
The school believes social behavior should be taught in a caring and supportive environment and does everything in its power to create that. And, true to the Island, the Oak Bluffs community supports the learning of locally grown, and the OBS student body is very involved in the Island’s Farm to School program.
The school’s weekly newsletter is called Carousel and presents the weekly happenings and news for every student and parent.
