Week of 10-10-10

Dear Families,

We were so impressed with the turnout for our Sukkot activity on Friday. The kids worked really hard all week learning about the meaning of Sukkot and preparing for the event. It was truly special to see how excited those students who observe the Jewish faith were to share their holiday traditions with us this week. Many eyes were opened to a fantastic cultural observation and it was exciting to see everyone come together. Lessons like this teach the kids much more than just information. It was an opportunity to come together as a group, create and direct their own teaching, and feel how great it is be successful in a team activity. We plan many units like this throughout the year and hope that if families have traditions of their own to share you will let us know.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed to Sukkot in any way, with special thanks to the Eugenie Gedwill and Debbie Oestreich. Eugenie and Debbie organized all the wonderful food you brought in and Debbie arrived at 1:30 to help organize it all.

The next big group event will be the planning of the Halloween Extravaganza. This is quite an event in stage III and is something we will incorporate into our social studies/community building curriculum. What you see on Halloween will be created by the students and worth a trip in to see. We will be asking for some help as the day gets closer especially the hanging of the black plastic around the room. The room reps will be hounding you soon if not already.

This will be another short week for school, with no school on Thursday or Friday. We will see you all at Parent Teacher Conferences. As we prepare for conferences, please keep in mind a few things: Our conferences are mostly ‘back to back’ with many siblings, so we will be running on time. If it is your time, please just knock (Never be bashful about this). Also, be sure to have a conversation with your children before and after you come in to conference, it is important to include them in the process.

Some things to think about as conferences approach:Is there anything that needs clarification?
Is there anything that you want us to know so that we can better understand your child?
How can we support making this a successful school year for your child?
Are there any needs or concerns that should be addressed?

Creating a strong, communicative partnership between school and home is very important to us. We can’t wait for these important moments to celebrate each child with you.

Important upcoming dates:

Monday - Spelling words come home
Tuesday Music Morning
Wed Evening, Oct 13 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thurs, Oct 14 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Fri, Oct 15 - NO SCHOOL
Mon, Oct 18 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS/Professional Development For Staff
Thurs Oct 21 - Empty Bowls/Evening/Watch For Details
Fri, Oct 29 - Halloween Extravaganza
Tues, Nov 16 - Late Start Morning/School Begins At 9:00 a.m.
Wed, Nov 24, Thurs, Nov 25, Fri, Nov 26 - NO SCHOOL/Thanksgiving Break