August 27, 2024

Dear Families,

Very early on the final Monday in August, I walked into every classroom in our school.  Ten days before teachers were required to come to work, every classroom has had its furniture thoughtfully arranged. 

These photos tell so much.  Yes, of course – you’re seeing teachers’ commitment and work ethic.   You’re also seeing how systematically they plan.  In June, teachers wrapped and labeled every shelf to keep materials organized during summer cleaning. Now, all of the materials can slide neatly into place for children to use on the first day of school.

Where teachers place furniture influences how students move, talk, and work together.  Every classroom layout has something new this year.  For example, Andrea and Grace created a new meeting space so each teacher can work with half of the class.  Kiyah and Cecilia wanted students to listen more to each other during whole-class discussion; they moved their SmartBoards and meeting areas to a corner where students would have to sit closer together.  Marilyn moved her entire block area to a part of the room where it could expand, just in case this year’s students build larger structures.  Essentially, all teachers spent part of their summertime developing a new layout to support learning.

On Monday morning a teacher and a student from the charter school upstairs visited our floor. Stopping at an open doorway, the student whispered, “This is a really cool-looking classroom.”  His teacher called him to keep walking, but he stayed in the classroom doorway, staring.  This was not his class or even his school, but the kid was enthralled, for a good reason: it is a “really cool-looking classroom.” 

Imagine how much cooler it will be next week, when our own students walk in for the first time. 

These are classrooms designed for children.  Care with the layout shows care for students. For all of this summertime work, thank you, teachers.

Four Things Before School

Before the first day of school, please catch up on these four things.

First, if you are looking for an after-school program and don’t have one yet, read this letter. Please apply for after-school as soon as you can to make sure your child gets a space.

Second, complete this year’s emergency contact form. Thank you to everyone who has done so already. We really need this information before the first day.

Third, review our family handbook. The handbook provides lots of information families want to know.

Finally, be sure you have this year’s school calendar.

Welcome Potluck - Tuesday, September 3 - 5:45 - 7:30

Our welcome-back potluck is coming up before the first day of school. Sign up here to bring a dish.

Children love the potluck because they can see old friends (or make new ones) while they play on the school yard. Adults also greet (or meet) each other while the children are playing. It’s a great way to get ready for the first day of school.

I hope to see your family there.