We Are So Happy to See You!
Diane & Malika Weekly Letter 9/15/22
Dear families,
Welcome to the 22-23 school year! This is our first of many letters from leadership that we will write this year, in the tradition of Anna Allanbrook’s “weekly letter.” These letters to the community will include updates, reflections, invitations and all sorts of moments for sharing things that connect to and impact our community.
After quite a lovely welcome back week, we must take a moment to lift up our staff who have spent time this summer restoring themselves while preparing to meet your children where they are and guide them with expertise through a school year filled with challenge, growth, joy and discovery. Your children will be loved and cared for and their teaching team will maintain open communication with you over the course of the year. When you have questions about your child, we encourage you to start with this team, as they will come to know your children best.
Walking around the building last week, seeing so many children in their classrooms with their teaching teams, was a sight to behold. While it surely had the energy of the first days of school, filled with care and curiosity, it also had a feeling of being settled in and comfortable. Children were eager to learn more about what this year will hold. The photo on the left shows some questions generated by second graders, wondering what’s to come, knowing that all questions are welcome here. On the right, Pre-K explores chalk.
For Pre-K and Kindergarten families, these first few days include a phase-in schedule to help our littlest ones adjust to this great big building and all the people inside. Those afternoons, teaching teams were able to connect with families for beginning of the year conferences, a time for families to share with school staff about your child. Grades 1-5 will have their 10 minute conferences over the next week - be sure to double check the schedule in your summer packet, and let your teacher know if you need help to confirm your time slot. During these conversations, we invite you to share about your child’s school and home experience - Who are they as a learner? What excites them? What makes them nervous? What helps them feel calm?
The next important date for your calendars is Curriculum Night, an event organized by your child’s grade level team. The teachers will share an overview of the year with you, opening a window into the year your child has just begun. They’ll share about the curriculum across subject areas (and as you’ll hear, many are deeply woven together), trips and special grade level activities, and more. Do try your best to attend this foundational meeting.
We are so happy to see you, to share space with you, to learn from and with you as this year unfolds!
Until next time,
Diane and Malika
PTA Newsletter (coming this weekend)
Check the website calendar and the Konstella calendar for updates:
