Lower School
April 2012
Dear Lower School Families:
Where has the year gone? Not only have I been asking myself this question, I've been hearing others asking it, too! It seems like we were just gathering in Gym C for our community expectations celebration . . . and here we are, thinking about how to end the year with gusto!
Earlier this month, we gathered our fourth graders together in the Theatre to talk about their responsibilities as we head into the final ten weeks of school. As fourth graders and the "senior" students in the division, they have the opportunity to model their leadership skills for their younger peers. What was our message? Four simple ideas: (1) Work hard -- do your personal best, (2) Think before you act -- use good judgment, (3) Demonstrate responsible behavior -- every action has a consequence, and (4) Enjoy the end of the year -- look back with fond memories of how the year ended for you. As I've though about it, not only was this a significant message for our fourth graders, but also it is important for all of our students. When the sun is shining into the night, the weather is calling to be outside, and the chirping of birds sings into our classrooms, it is easy to get distracted. But, the end of the year is too important to let go of . . . let's help our students make it their personal best right through June 4.
I'm so proud of our teachers and students! You've likely heard the big news of the morning . . . Carol Grams was honored with the Burnet Faculty Chair in recognition of her outstanding teaching and contribution to the lives of our students and our school. With this honor, Carol will have an exceptional opportunity to pursue her development as an artist. Additionally, Mackenzie Oakes, Megan Deutschman, and Marna McMurry have all come into our classrooms just in the last two weeks and our students "haven't missed a beat" in these transitions. Jackie Keepers coordinated another week of "earthly consciousness", Patty Flakne and Emily Jones have arranged three wonderful author visits, and our PE team is training student runners for the 2K Get in Gear Fun Run. Every young artist in Lower School is featured in this year's Art Show, docents at the MIA commented on how engaged our kindergartners were at the museum, fourth graders will prepare to package meals at Feed My Starving children in a few weeks and our Breck Chess team competed in the statewide chess tournament this past weekend. Congratulations to our primary division for capturing 6th place in the state! Just the other day, I passed by a group of first graders, each with a small notebook around his/her neck. "What are you writing in your notebooks?" I asked. "I'm writing down ideas for my writing,"one student exclaimed! I continued on, marveling at how engaged in learning our children are . . . even in the hallways!
Each year, I invite parents to provide input into the class placement process for their children. If you wish to share your thoughts with me, please send me a letter or email by Thursday, May 3. A few important things to remember:
- Please write your child's name and grade next year at the top of the letter. *If writing about more than one child, please use a separate letter for each student.
- Share insights about friendships to foster or separate, your child's learning style or temperament, and the type of environment your child thrives in.
- Remember that letters requesting specific teachers will not be considered.
- Several factors are taken into consideration as teachers and the administrative team place students into next year's classes. Thank you, in advance, for trusting our judgment and decisions.
There is much to do in the remaining weeks of school. Students have projects to complete, books to read, stories to write, and the "2012 Olympics" to participate in with vigor! Special events on the calendar include the Art Show, field trips and class picnics, staff and volunteer appreciation weeks, Book Week, the kindergarten movie, our 4th grade dinner and celebration, and portfolio sharing. Our year culminates with Lower School Closing Exercises, which is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at 11:00 am - reception to follow. This is a semi-dressy event (non-uniform) for our students. We hope to have another "full house" as parents celebrate the end of the school year with us.
Best regards,
Peg Bailey
Lower School Director
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