Dear Friends. It’s Monday, September 10, 2012 and it’s another hot one! Thanks to all of you who donated fans so we can try to stay cool as we move forward! And we are moving forward! Looking ahead at things to come, I can’t help but look behind to marvel at all we’ve accomplished in such a short time. The children are amazing and though transitions will always bring up lots of feelings as we adjust to our new surroundings, the bumps in this start of our journey are leveling out quite nicely.
On Tuesday of this week, we have Back to School Night for the East Wingers that is always a fun gathering. It’s a time when the teachers can share their goals and the work that is inspired by the children.
Stuart Grant is also back and begins his sound/music explorations with the children and teachers on Wednesday mornings. Like Ilaan, Stuart works with the teachers and a small group of children to bring his experience with music to the classroom. It’s another language and one that is valued throughout every day and we are excited to keep learning together this year.
And for those of you who signed up for Peggy’s Gymtastics, she begins her first class on Wednesday afternoon. So, indeed, we are busy.
On Thursday and Friday of this week, Kris and I will be attending a conference at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico (google it and you’ll find it was the inspiration for Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings) with several colleagues from our local Reggio-inspired schools. It is a reunion, of sorts, of the people with whom we collaborated in 2008 as part of a Five State (Arizona, California, New Mexico, Illinois, and Missouri) Study Tour in Reggio Emila, Italy. It was a memorable learning experience both professionally and personally and because of a grant that was written by Ellen Khokha, who was the Executive Director at The Growing Place at the time, and fundraising from the parents, all the teachers who were working at NSW then were able to travel to Reggio, visit the schools, and learn from teachers and leaders who continue to inspire us in this amazing work. It was there that we began our relationship with Jennifer Strange. The goal of the weekend together (besides enjoying and learning about the beautiful setting of Ghost Ranch) is to share the contexts of our work since our trip together in 2008, to exchange challenges and hopes for our work, and prepare for our next steps together. I’m excited that Jennifer will be there to share her experience at NSW.
Speaking of Jennifer Strange. . . how proud I was that she was able to meet you all at our Parent Partners meeting. She’s promised to write her reflections about the evening which (can I just say?!) blew her away! To see how parents can be such a positive part of how a program runs is something for which a lot of schools strive. It was such a joy for me to be a part of such an experience that was filled with genuine caring and camaraderie. . . all while getting things done! Thanks, again, to Jonathan and Laurie, our fantastic Parent Ambassadors, who continue to lead us into another successful year and to all of you who eagerly chose committees ready to work to support the school. We surely cannot do it alone!
I have to make a change to the calendar. Please note that our “What is the Reggio approach?” that was scheduled for Tuesday, October 2nd, is now on Thursday, October 4th. Note, however, that Ellen Khokha and I will be doing a four part Reggio series at NSW for colleagues and parents who want to get into a deeper dialogue. That series is on September 25th, October 2nd, 9th, and 23rd and there is a cost (flier on the door). The evening on October 4th is just for our NSW parents and there is no cost. We will provide child care. Look for sign ups for that on the door, as well.
On Wednesday evening, September 19th, we will be hosting the ECE 21 class from Santa Monica College. The class is an introduction to curriculum and the focus is on environment as an ecology of wonder, experimentation, surprise. The environment as the third teacher. It’s always a great experience to share what we do at NSW with students who are learning new approaches to the development of young children. We are happy to welcome our SMC intern students this semester. Christopher and Ji are mentoring with Amy and Natalie and Priscilla are mentoring with Flora. They are in the observation mode right now but already the children know they are here to learn and support them. Their photos will be posted in the hallway for you to meet.
The Pasta Making fundraiser in our NSW kitchen is rescheduled for Thursday, October 18th. Our new Culinary Appreciation Committee is on a roll with plans for some great connections to food and growing and this is their first event to raise funds for our Farmers’ Market trips that are scheduled for Friday mornings. So be sure to check out that information as it goes out. It’s all good!!
Look for Parent-Teacher Conference signups soon. The teachers will begin meeting with the parents in the West Wing on September 25th. The East Wing will be starting their meetings on November 6th. Always know, however, that the teachers, Kris and I are always available to connect with you at anytime. Don’t wait for a conference date if you have something on your mind right now. We want to keep communicating and we need you to let us know how we can support you.
See you at the Book Fair on Saturday, September 22nd, from 9:00 to 2:00. It’s always a fun family day.
Don’t forget. . . .early pick up (12:15) on Friday, September 28th.
And so. . . It’s Monday, September 10th. There it is! Enjoy your week. xoxoxoRoleen