Gratitude
Dear Families,
Thank you so much for the welcome back. It has been terrific catching up with faculty and students, and I look forward to hearing from you. Beginning November 30 through Dec. 4, I will host an informal morning coffee in the cafeteria for Ninth Grade parents and for parents of new students from 7:45-8:15. If you are new to the community, feel free to drop in and say hello.
From what I have heard, our new Ninth Grade class is fantastic. All of their teachers are impressed with the level of engagement, their passion, interest, creativity and energy. From what I have seen so far, we do have an exceptional group. On Friday, I will host a pizza party for the Ninth Grade with Grade Dean Margaret to begin to get to know the class a bit better.
It has been great catching up with the other classes, also. I have been grateful to see our students in action this week, starting with the amazing play, “The Spirit of the Lenape” written and directed by Meghan Farley-Astrachan. Then yesterday, the community was fortunate to experience an inspirational assembly presentation by the “Fierce and Fabulous” Feminism English class. The group, members of the Class of 2010 and 2011, Frank Shanley, Zoe Lubin-Fosha, Ayana Workman, Chloerose Bree-D’Orazio, Chappell Laird, Chelsea Dalessandro, Jake Goodman, Sonrisa Murrary-Fox, Jenny Sonenberg, led by instructor Ileana Jimenez, informed the high school on the continuing serious problem of child trafficking here in New York City and in the United States. They presented their findings and introduced outreach workers from the organization, GEMS, Girls Education and Mentoring Services, who participated in the Q&A. When the community was asked why we should care about this issue, Julian Pratt, ’12, responded, “If we don’t care, that says something about our humanity. No matter where this is happening in the world, it is not acceptable for us to accept that it is.”
The class is accepting donations of winter clothing, toiletries, hygiene products, baby items and children’s clothes and toys for GEMS. There is a box in the lobby until December 14. From Ileana Jimenez:
If you feel further inspired, you can host a screening of the film Very Young Girls in your own home by ordering the film via Netflix and inviting friends over to watch and donate. Proceeds from your house party would go directly to GEMS. Information here: http://www.gems-girls.org/index.html
At this, the end of the first trimester, students are wrapping up papers, projects and other coursework. Even though there is a significant amount of work, our students continue to be passionate about their classes beyond the school day. This Saturday, thirteen members of Bill Bailey’s Constitutional Law class will be attending The New York City Bar Association Symposium for High School Students ,“My Rights, My Nation: Talking About Constitutional Rights Now and in the Future” from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information please visit their website at http://nycbar.org/myrights.
Finally, today we welcomed back Ella Sauders-Crivello, ’08 and the organization she works for, “Charity:Water”. Again, as with Tuesday’s assembly, students left inspired and encouraged. We hope they consider the wonderful service both GEMS and Charity: Water provide as Community Service Day, Friday, December 11 approaches. Volunteering one’s time can make a huge difference to organizations and individuals. As this is the week before Thanksgiving and the edge of winter, isn’t this a perfect time to reflect on that which we are grateful for, what we have harvested this year? The attached photo is of my son, Penn. Needless to say, I am eternally grateful for him and for the impact he has had on my life.
All the best,
Ruth
Updates and Announcements:
Please look for an email from me on Friday, November 20 regarding the Trimester I exam schedule.
1. From Susan Now, photography teacher about the 2009-2010 Class Photos which are posted on Kodak Gallery:
I received feedback from parents that when they ordered prints of the class photos, Kodak cropped the photos. I re-uploaded the photos so that when and if they order, they will not re-size–just a little footnote, after ordering prints, there is a chance to view and crop the image, Here- -in this dialogue box, you can click onto a setting that says Print Entire Image. This should take care of any issues.
2. Honors Project proposals for Trimester 2 are due to Ruth December 14, 2009. This opportunity is open to all students who are good standing academically and want to add to their academic challenge. Questions? Please ask your child’s advisor or class dean!
3. Is your child interested in working as a babysitter? Afterschool helper? Homework helper? Give music lessons? Let Ruth know as the Parent Association and the High School are compiling a list to distribute to families.
4. Red is Green committee update: Climate Quilt Campaign. If your child brought home a quilt square to decorate and write his or her pledge, please return it by Friday, November 20. You can leave it at the reception desk. The Climate Quilt is being created by children from all over the world and will be displayed at the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen next month.
Ink Cartridges: Next week will be the last week to turn in your empty ink cartridges to be recycled. Every year in the US we throw away over 375 million cartridges. Bins are located by the reception desks at both the high school and 6th Ave.