They’re Off!

On Tuesday, October 9th I watched Kate and Dave’s fourth grade class walk through a crowd of cheering adults to board the bus to Hawthorne Valley Farm. As the bus pulled away from our school building, I was torn between wanting to go along with them to make sure their every need was taken care of and encouraging them to move quickly towards this momentous step of independence.

In the weeks before going to the farm children were given the opportunity to ask questions and talk about the many things they would do on their four day journey. Children didn’t seem to mind the chores described by their teachers—in fact many were looking forward to “working on the farm.” They were ready for the responsibilities of taking care of animals, cooking their own meals and cleaning up after themselves and others. In addition to working, children also wondered if they would have opportunities to play. When we mentioned hikes and teatherball in a beautiful valley surrounded by colorful trees they became excited and felt satisfied that their days would include a balance of work and play. One child asked if there were places where they could “go off” to be alone with their friends, while others asked if they could bring a stuffed animal. Each question demonstrated the triumph and challenge of our fourth graders who are our elders of the lower school and at the same time still stretching themselves to grow beyond their formative years.

The farm trips give children the opportunity to try out new foods—all of the meals are vegetarian. Some children will jump at this new challenge, others will have to be encouraged. Who knows? Kate and Dave might even bring home a couple of “new” vegetarians. As principal I have had to take a number of “brave tastes” of my own. I’ve had smoothies made by  kindergartners and skin colored cookies with raisins for a mouth and M& M’s for eyes.

Watching our children try new things has given me the courage to take risks myself and grow in ways that I never thought possible. I often take notice of children in the cafeteria or in the halls and have realized that our children model good behavior for us. I encourage you to take notice of the ways your children talk about things like respect, honesty, friendship, fairness and community. Often they are modelling values that we cherish but have lost for the moment and all it takes is some time with our children to get back the balance in life that we all need and want.

Be proud of your children—they have taken big steps this week towards becoming independent adults who I’m sure will positively contribute to the world.

– Sharon

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Afterschool’s First Friday: This Friday, October 12th is Afterschool’s First Friday with special guest, Ali Moran. Ali will share dances and music from Aztec and Mayan cultures, which have been handed down through generations of his family in Mexico. Please join us in the Physical and Performing Arts Space at 4:15 to experience this unique art form. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend. Call the Afterschool office at extension 239 with any questions.

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School Picture Day is this coming Monday, 10/15! Coffee Pond Photography will be taking individual portraits of each student and each class. In case of inclement weather, pictures will be taken on 10/29; portraits will be taken indoors in case of inclement weather. You then will receive proofs in the mail directly from Coffee Pond and you may choose which photograph you like best. All orders must be placed online using the Coffee Pond website after photo day. To geth the best photo of your child, please make sure they are dressed appropriately that day. If you have any questions, you can email Coffee Pond at lifeguards@coffeepond.com or call 800.635.2323 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.

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Trick or Treat! As a school community effort, LREI is again collecting money for UNICEF during the Halloween season. Those handy recognizable UNICEF boxes have already been distributed by your child’s classroom teacher and should be coming home in backpacks this week. Please click here for detailed information about the drive; boxes should be returned to either your classroom or to Kim Cherubin in the Sixth Avenue building by Monday, November 5.

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Music Assemblies, First – Fourth Grades: The Lower School Assemblies are a wonderful opportunity for parents to see the concepts and songs learned in music class. Rhythm, melody, harmony, form as well as creative movement and interpretive listening will showcase the grade level assemblies. Parents, please join us and be prepared to participate! – Ledell Mulvaney, Music Teacher

  • Second Grade, Wednesday, 10/24 at 8:45am: “Children’s Song Games from Around the World”
  • Third Grade, Wednesday, 10/31 at 8:45am: “Music Has Motion!”
  • Fourth Grade, Wednesday, 11/14 at 8:45am: “Keep the Beat”
  • First Grade, Wednesday, 12/1 at 8:45am: “The Opposites in Music”

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Coat Drive for St. John’s Church – October 22-26: In conjunction with the Middle School, we are holding our annual coat and outerwear drive for the clients of the St. John Food Pantry. The church has asked that we focus on larger sizes this year- older teen and adult. They would also welcome men’s pants, jeans as well as new (packaged) underwear for both men & women. Please bring your clean and gently used donations to Matthew’s room (in the Middle School, push “2” in the elevator) beginning Monday, October 22.

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PARENT MEETINGS & EVENTS

  • Monday, 10/15: Photo Day
  • Tuesday, 10/16: Alison & Lisa’s 3rd grade Farm Trip (returning on Friday, 10/19) and Gwen & Becka’s 4th grade Farm Trip (returning on Friday, 10/19)
  • Wednesday, 10/17 at 8:30am: Learn your Library presentation, Sixth Avenue (click here for pdf invitation)
  • Thursday, 10/18 at 8:45am: LS Parent Rep meeting
  • Friday, 10/19 at 8:45am: Halloween Fair Meeting
  • Saturday, 10/20 at 7PM: The Coffee House at Charlton Street

LOWER SCHOOL NOTES

  • Gina & Emily’s First Grade: Click here for the October letter and here for a letter about math
  • Jamie & Bonnie’s First Grade: Click here for the October letter
  • Jackie & Dot’s Second Grade: Click here for a letter about reading
  • Tasha & Rebecca’s Second Grade: Click here for a letter about reading and here for a note about spelling

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