Headlines, Kindness and King

Everyday Kindness – Today I was watching your children arrive at school. Some, like Tristen charge off the bus, make a beeline for the door and put themselves inside the building in a matter of seconds. Others like Aria and Sarah White move at a more leisurely pace. They seemed to be at ease as they approached the school. As I was wondering if this was age-related or a predictor of future deportment, a wonderful event unfolded in front of me. Bus #27 pulled up to the curb and opened its doors. Apollo rocketed out of the bus and ran to the front door. However, in the time that it takes to open the door, I watched his face transform from happiness to complete panic. He stopped in his tracks and I could hear “My backpack is on the bus!” as he turned back to run after the now departing bus. I was about to come out and assist when I saw Dagny carrying his backpack in her hand. She stepped in front of Apollo to slow him and held out his bag. Quick as a wink, his face changed again from panic to big smile. He thanked her and Dagny said “You’re welcome” as she went on her way. I continued to watch the parade of students enter the building and I began to take greater notice of the level of kindness that was being demonstrated by all of our students. Doors were being held open for others, “thank you” and “good morning” could be heard and there was a genuine respect given to each person’s unique style of entering the building. Kindness and respect are important for a school and I was glad to have the opportunity to be a witness this morning.

Open House Thanks – We had a great Open House today. Several families came into the school and left quite impressed with our students, teachers, program and community. Thank you all for helping us to spread the word by posting flyers and telling friends. Special thanks to Kara Gehman, Betsy Gamble, Kathy Sakona, Julia Spicher Kasdorf, Lauren Dornell Neal, and Jennifer Borgardt for their help as tour guides.

Reminders
Please see the extensive handout in the Friday folder for all the announcements.

Martin Luther King Day News- King in Montgomery – Ten Years in the Non-violent Civil Rights Movement will be performed by our upper school and the King Chorus at our school on Martin Luther King Day; January 18th at 1:00 PM. We will also be performing a segment of our show at Penn State’s Martin Luther King Celebration on Wednesday evening, January 20th beginning at 6 p.m. in the Eisenhower Auditorium. The event is free for all and tickets are available at the school.

Special Collection – Prior to and after the MLK performance, the school will be taking donations for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Collection tins will be located in the community room and hall ways.

King Choir practice – Will Hancock asked me to extend the invitation for chorus practice to all the singing groups (adult chorus, students, and peace choir) this Sunday, January17th from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. Practice will be held in the Library. Hope to see you there.

Have a safe and healthy weekend.
Dan