1. 2003-2004 ASSEMBLY SUMMARY
Submitted September 2, 2004
Linda Snow Dockser and Johanna Christopoulos
Coordinators, J.W. Killam School P.T.O., Inc.
The Pillars of Character Program is supported by the J.W. Killam P.T.O.; a
Tolerance Grant from the Southern Poverty Law Center; and donations from the
community.
Videotaping services donated by:
Joe Haungs of Cherished Moments Video,
Quality Videos With Heart.
♦ Songs at Assembly arranged by Elena Raucci from Musical Review: A Better
You… A Better Me by Roger Emerson
♦ Pillars of Our Community this year received personalized awards printed on
American Theme stationary purchased by Grant Funds.
♦ Special Workshops Offered this year in Positive Discipline, a theory by Jane
Nelson for parents and teachers
♦ Evaluation Survey and results attached.

2. POSITIVE DISCIPLINE WORKSHOPS:
Thanks to the Tolerance Grant, J.W. Killam School Psychologist, Vivian Su
conducted Positive Discipline Workshops for teachers from every grade level.
These teachers had either not taken the course when it was offered in 1999 or
wanted a refresher course.
Ten teachers watched a video and discussed the Positive Discipline philosophy and
strategies of author Jane Nelson. They not only discussed theory, they also were
able to delve into the challenges of incorporating this approach into their already
full dockets. Positive Discipline In the Classroom Books were purchased with
Grant Funds and distributed as reference books for the teachers who did not
already own them or who had lost/loaned them out over the years. The direct
impact of this course for the children was more teachers feeling comfortable with
this approach to their classroom and more classroom meetings.
In March 2004, two Positive Discipline Workshops for parents were also lead by
Ms. Su. One was held in the morning and one in the evening in order to enable as
many parents as possible to take advantage of this opportunity. Having the
workshops on two different days also enabled word of mouth to encourage
attendance.
At these workshops, participants learned about “Positive Discipline” as it applies
to home and school. These workshops were enthusiastically received. The evening
PTO Meeting Workshop drew over thirty parents. The second morning workshop
attracted over eighteen. We considered this good attendance in a climate of busy
families and conflicting commitments.
Discussion was personal and animated during both workshops, with participants
trying to understand and apply what they were learning to their own family
situations and student’s needs. Much discussion centered on the Class/ Family
Meeting Strategies with an emphasis on understanding beliefs and behaviors,
giving appropriate choices, following through on promises and consequences, and
encouraging children to accept responsibility for their behavior. Many of us have
chatted about trying these strategies since the workshops and the experience has
been helpful.
Although the workshops were well received, evaluation form responses gave
suggestions for improvement. The suggestions included:
♦ to have more workshops and for longer periods of time;
♦ to follow up with support groups or ‘coffee cloches;’

3. ♦ to include more concrete examples both from real life and the book to illustrate
points;
♦ to divide into small groups to encourage more in-depth discussion of the
philosophy and its applications; and
♦ To offer follow-up workshops in the future.
Books: We purchased numerous copies of both a theory-based book, Positive
Discipline, and a more anecdotally organized book called: Positive Discipline A-Z,
both by Jane Nelson et al. Some copies were bought for reference, and some for
purchase by interested workshop participants.
The books purchased in advance were spoken for immediately after the first
workshop. Then there was an outpouring of requests for more. Therefore, a
volunteer took orders and procured the books, distributing them to the parents
within a month of the workshops. In total, about 29 books were distributed. A set
of the Positive Discipline Books was placed on the ‘Pillars of Character Shelves’ in
the Media Center, which now have a formal label and borrowing system. Many
have been borrowed. At our request, the public library also purchased these books
for lending. Multiple e-mails, postings, and flyers advertised these workshops.
Teacher Workshop Dates: January 28, 2004
Attendees:
K: Maria Simon; Joy Menard; 1st
: Deb Dellovo; 2nd
: Cory Gabel, Maureen
Hannon, Linda McHugh; 3rd
: Lisa Treacy; 4th
: Helen Sellers; Amy
burgoyne; 5th
: Christine Redford
Parent Workshop Dates:
PM: Tuesday, PTO Meeting, March 9, 2004 at 7; Attendees: 20+
AM: Thursday, March 11, 2004 from 9:15-10:45 in 2-3 HiD; Attendees: 19
Evaluation Forms available upon request.

4. CITIZENSHIP ASSEMBLY
Theme: ‘What it means to be Free’ & ‘Honoring Veterans’
Date: Tuesday, November 4th
at 1:30 PM
“Pillar Of Our Community” Speakers: Joe Finigan and Nelson Burbank
5th
Grade Teacher Liaison: Dr. Chris Redford
Lead Pillar Parents: Paula Pacitto
Special Attendants: New Superintendent: Pat Schettini
Songs: “CitizenSHIP” from Musical Review &
“That’s What It Means to Be Free.”
PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKERS (CITIZENSHIP)
The fifth grade students presented readings and songs, which were organized by the fifth grade
team and music teacher, Elena Raucci. The students explained to the rest of the school, what it
means to be free, what a Veteran is, and why we honor them on Veterans Day.
♦ For homework, the students researched veterans in their lives, then wrote them letters of
thanks and called them on Veterans Day. Some of these letters were presented at the
Assembly, while others were published in local papers. (See Reading Chronicle “School
Notes,” November 13, 2003.)
♦ Fifth Graders sang song from Musical Review: “CitizenSHIP” and another song called
“That’s What It Means to Be Free.” These songs reinforced the lesson, helping the students
learn and communicate the responsibilities of a good citizen to the rest of the school.
STUDENT PRESENTATION (DETAILS AND SPEAKERS)
Imaginary telephone conversation between Ross A. (Rm. 9) and Lee D. (Rm. 7)
READINGS: (Veterans' Day)
Abby (Rm. 6)
Jesse (Rm.7)
Marlisa (Rm.8)
Richard (Rm.9)
Micheala R. (Rm. 6)
Mark M. (Rm7)
Emily (Rm. 8)
Emma S. (Rm 9)
Jared (Rm. 6)
Colleen (Rm. 8)
Julie (Rm. 7)
Matt (Rm. 8)
Kath (Rm. 6)
Lexie
Sarah (Rm. 8)
Jeff (Rm. 9)
Jim (Rm. 6)
Students read their letters to the Veterans in their lives: Courtney; Joe; Emily; Nick

5. Pillar of our Community award: Joe Finigan and Nelson Burbank
♦ Joseph Finigan, the Associate Principal of Reading Memorial High School, thanked our
students for working with High School Students to eradicate the tradition of pumpkin
stealing in our town. He affirmed that the number of pumpkins has decreased because:
“Together, we can make a difference.”
♦ Nelson Burbank, Reading philanthropist and Veteran, has funded projects such as a Rally for
our Troops, the local YMCA, and Burbank Skating Rink. He spoke about the needs of
children, regardless of where they come from or what they look like.
PILLAR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (CITIZENSHIP)
♦ Olivia and Catie raised money to help feed the Koalas at the Stone Zoo.
♦ 2nd grade Girl Scout troop #3713 decorated the coat collection box for coats for homeless
people.
♦ Sue D'Ambrosio and Den 10 collected several bags of litter from Haverhill Street and other
areas surrounding the Killam School.
♦ Thank you to the parents who provided teacher treats today, including Mary Bishop, Karen
Toussaint, Kathy Scali, Paula Pacitto, June Ewing, Janice Marden and Linda Snow Dockser.
♦ Elena Raucci who presents TYLER with the Black Ribbon for his hard work and
accomplishment with his Recorder.

6. RESPONSIBILITY ASSEMBLY
Theme: Responsibility for Yourself and Others
Date: Wednesday, December 10th
at 10 AM
Pillar Of Our Community Speaker: Town Manager: Peter Hechenbleikner
4th
Grade Teacher Liaisons: Alison Currier
Lead Pillar Parents:
Musical Review title song: A Better You, A Better Me
Collections: Teddy Bears: Jimmy Fund/ Winchester Hosp/Cam
Neeley Foundation
Winter Woolens, books, socks: Horizons Initiative
Pots/Pans/Pillows: Mission of Deeds
Coats: Anton’s Coat Drive
PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKERS (RESPONSIBILITY)
♦ Fourth graders presented skits, cheers, rap songs, poems and posters. They taught their
classmates about individual responsibilities, as well as taking responsibility to help others
both at school and in the community.
♦ Pillar of our Community: Peter Hechenbleikner, Reading Town Manager
♦ Mr. Hechenbleikner does many things for the community. He works at Reading Town Hall,
where many of our students have visited on field trips. Mr. Hechenbleikner oversees the
day-to-day operation of the town. He demonstrates “Responsibility” every day by making
sure that the town runs smoothly and can provide us with essential services. Mr.
Hechenbleikner oversees many departments, such as the Police Department who make sure
we are safe, Fire Department who responds to fire and other emergencies, Department of
Public Works who plows our snowy roads and keeps our parks clean and landscaped, and
even the Reading Public Library. Mr. Hechenbleikner also works to make sure we have less
obvious things, such as safe drinking water, trash pickup, birth certificates, and dog licenses.
♦ The fourth graders sang the title song of the Musical Review: A Better You, A Better Me
PILLAR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (RESPONSIBILITY)
♦ The fourth graders and Ms. Helen Sellers organized a teddy bear drive to benefit children at
the Jimmy Fund Clinic in Boston and Winchester Hospital.

7. ♦ Display Case Fourth Grade Girl Scout Troop #1284 decorated the Display Case in the Media
Center for Responsibility.
♦ Kindergarten Classes were responsible for collecting books, hats, mittens and socks for the
“Horizons Initiative”, which runs two daycare centers for 126 homeless children (ages 2
months to 5 years) from all over Boston. The kindergarteners also collected used/new pots
and pans and new pillows for the “Mission of Deeds” in Reading.
♦ 2nd grade girl scout troop #3713 have collected coats, make a huge difference in the lives of
homeless people who otherwise might freezing in the wintertime.
♦ We love the great job by students in picking people that they admire, decorating awards, and
sending them in for Award Cut-outs.
♦ Thank you to the parents who provided teacher treats, including: Cindy Dixon, Melissa
Kellogg, Margie Ploch, Kathy Scali, Barbie Travis, Kelley Sheridan, Johanna Christopoulos
and Linda Snow Dockser.

8. FAIRNESS ASSEMBLY
Theme: Fairness/ Sharing with others in need
Date: Friday, January 16th
at 1:30 PM
before Martin Luther King Day
Pillar Of Our Community Awards to: Reading Food Pantry Organizer: Barbara Boucher
J.W. Killam Specialists and Aides
1st Grade Teacher Liaison: Deb Dellovo
Lead Pillar Parents: Dawn Greenwood, Cindy Ryan, Lorraine
Willwerth, Lisa Bellino Johnson
Song: “Fight Fair”
Slide Show: “Acts of Fairness at J.W. Killam”
Collection: Reading Food Pantry
PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKERS (FAIRNESS)
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by: Aaron Gray Room 14; Ava Room 15; Kaitlin
Room 16; Samantha Room 13
INTRODUCE FAIRNESS: We might have all of the food, warm clothes, and toys that we
want, but what about other people? Our first graders thought about this, and felt it wasn’t fair if
some people did not have enough to eat. They and their teachers realized that with all of our
help, they could do something about this.
So they organized a Collection of Food and paper goods for the Reading Food Pantry.
The first graders thought long and hard about what it means to be fair. First graders wrote and
presented agnostic poems to the rest of the school to teach about fairness.
FAIRNESS QUOTES WITH SIGNS:
Sign Holders: Ashley; Florence; Vanessa; Megan; Jarod; Hannah; Bradley ; Will.
Fairness is: Speakers: Drew; Kaity; Emily ; Casey ; Jaime; Sydney; Jill; Kylie ; Steven; Eli ;
Krista; Juliana ; Natalie ; David; Drew ; Ryan; Rachel; Colin; Brian; Andrea; William; Melissa;
Ashley; Lance; Chris ; Hannah; Shannon ; Jillian; Charlie; Claire.
SLIDE PRESENTATION: ACTS OF FAIRNESS AT J.W. KILLAM facilitated by Meg Powers
& Elaine Hondorf: Killam students from different grades show us how to be fair.

9. Slide Show Speakers: Amanda and Farrien.
PILLAR OF OUR COMMUNITY AWARDS:
♦ Reading Food Pantry Organizer: Barbara Boucher. Mrs. Boucher lives right down the street.
She is someone who doesn’t think it is fair for people to go hungry and so she helps collect
food that can be given to those who need it. She organizes the Reading Food Pantry, a place
where people can bring food and supplies to share. The Food Pantry is also a place where
people can volunteer and help out. There are many jobs to be done: collecting food, sorting
food, and storing food. She is a Pillar of Our Community and someone who needs our help.
We are very glad that she could join us to accept all of the food and supplies that you all have
brought in.
♦ SPECIALISTS and AIDES receive new Pillar Tee Shirts.
PILLAR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (FAIRNESS)
♦ FAIRNESS DISPLAY CASE: First Grade Girl Scout Troop #3718 shared their thoughts
about Fairness.
♦ 2nd grade girl scout troop #3713 helped us collect 617 coats for homeless people who
otherwise might freeze.
♦ The Wolf Cub Scouts of Den 4 (Pack 735) cleaned up the backyard area of the school
(Haverhill Street side) as part of their work towards learning about recycling and the
environment.
♦ Thank you to Mrs. McGlane for designing the front Bulletin Board and to all of the Killam
Students who cut out pictures for it.
♦ Thank you to the parents who helped with the preparation of the Assembly and provided
teacher treats, including Lisa Johnson, Dawn Greenwood, Cindy Ryan, Lorraine Willwerth;
Mary Bishop, Kathi Scali, Paula Perry; Betsy Schneider; Nancy Benjamin ; Ann Powers;
Cindy Dixon; Joan Clark; Lori Burke; Diane Amerault; Mary Beth McDonald; and Johanna
Christopoulos.
RESPECT ASSEMBLY
Theme: Respecting the Needs of Others
Date: Monday, April 5th
at 9AM

10. Pillar Of Our Community Award to: State Police Sergeant, Daniel Clark
2nd
Grade Teacher Liaison: Cory Gabel
Lead Pillar Parent: Kelley Sheridan
Song: “Expect Respect”
Collections: African Orphanage/Cheetah Conservation Fund
Note: Sgt. Clark is glad to return, especially during less busy months ie: Jan/Feb/Mar.
PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKERS (RESPECT)
♦ Second graders adopted an orphanage in South Africa where a teacher’s daughter and J.W.
Killam alumnae is currently studying and volunteering. Jill Macari is volunteering with
Habitat for Humanity to build a new home for the Baphumelele Orphanage in Khayelitshya.
Jill wrote to the J.W. Killam children, sending them pictures of both the orphanage and the
children with whom she was working. To help, the second graders decorated collection cans
and visited every classroom presenting the needs of the orphanage.
♦ Our second grade students collected over $1700. Teacher Karen Macari delivered this to the
Orphanage during Spring Break. With the J.W. Killam money, the orphanage was not only
able to buy new coats for every child, as well as new appliances, they also received
additional help from local businesses. Jill sent pictures back to the school of the African
children reveling in their new clothes, along with thank you notes. Our students learned that
“they are part of a larger global community that needs their help.” They learned that they not
only helped with their donations, but also through their spirit of giving. When others in the
African community learned about the collection made by our second graders, others were
inspired to donate.
♦ PILLAR OF OUR COMMUNITY
♦ Sergeant Daniel Clark has been with the Massachusetts State Police since 1985. He is also
known as “The Singing Trooper.” Through his singing, he teaches us about RESPECT and
PRIDE for our flag and our country. He also served our country in the United States Marine
Corps for four years.
♦ Sgt. Daniel Trooper performs. In his gorgeous tenor voice, he bellowed out lessons about
respect of flag, other nationalities, and freedom.
PILLAR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (RESPECT)

11. ♦ Thanks to Second Graders: Bridget Cannon, Danny, Eric, Nick, MiKayla, and Lea for
designing the Respect Display Case.
♦ Thanks to Mrs. Burgoyne’s class who have written letters to Servicemen.
♦ Thanks to Tori and Sarah for cutting out Respect pictures.
♦ Thanks to Mrs. Hanifin’s class for their efforts to help the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
♦ Special thanks to Pillar Parent Kelley Sheridan, who organized today’s treats in the teacher’s
lounge. Thank you to all the parents who provided treats today, including: Sue DiAmbrosio,
Mary Beth McDonald, Cheryl Green, Sue Owrutsky, Kathy Scali, Janice Johnson, Catherine
Austein, Lisa Bellino Johnson, Karen Powers, and Johanna Christopoulos.

12. TRUSTWORTHINESS ASSEMBLY
Theme: ‘Our Heroes’
Date: Thursday, May 6th
at 1:30 PM.
Pillar Of Our Community Awards to: J.W. Killam Teachers
Third Grade Teacher Liaison: Nancy Sweeney
Lead Pillar Parents: Paula Pacitto; Theresa Sciarappa
Song: “Lean on Me”
Slide Show: “Our Heroes”
Slide Show: ‘Make Way for Killam Ducklings’
Collection: Hat Day for Reading Food Pantry
PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKERS (TRUSTWORTHINESS)
For homework and in class, the third graders wrote about their heroes – what people in their life
are trustworthy? All of their essays were mounted and displayed around the walls of the
cafetorium where the Assembly takes place. They stayed there until the end of the year. Some
essays were read to the school by the author as the student body listened attentively.
Students who read their Essays:
Samantha
Matt
Victoria
Lucy
Jack
Abigail
Sara
Jackson
Becky
Sarah
Michael
Allison.
The students also brought in photos of their heroes. These pictures were transformed into a
slide show that played as the third graders sang “Lean on Me.”
Pillars of Our Community honored were the teachers. As the Principal stated “…You do your
best for us each and everyday, for that we are grateful. Thank you for helping us to make a
difference! You are our role models and true Pillars of Character.” Their Awards read: “You
are honest in your words and actions. You keep your promises. You stand up for your beliefs
and do what is right. You do your best for our school community each and every day.”

13. To reinforce the concrete understanding of their philanthropy during the previous Pillar
of Respect, second grade teacher, Mrs. Macari brought back pictures from Africa, and
addressed the school community – sharing the good will that our students spread to the
other side of the world!
THE PILLARS COMMUNITY HOSTS MOTHER DUCK:
As a special bonus, and in reflection of the Pillars of Character at work in our school, we
had a special last minute addition to this Trustworthiness Assembly. A month or so
before the Assembly, a mother duck had built a nest in front of the entry door to the
school. Despite the fact that this was a very busy thoroughfare, all of the community (550
children, families, and staff) worked hard to respect her space and needs, leaving her
alone to sit on her eggs. When the eggs hatched, the students quietly watched, never
disturbing her or her babies. Thanks to the creativity, flexibility, and insight of our
teachers, some of the classes even did observations, research, and writing related to
ducks.
The morning of the Assembly was when mother duck decided to lead her babies out of
their nest and towards the wetlands. Fortunately, many of us were there to watch. One
parent actually had a video camera. In a matter of hours, through the help of many
parents and staff, a slide show with video was pulled together so that all of the children
could see the results of their respect and trustworthiness: Mother duck and her six
ducklings waddling safely away. Even our crossing guard was included in the Assembly
to reap the sweet rewards of doing the right thing and respecting the mother duck’s space
and needs.
PILLAR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (TRUSTWORTHINESS)
♦ TRUSTWORHINESS DISPLAY CASE: Brownie Troop 3704 led by Cathy Juliano
♦ J.W. Killam Junior Girl Scout Troop 1284 organized a large-scale community service
project, to earn their Bronze Award. Together, they planned a Hat Day and with your
help collected more than 4 van loads of food to benefit the Reading Food Pantry.
Thank you to Troop Leaders Darcy Hildreth and Heather Cruickshanks.
♦ Thank you to the parents who helped with the preparation of the Assembly and
provided teacher treats today, led by Paula Pacitto and Theresa Sciarappa and
including Liz Connery; Cindy Dixon; Robin Foley; Cheryl Green; Dawn Greenwood;
Niloo Hennings; Barbara King; Debbie Reed; Cindy Ryan; Kelly Sheridan; Lorraine
Willwerth.

14. CARING ASSEMBLY
Theme: ‘What it means to Care!’
Date: Tuesday, June 1st
at 9AM.
Pillar Of Our Community Awards to: Joe Haungs
Kindergarten Aides
Kindergarten Liaison: Maria Simon
Lead Pillar Parents:
Song: Caring
Slide Show: Kindergartners Showing They Care!
PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKERS (CARING)
Together, the parents and teachers took pictures of the children behaving in Caring ways
and pulled them together into a slide show. Their actions became a lesson on what it
means to care. The kindergartners modeled how Caring means taking care of their
friends, waiting their turns, sharing their toys, listening to others, and more.
Because the slide show could not show all of the Kindergartners, all of the pictures with
their Caring explanations are displayed on the Pillars of Character Bulletin Board in the
Media Center for parents and children to peruse at their leisure. These will be displayed
through the beginning of school next year so that the new first graders will find their
faces as a part of the school community when they arrive in the Fall. Caring is all around
us at the J.W. Killam School.
Presentation of ‘Pillar of Our Community’ Award for Caring: Joe Haungs. Joe is J.W.
Killam parent and owner of Cherished Moments Video. He has graciously donated his
services for four years to videotape each and every assembly. He has also videotaped the
fifth grade videos, school plays, and other school events. Through his work, parents and
students have been enabled to watch the assemblies on RCTV and see what our children
learn at the assemblies.
Kindergarten Educational Assistants for their patience, kindness and caring.
Linda Barrett
Barbara King
Mary Beth Hunt
Nancy O’Soro
Christine Mooney
Laura Farrell

15. PILLAR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (CARING)
♦ Thanks to all the parents who provided treats for the Caring Assembly, including Elaine
Panneton, Lucia Corbett, Kelley Sheridan, Catherine Austein, Cathy Rigney, Lorraine
Willwerth, Niloo Hennings and Kirsten Tzianabos.
♦ Special thanks to Sue Owrutsky Berman and Lucia Corbett for taking great photographs for
the slide show at the Kindergarten Caring Assembly.
♦ Thanks to student volunteers for decorating the Caring Display Case: Caroline, Zach ,
Marybeth, Tucker, Hannah, Mia, Rachel, Jason, and Nick.
♦ BLACK RIBBON AWARDS: Elena Raucci presented a certificate to David and Michael for
earning the Recorder Black Ribbon. Caring also means taking the time to reach your goals
by working hard and practicing.
YEAR-END PILLARS ACKNOWLEGEMENTS
Special thanks to the following people who have helped in so many ways, all year long, with the
Pillars of Character Assemblies:
♦ Elaine Hondorf and Meg Powers who have helped with equipment, photographs and
preparations for slide show presentations.
♦ Thanks to Mrs. Raucci for teaching our students songs from A Better You, A Better Me
music collection.
♦ Thanks to all the school’s teachers, staff, and specialists who have gone above and beyond to
plan and implement memorable Assemblies that will encourage our children to strive to be
Pillars of Character.
♦ Thank you to Joe Haungs of Cherished Moments Video yet again for skillfully and
graciously donating his services to videotape and help share the Assemblies with our greater
J.W. Killam and Reading Community. Welcome to Cathy Juliano who has agreed to take
over the videotaping for next year’s assemblies.