Friday Newsletter - September 2
Wow, was the weather a challenge this week! Between tropical rainstorms, brutal heat waves, and chilly sweatshirt weather mornings we saw it all. What an amazing job the students and staff did to roll with the changes and keep focused on our jobs here. I know it wasn’t easy, and I thank you for your perseverance.
This week I was lucky enough to spend some time with the first graders, reading a book called Norman Didn’t Do It (spoiler alert; I think maybe Norman did do it…). I loved those few minutes sharing a story and hearing their predictions about what would happen next. We even decided there absolutely must be a sequel, and it turns out that Rashid is going to write it. He’s got a title in mind and everything! I can’t wait to read it. While I was with the class they taught me a very cool breathing technique to settle myself into a calm space. First, we took a very long breath in as we smelled the roses, then we gently blew out the birthday candles. What a simple concept, and so easy to do. Give it a try, you might find out that the first graders are onto something.
This afternoon was our first Student of the Month assembly. I cannot tell you how amazing it was to gather, as an entire school community, in one place, and celebrate each other. COVID had altered the way we teach and learn so much that many of us had forgotten the sheer pleasure of something so simple. And, some of the younger students had never experienced it at all. We made up for it today. Congratulations to all of the students who were recognized for their accomplishments, whether it was academic, social, or effort. (We even had a double winner this month. Way to go, Charlie!) We are so proud of all of you!
There’s so much goodness out there, and I am pleased to say that much of it happens right within our walls. I am so glad to be a part of it. I hope you are, too. Have yourselves a wonderful long weekend, and enjoy the last bits of summer! See you on Tuesday!