It’s my birthday so thanks for indulging me a few (well, maybe many) Roleen’s Words!
First, I just want to say “thanks” again to Leah and the Fundraising Committee for an outstanding Havana Nights. Word is we brought in $31,645.00 and we couldn’t have done it without all your enthusiasm, energy and very hard work. Those of us who came were immediately drawn into the party, ready to dance and have fun. I’m sure I’m not the only one wishing I had one of those mojitos in my hand, as we speak. 700 hand squeezed limes (thank you, Michael, for the correction!) never tasted so good.
With the help of the Beautification Committee and specifically Pablo, Jacki, and Caroline, we are looking forward to spending our money earned on our kitchen/staff workroom remodel. Plans have been drawn up and revisited and bids are starting to come in. It is our goal to begin demolition the weekend our summer vacation begins. With that, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU ENOUGH TIME TO PLAN ALTERNATIVE CHILD CARE DURING THOSE THREE WEEKS SINCE WE WON’T BE ABLE TO HAVE SUMMER CAMP WHICH WE DID LAST YEAR. We’ve tried to brainstorm alternatives but making this decision seems the best for us and we appreciate your understanding. We’re excited about the possibilities of what this remodel will bring to support the teachers’ work and we look forward to the new school year with our new, more organized space.
Our next fundraiser is on for May 22nd so mark your calendars now for our annual Comedy Night. It’s a five year tradition (or is it more?) and even though Greg Fitzsimmons and Zoe Friedman are grads, they are on board to keep this tradition a night of crazy laughter. It’s not for the weak at heart but if you’re up for a little blue humor look for details and plan to have a lot of fun. It will be at Magicopolis in Santa Monica this year so it should be another great event. Details to come.
Awhile back I wrote to let you know that Kris and I will be two of 15 local educators and ECE college professors who will be a part of a special tour to study the schools in Pistoia, Italy. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be amongst colleagues who are inspired by this work in Reggio Emilia and to be together to dialogue how we can continue this approach to learning in our own schools. The study tour is the week of April 11th which is the week before Spring Break. I’ve decided to leave a week earlier to take some time to be with a friend (I’m calling it a birthday gift to myself ). I will return on the 21st during Spring break. Until then, there’s lots to do:
March 28th: (6:00 to 8:30): Jody (Ila’s mom) was so inspirational at our Reggio teacher retreat with her felting workshop that we’ve decided to invite her to come and teach us how to do it. Have you seen the children’s work? Unbelievable! For $25, you can come and have dinner with us, sip some wine, and learn how to “felt”. It will be a night for adults only and we know it’s last minute but if you can come, let us know so we can count you in the numbers.
March 30th at 9:00 am: Libby Bourne will be here to take class photos of the EW children. We will be scheduling the WW class photos at a later date and will keep you posted for that. Thursday, the 31st will be Stella’s and Margot’s last day so we wanted to get this done for them before they leave. Jacki and the children are moving to Marin County and back to be where their family is. We are sad to say goodbye but know our friendship will keep us bonded.
March 30th (3:30 to 5:00): Parent Enrichment afternoon for EW and WW. Cindy will share the children’s work and enlist your help to support their desire to build a NSW post office. Sign ups on the door.
March 31th (7:00 to 9:00): I’ll be part of a panel of educators who will facilitate a dialogue to discuss the video “The Commercialization of Children” which brings attention to the influences of media on our children’s lives. Information is on the blog and posted on the door. It’s at SMC’s main campus.
April 18th to 23rd is Spring Break. We’ll be painting the insides of the classrooms and getting ready for our new school year. Deposits are all in and the new families are excited to be a part of our great community. We’ll keep you posted as to how you can be a part of our welcoming committee.
So. . . it’s my birthday and I’m coming to school on Friday morning to spend some time with the children. I’m hoping they’ll let me read a couple of books and maybe even sing the rainbow song. I can’t think of a better way to begin my day. xoxoxoRoleen
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