Two Short Videos and a Boondoggle 
A little brick schoolhouse in Ayer, MA exemplifies the story of one town’s dedication to furthering the cause of public education and a later generation’s determination to keep an 1868 schoolhouse alive. 
 
The Sandy Pond Schoolhouse Association has produced two videos, Part 1 & 2, that tell the story of the town, the building of the schoolhouse, some common teaching methods in 19th century country schools, and the resurrection of the schoolhouse following consolidation. They tell a hopeful tale of what can be done by dedicated citizens to save their only remaining schoolhouse as a historic site and community center. Witness the process undertaken over many years to make their dream a reality and see the work still to be accomplished. Enjoy the videos, but be sure to follow up with their latest endeavor.

Sandy Pond shared their videos in 2021 for the CSAA Annual Country School Conference (VIRTUAL DUE TO COVID) as part of our "Easy Chair Tour" of one-room schools. CSAA will follow their story of restoration with our appreciation for their efforts.
 
An Unexpected  Legal Issue for the SPSA! 
Preservationists, just when you think you’ve done everything right, all may not be smooth sailing. The Sandy Pond School Association is currently working to resolve a very interesting legal issue that will be of interest to any group seeking to save a schoolhouse! Read their story…(1-Page PDF)

How They Learned Their ABC's
Stories from one-room school attendees abound, but one newly published compilation emanated from a photo exhibit attended by researcher, Leona Baker. While enjoying the exhibit, she conceived the idea to interview teachers and attendees of one-room schools and that began her eight year research project collecting interviews, photos, and memorabilia for her new book, "How They Learned Their ABC's: The Story of One-Room Public School in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and the Villages They Served."
According to CSAA member, Ginger Shelley, "The authors, Leona Baker and the members of the Historical Society of Salisbury Township, completed a whopping 400-page book, and typical of a production by a small historical society, with not much funding. There is a short history of each of the 32 schools in the township and a rather substantial amount of material dealing with memories and reminiscences from former students."

​The book debuted in July at a book launch at the Annual White Chimneys Living History Event in Gap, PA on July 22, 2023. Leona told the story of one-room public schools in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County and the villages they served. CSAA sends congratulations on a job well done!

​For a detailed article from Town Lively or  a  link to obtain a copy, use the buttons below. 

2024 Conference Flyer for Your Files
The Report Card will keep you up to date on all developments for the CSAA Annual Country School Conference 2024 to be held in Toledo, Ohio. Details will emerge in the weeks ahead but  plans are well on their way. You may click anywhere on the flyer below to access a printable version for your files. We hope to see you all there, old friends and new!

Future updates will include: Registration & pricing information as it becomes available, travel aids, dorm information, keynote speaker information, programming, etc.