A good week of school, a sad week for dogs

Headlines - October 1, 2010

This has been a fabulous Friday. The K/1 classrooms are making all sorts of treats with the apples they harvested on their field trip to Tait Farms on Tuesday. This morning, the students and teachers were busy coring, peeling and cooking all those apples into some delicious pies and fruit chews. Teacher Nick has become Mrs. Jewels the teacher and the rest of the class has taken on the personas of various characters in the book, Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Truly Wacky. And finally, the all-school Field Day was a big hit. Thanks to all the middle school students who worked this week to set up and run the activities for the rest of the school.

This Monday when I woke up my little buddy, Duke the dachshund, was sleeping at my feet. His breathing was steady but labored. I woke him from his slumber and took him outside. He did his business and with a flash of youth, skittered back up the steps and into the house for breakfast, just part of the morning routine. Shortly afterwards, I found him on the couch gasping for breath. Apparently, the rush to the house and vigorous eating was all he could stand. Duke left us soon afterward.
That evening, we buried him in our backyard and held a simple ceremony of thanks.

Duke was over ten years old and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure last May. He had been struggling lately and spent Saturday day and night at the vet. This was stressful for all and we were glad that he was well enough to come home on Sunday morning. We all spent a restful day at home. Having that last Sunday at home to enjoy each other’s company for one more day turned out to be the best gift we could have hoped for. Somewhere there is a lesson in this and I’m not sure how to express it exactly but I feel it may have to do with taking the time for the simple enjoyment of others. These are the memories that last. I will remember the Dukester kindly.

Teacher Nick’s dog continued his exciting and heartbreaking ways this week. On Monday, he managed to push his way out of the classroom and set us all off on a wild and wooly search. Despite being hobbled by a serious leg injury, Tito easily eluded us for places unknown. The class came together quickly to brainstorm ideas to find Tito. Before the end of the day, flyers were made and hung, local vets were notified, and many students, parents and bus drivers were enlisted in the search. While we are still looking for Tito, I am very proud of the 4th grade students’ resourcefulness and compassion.

Announcements

Potluck Tonight – Our all-school potluck is tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the community room. Potlucks are a wonderful way for our community to come together in a relaxed and informal manner. Bring the whole family, a dish to share and your own place settings. Teacher Abby (afterschool) and
Rebecca (yoga) will be on hand to lead us in some group fun and stretching. We hope you will join us.

Kids Day Downtown - Look for our booth at the Downtown State College Kids Day Festival in Central Parklet on Saturday October 2nd. Tr. Lori and our middle school students will be on hand with crafts and activities for kids to enjoy. The festival includes food and other activities and runs from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. See the attachment for more information.

In-Service Day – Friday, October 15th is an in-service day for our teachers and there will be no school that day. The school will offer childcare and after-school programs on that day. Parents needing childcare should make arrangements at the front desk.

S.P.I.C.E.S – Mark your calendars for our annual Spices Event. Sunday November, 7th from 4-7 PM. This is a fun early evening for parents to meet, share conversation and good times. Please make plans to come.

Soccer – Our school soccer clinics are going strong. They are now open to students from 3rd grade and up. Come on out and have fun while learning skills and rules. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 4:45 PM.