Calhoun Elementary spotlights discovery classes and community partnerships in school-board presentation
Summary
Cynthia Young described Calhoun (Cowan?) Elementary’s discovery classes that combine music, art and hands‑on learning, community guest instructors, and events intended to boost family engagement and student experience.
Cynthia Young, representing Kallen/Calhoun-area elementary programming, gave the board a school spotlight highlighting discovery classes that integrate music, art and community partnerships.
Young described discovery classes as intentional, curriculum-linked experiences that connect literacy, STEAM and local traditions. She credited specialty teachers and community volunteers for activities including string and percussion music, dulcimer demonstrations, Boomwhackers, hands-on art projects, a school art show and a community “field day” reimagined as an Olympic-themed event.
The presentation named several partners and activities: visits from local musicians, collaboration with Tims Ford State Park for animal- and habitat-based learning, community members teaching CPR, visits to a nursing home tied to fourth-grade classwork, and planned visits from a beekeeper, plumber, electrician and hairstylist. Young said the school aims to broaden students’ exposure to careers and local culture and to increase parent engagement through gallery nights and a combined parent-teacher conference plus student activities.
Young said the discovery classes are coordinated through weekly collaborative PLCs among specialty teachers and grade-level teachers so lessons link to reading curricula such as CKLA and Wonders. She described discovery as a response to staffing constraints for specialty-certified teachers and as an approach to preserve mandated academic time while offering enriched experiences.
Young thanked community partners and specialty staff and invited board members and the public to upcoming displays of student artwork and events.
