By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Westborough – The second-grade students from the J. Harding Armstrong Elementary School welcomed parents, siblings and friends to their annual production of “Goin’ Buggy” May 14.
The room was filled to capacity for the 30-minute musical performance, which showcased all of the second-graders portraying ladybugs, fireflies, bees, caterpillars, butterflies, jitterbugs and other familiar insects.
“Goin’ Buggy has been performed by all of the second-graders in the district every year for over 20 years,” explained second-grade teacher Sue Conley. “It’s become a rite of passage for all second graders in Westborough.”
Because the second-graders study insects at the end of the year as part of their science and language arts curriculum, this show is a fun way for them to incorporate some of what they learned in this whimsical show about the insect population asserting their rights in this world.
“We perform the show as a kickoff to the insect unit that we teach,” teacher Cady Spencer said. “The show gets the students excited to learn about all things “creepy-crawly.”
Through a musical sequence, each class, represented by and dressed as a specific bug, made their way to the stage to sing their bug’s song. Songs included “That’s No Way to Treat a Ladybug,” “Fuzzy Little Caterpillar,” “The Buggy Wuggy,” and the beloved “Goin’ Buggy.”
Spencer thanked the parents who helped the children practice all of the songs and memorize their speaking lines at home.
Over a dozen years ago when the Armstrong School became the new third elementary school, there were many parent volunteers that assisted with the costumes as well as the painted mural used in the back of the stage. These items have been so well taken care of that they are still used today for these performances year after year.
“Special thanks also go to the audio video specialist at Westborough High School, Steve Masciarrelli, for his help with the sound system and Karen Henderson from Westborough TV for videotaping,” said Conley.
Second-grade teachers Stephanie Peterson and Spencer acted as co-directors.
Photos/Nance Ebert
