Spotlight Videos

Dig Yellow

By Barbara Dunn

On September 23^rd, the Barnstable High School (BHS) gymnasium was bursting in yellow. The girls volleyball team was playing Falmouth, and there was something special about the school spirit. It was the Dig Yellow game.

The fundraising event began in 2016 to support BHS graduate and past team member Olivia Brodt who was battling cancer. Olivia graduated in 2015 and brought her volleyball talent to Babson College where she was continuing her education. Olivia fought her illness with endless courage, but passed away in 2017. The loss was enormous. 

The driving force behind Dig Yellow is the girls head volleyball coach, Tom Turco. “We talk about her [Olivia] all the time,” Coach Turco said. “She’s an inspiration to the program.” Tom described her as not only a top volleyball player, but also someone passionate about the arts and dance. “She was a great student and leader. That’s a memory you want to keep going,” he relayed.

Now an annual September event, Dig Yellow shines a light on childhood cancer awareness month. Oliva’s father, Craig Brodt, was assistant coach when Dig Yellow started. He had an integral role in the development of the event. Volleyball team members and their families are involved with the planning and fundraising, with many alumni joining in at the game. Dollars raised range from $3000 to $5000. Those funds stay local and include organizations such as Cape Cod Wellness and Tommy’s Place. This year is especially meaningful with funds supporting a student athlete who is navigating cancer.

Health and Physical Education teacher Barbara Gleason has a daughter on the volleyball team and is a parent involved with the Booster Club. Barbara emphasized there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes. This year it was the dedication of Laura Huntington, coordinator of the preparations, that helped make the event a success. There were t-shirts, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and a preseason car wash that raised $1500. 

As a parent, it means a lot to Barbara to see her children giving back and showing love for a family. She noted that the players’ experience of cheering on the team, raising money, and seeing where it goes to help others leads to a first-hand awareness of how a community works together. “When you look out at the stands and it’s a sea of yellow, it’s so many students coming to support it,” Barbara remarked.

Olivia’s number 3 has been retired. Even those who did not personally know her feel as though they do. Through understanding how much work it is to be involved with the team, Barbara explained, “the players know the kind of person Olivia was – her drive, her kindness, and her work ethic.” Coach Turco reflected, “The courage she showed during the whole process is something that is motivation to the athletes in the program. It highlights for me who Olivia was and what she meant to the volleyball program and the inspiration she was.”

Dig Yellow has become a catalyst for bringing together the school community and beyond. Whether it’s staff, students, or families, through remembering one very special student and giving back, all know they Belong in Barnstable.

Bus Drivers

By Barbara Dunn

They are often the first smiling adult a child sees after heading out the door, and the last before arriving home. The Barnstable Public School (BPS) bus drivers and monitors ensure that students travel safely, and with National School Bus Safety week in October, it is the perfect time to celebrate them.

Transportation director Sandy Gifford has been behind the scenes coordinating BPS transportation for twenty-five years. Sandy juggles the numbers, scheduling forty-five drivers and twenty-three monitors on both large and small buses. They cover up to twenty-four stops along forty routes, some picking up as many as seventy students. The three-tier process allows for students to arrive on time at their destination. Drivers begin their day at 5:30 am with a high school run, followed by a trip to Barnstable United or Barnstable Intermediate. Their morning run finishes with a drop-off at one of the elementary schools.

Currently, the bus drivers range in age from twenty-nine to an amazing eighty-two. “The older folks have stuck with it,” Sandy said. “We have more frequent turn over for newer folks who sometimes realize they need something more full time.” Always looking to hire new drivers, she added that it’s a perfect fit for retirees, parents who have children in the system, or someone open to two part-time jobs. The key quality Sandy looks for when hiring is reliability, someone who will arrive on time.

Although Sandy spends a lot of time behind the scenes, she makes it a priority to develop relationships with the drivers. Whether it’s at a monthly in-service meeting or out in the field stopping by schools, she connects with both drivers and bus monitors letting them know she is available. Every day is different. Sandy commented that she is used to rolling with the unexpected. Adding a bit of humor, she noted, “They say as the wheels turn.”

A group of dedicated and diverse individuals, each bus driver has their own story to tell. For example, meet Dennis Morel Avila. Originally a bus driver in California, Dennis has several years of experience but has been with BPS only nine months. He acknowledged that it was the flexible hours of the job that made it so appealing. Dennis has a keen understanding of what matters to be a successful driver. It’s not just about passing the requirements. He conveyed what is most important, “A good record, being a good citizen, and good morals.” Explaining his philosophy Dennis said, “I work as a team with the monitor. Whenever we see something being done that is wrong, we talk to them and listen.” It’s a strategy that works. 

Known as Miss Carole by the kids, Carole Brassard has been a bus driver for nineteen years. When she learned that she could earn $10/ hour, Carole trained and began driving. After accumulating some experience, she stopped driving to be a stay-at-home mom as well as pursue other interests. Eleven years later when she returned, there were changes. In addition to a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a school bus driver certificate was required, and buses had switched to air brakes. Something else changed as well. “I used to be a yeller, and I learned that doesn’t work. Instead, we talk it out,” Carole said. “When someone comes on the bus and gives me a hug, it makes it a great day.”

Driving for thirty-seven years has given Becky Avery the ability to have perspective. Along with the changes in requirements and bus operation, Becky commented on how much driving on the roads has changed. “We can handle the kids,” she said. “The drivers on the road are the most challenging.” Whether it’s winter driving or drivers going through the bus stop signs, Becky is not the only driver to highlight these concerns. But despite that challenge, she emphasized it’s really all about the kids, “One is having a good day, and one is having a bad day. We just try to keep them all happy.” 

Benjamin Cobb, or Mr. Ben, has been a bus driver for an incredible forty-two years. As a senior driver, he is first to pick his route. Ben shared that when he reflects over the years, he has much to be grateful for. It might be the parents who show they care, or the heart-warming student note that says it all, “Thank you for keeping me safe.” In addition, Ben has appreciation for the monitors who improve safety. “My attention can be on driving,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better monitor.”

For three years Yaicy Cabrera has been one of those monitors, riding with students who attend BHS, BIS, and the Enoch Cobb Preschool. Her job ranges from helping with seatbelts to calmly addressing a behavior issue. Revealing her soft heart, Yaicy admitted, “The most challenging piece is when a child starts crying. When they’re smiling, seeing them so happy is the best part.”

There are many others with the same endless commitment. All on board the BPS buses know that they Belong in Barnstable. If you see a bus driver or monitor, be sure to say an extra thank you.

 

 

                                                                          

                                                                                                                     

Summer Learning Programs

By Barbara Dunn

Summer days are here, and school buildings are not quite as bustling. Parking lots have only a handful of cars and few school buses are noticed around town. But all is not as quiet as it may seem. The Barnstable Public Schools’ (BPS) summer programs are in full swing, and it may be surprising to discover that throughout the town, learning opportunities are thriving for BPS students.

For nine years, Jaclyn Gillis has worked with a team of BPS staff to build a robust summer program. As the District Grant and Compliance Manager, Jackie manages the grant application process for the district. Many of the summer programs are funded through grants awarded by the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE). 

BPS summer programs range in length from one to four weeks and are available for students in kindergarten through 7^th grade. Students may attend most programs being held in their home base school. Led by BPS staff, the larger programs include teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, and a site-based coordinator. Two family liaisons for English Language Learners (ELL) are located at Hyannis West. Their help with family outreach, translation, and enrollment ensures that all students and their families are supported. Grant funded programs are free for every participant, including transportation and food service. Jackie emphasized, “It really takes a lot of coordination to put these programs together.”

With titles like Jumpstart and Knock out English, it is important to note that every program is connected to academic learning standards. However, one benefit of summer learning is it allows for more flexibility to implement a variety of activities. Jumpstart is a two-week, half-day program located at Hyannis West Elementary. Part of the Title 1 program, kids starting kindergarten in the fall get a jumpstart learning the new routine that includes riding a bus, eating lunch with friends, and recess time. The sneak preview helps to lessen first day fears and potential behavior issues. Knock out English is held at Barnstable Intermediate School and introduces 6^th and 7^th graders to ELL proficiency through running, boxing, wellness, and nutrition, all while building social emotional skills such as teamwork and resilience. 

DESE’s 21^st Century Community Learning Center Grant offers a large program that enrolls about 60 participants. According to the DESE website, 21^st Century allows students to deepen and apply their content knowledge through interactive and engaging experiences. All students attending Hyannis West are eligible. If capacity is not reached, teachers and principals from other schools may provide recommendations for students who would benefit from the program. 

The Summer Acceleration Academies, also funded through DESE, are designed to accelerate the learning of students who have fallen behind or have learning gaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One-week language arts and math academies are available with a small class size of 10 to 12 students. Lessons are tailored to the specific needs of students based on MCAS scores, district assessments, and teacher/principal recommendations.

BPS K-3 math coach Kelly Lawrence has been teaching the summer programs since 2021. She currently is the coordinator for the Acceleration Math Academy. Held the week before school starts, the program is a perfect warm-up for the school year. Incoming 4^th and 5^th graders spend the day focusing on targeted areas of strengths and weaknesses. With breakfast, lunch, and recess woven into the day, there is plenty of time for growing friendships. 

The rewarding nature of Kelly’s experience is highlighted when she hears students’ voices sharing that they now love math, or it was the best vacation week of their life. “Instead of thinking of math as just numbers and problems, they start to see that they can problem solve,” Kelly remarked. A confidence booster for kids to kick off the new school year – perfect for paving the way to success!

This year, enrollment in the summer programs is over 575 students. With their ever-growing popularity, wait lists have become more common. In addition, grant funding is never guaranteed, and finding an alternate funding source can be challenging. But not wanting to disappoint students keeps Jackie determined. Reflecting about her exceptional team of coworkers, Jackie shared, “There are so many components to the summer programs and the staff members that help to put it all together are amazing.” 

BPS Assistant Superintendent Kristen Harmon oversees the summer programs. “For many students, they are finding new successes and building confidence both academically and socially,” Kristen commented. She described the programs as an opportunity for students who live in the same town but a different village to create new connections – relationships that are long lasting and carry into their future school years in BPS. “There is an energy and enthusiasm across the summer classrooms that one might not expect to see,” Kristen relayed. It is one more avenue for staff and students to know that they Belong in Barnstable.