34 / matters magazine / school 2026
Tuscan Elementary School: 
The Tuscan Dell
The Dell is a peaceful grassy amphitheater that 
has been used as an outdoor classroom, perfor­
mance space and playground over the years. It sits 
along the brook (fenced off obviously!) and in 2024 
was renovated by Keegan Bohlman as a project to 
help earn his Eagle Scout Award, He wanted the Dell 
to continue to be enjoyed by future students for edu­
cational and theater programs. 
~Maureen Davenport, principal
Seth Boyden Elementary School: 
Lunchroom Mural
Seth Boyden School has several murals in the 
building, but the one in the cafeteria was the first. 
Painted by Jess Cabato, it ties in to our outdoor learn­
ing classroom and strawberry fields garden that are 
unique to Seth Boyden. Given the nature of upkeep, 
school buildings can be very utilitarian and drab, but 
this gorgeous mural is anything but plain. It has suc­
ceeded in transforming the lunchroom into a warm 
and kid-friendly space to eat lunch. 
~Shannon Glander, principal
Through the Eyes of Children
Every day, our children walk through the doors of their elementary schools into 
places where they learn, grow, explore and build lasting memories. What captures 
their curiosity? What helps them feel welcome and safe? Matters Magazine invited 
the principals of our elementary schools to share a special place or feature that 
reflects the heart of their school. Discover what they chose and how these spaces 
or features help shape the experiences of the children who learn there.
South Mountain Elementary 
School: 
Physical Education 
Superhero T-shirts
South Mountain school offers special 
physical education T-shirts featuring the 
PE superheroes PE Seidon and Meduso­
mething. When kids wear these shirts, they 
earn the power to "whoosh" their PE teach­
ers. Whooshing gives kids the power to re­
quest that the PE teachers complete a fun 
physical challenge, such as running in place, 
doing push-ups or jumping jacks. The shirts 
turn every PE class into an interactive ad­
venture where students and teachers stay 
active together while having fun with the 
superhero theme. Every kid has access to 
the shirts via the PTA store, SMS Swap page 
or through the school social worker. No one 
is left out of the fun! 
~Dara Gronau, principal

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