May Day Update

Many thanks to the parents who helped to create May Day costumes and accessories this past Saturday, April 22, in the dining room. I understand from our May Day program director and music teacher Diane Koshi that nearly all the costumes have been completed. Our students have also assumed responsibility for their costumes by making some part of their accessories. Our preschool parents and teachers have been just as busy making stick horses for the preschoolers’ performance number.

Please remember to contact the main office at 441-3801 to let us know if you’ll be attending our May Day celebration on May 5. Include the total number attending and the number of cars you and your friends and family will be driving onto the campus. We need this information so that we can prepare appropriately. Security will direct you to park on the football field.

I’ve spent most of the past few weeks visiting classrooms, something I really enjoy. You’d be amazed at the high level of participation, the quality of discussion, the focus and attention of the students, and the variety of teaching. I observed students explaining math word problems and different ways of solving the problems. In another class, children in a small reading group sat with their teacher making predictions about the text and demonstrated excellent comprehension. In yet another class, children made imaginative characters from special art papers they had created, later to be developed into a story. These scenarios occur throughout the school daily. Many of our students are self-directed learners who are capable of making good choices in the classroom. Credit the faculty, who have a keen understanding of how children learn and are just as excited about learning as the students under their care.

The 4th and 5th graders are nearing completion of weeklong standardized testing using the Stanford Achievement Test. Results will be available in the summer, and teachers will analyze the information to inform areas of focus for next year.

Thank you, parents, for turning in your re-enrollment agreements and reservation deposits. We completed the last round of admission invitations, and as agreed upon by all independent schools, parents have until May 10 to reply to the invitation. We are looking at full enrollment for next year in the preschool and elementary. The middle school and high school are also approaching full enrollment. Yet, even as I write, I know that Ella Browning, associate director of admissions, continues to receive inquiries and takes interested parents on tour of the campus.

You may be wondering why you’re receiving another packet this week. We wanted you to be aware of the logo items available in the bookstore, which is located in front of Bakken Auditorium. Since we were sending the packet home this week, we decided to include a hard copy of this week’s letter. Don’t expect a packet next week! We strongly encourage visiting the website each week for updated information. We only print extra copies of the Thursday letter, available in the elementary office, not classroom weblogs.

Take time with your children to enjoy the fine weather we’ve been experiencing. Get outdoors!

For our children,

Edna L. Hussey
Principal

Posted on April 27, 2006 9:43 AM | Permalink