Westport, MA - Supported by the Westport Arts Council through a $2,000 grant from the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust administered by the Bank of America, Feathery Focus, an outstanding Lloyd Center environmental science curriculum, is a component of the standing science curriculum for all third-grade classes in Westport.  In addition to “making science fun” for these impressionable young students, assessment tests show that the program effectively teaches children scientific concepts, and thus may improve student performance on the MCAS and other standardized testing. 

The Feathery Focus curriculum is designed to provide elementary students and their teachers with a yearlong curriculum of hands-on activities.  It captures the imagination of students, opening the door to lessons about other aspects of the natural world.  Lloyd Center staff members have found that once students become engaged in studying the dynamic ecology of birds, they turn naturally to exploring issues of land conservation, food chains, adaptations, seasons and migration patterns.  Students gain valuable experience in applying the scientific method by observing patterns in nature, collecting and interpreting data, and explaining their discoveries in written, mathematical, artistic or verbal terms.  Additional benefits of the program are a) taking students out of the classroom to build awareness of their own schoolyard and community and b) providing role models for adult careers and hobbies.

In today’s schools, standards-based assessments increasingly continue to define the important ideas and skills necessary for achievement in science and other subjects, resulting in a growing need to identify focal points for organizing school programs and curriculum.  Locally relevant topics can effectively connect concepts and skill development across subject areas and grade levels in ways which school children can understand and identify with.  With the success of the Feathery Focus programs, the Lloyd Center educational staff has repeatedly proven that these science programs provide instructional focus for active learning in science, mathematics, social studies, environmental education, and other subject areas.

The Helen E. Charitable Trust provides funding for the Westport Arts Council to make awards for projects that benefit Westport residents.  Helen Ellis, an artist and a dedicated educator, was a resident of Westport for over 50 years. Her naturalistic woodcarvings were displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After she died, the proceeds of her estate were used to establish the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust. The Trust supports Ms. Ellis’ dream of inspiring others to develop their creative talents.  The Westport Arts Council is a group of volunteers appointed by the Westport selectmen to administer grants received by the town each year.