Headlines - September 23, 2011
I came into work on Tuesday and found several notes stuffed into a handmade envelope in my mailbox. The envelope was from Teacher Dorothy’s class. It was carefully stapled together and included two notes and a drawing of 3 hearts. As I admired the art work, I began to read the note. “Dear Tr Den, Tr Dorothy broc her rols by sanding on the tabols. Icant blef thet she ded it . See yue latr”. It was signed by several students in the class.
I was reminded of last year when Teacher Dorothy and I were having some fun with the kids and I pretended to yell at her for standing on a table. I spoke in a low growl and Dorothy did a little cowering. Eventually, we made up and enjoyed a good laugh with the students. The kids all enjoyed watching Dorothy get in trouble and it must have made quite an impression. So, when Dorothy stepped on a table to hang something from the ceiling on Monday, they broke out the markers and began to writing their notes.
I think the first graders were hoping for a replay of last year. They were having lunch when I walked into the doorway and growled “Teacher Dorothy”. The class turned toward me and several students told me that she had indeed climbed on a table. Feigning disbelief, I asked for Dorothy for confirmation. As she admitted her deed, I could read Dorothy’s eyes and knew that she wanted to take advantage of a teachable moment. Instead of ‘yelling’, I asked her if she could tell me the school guideline that she chose not to follow. She answered “Be Safe”. I then told her that if she wasn’t safe and got hurt it would make us sad. I asked her to help me think of ways that she could be safe in that situation. Together we came up with strategies such as using a ladder, having a friend help, or asking tall Teacher Nick to do it. She decided to get help next time and I thanked the kids for telling me when people were not being safe. This turned into a wonderful moment for the class, as they got to see that even adults can make mistakes and that it is OK to let people know when someone is acting in an unsafe manner. I did miss yelling at Dorothy, though.
Announcements
Potluck Supper –The All-School Potluck is scheduled for next Friday, September 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in a relaxed and informal manner. We hope you will join us to make new friends. We expect a record turnout!
· Please RSVP no later than Wednesday.
· Bring a dish to share keeping in mind we may have 200+ in attendance. So, bring plenty! (Label your belongings)
· Seating will be tight – consider a picnic style meal (blankets/lawn chairs) with your family.
· Bring your own dishes and place settings – cups too!
· In order to make the event run as smoothly as possible, we need families to help with set-up and clean-up. Indicate your willingness to do so when you RSVP. (4:30 set up; clean-up until approximately 8:30)
We look forward to seeing you there.
Forest Fest – On Sunday, September 25th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm the PSU School of Forest Resources will host the PA Forest Festival at the Arboretum at Penn State. This is the International Year of the Forest and many university, business, and community groups will be on hand to participate in the festivities. The day will feature activities, food, music (Pure Cane Sugar @12noon) exhibits and maybe even some dancing trees.
Parent Coffee- Please join me on the morning of Thursday October 6 for an informal parent coffee. Coffees are ways for parents to find out about our school and its programs. This month’s topic will be the school’s approach to classroom management. Parents will learn how teachers incorporate Quaker practices and the Responsive Classroom approach to create the unique environment of Friends School. Parents will then have the opportunity to observe the techniques in action in the classroom. Coffee and refreshments are served in the Library beginning at 8:15.
Volunteers – I hope you all received Mary’s email this week seeking potential substitutes for our classrooms. I am also still looking for a few parents to help chaperone recess periodically. Please consider us if you have the time.
Please have a wonderful weekend.
In peace,
Dan
