Headlines -
September 21, 2012
Last night, I joined several of our teachers at the
Wild and Scenic Film Festival at the State Theatre. It’s a traveling show of short and feature films relating to
the environment. Some films carried a message of concern for the
environment, while others emphasized the resilient and persistent nature of people committed
to accomplishing good deeds.
The feature film was entitled Mother Nature’s Child.
The film examined the benefits of unstructured outdoor play. From
toddlers to adults, we
all reap significant benefit from spending time in
the outdoors. Nature’s classroom is ever-changing and this presents children and adults alike with a rich and diverse
environment. Our experience outdoors helps us to learn about cooperation,
ingenuity and self-reliance. Memories created outdoors last well into
adulthood and provide for a richer experience than many other forms of
entertainment. After all, are you more likely to remember the camping
trip you took as a child or the time you got
the high score on some video game? The
film was enlightening and inspiring. I am glad that teachers in our
school also recognize the importance of outdoor time. Recess provides
many students with opportunities for creative play, and classroom activities
and frequent field trips to parks and natural areas help our students connect with the
natural world. On the walk home last night, I began to think of how my outdoor experiences have been a
positive influence in my life and decided to go for a walk in the woods
this weekend. I hope you will join me.
Announcements
POTLUCK NEWS - HELPFUL HINTS FROM PAST EVENTS. The K-8 potluck supper is next Friday, September 28th from 5:30 to 7:30. Buffet opens at 6:00 PM. We'll have a big crowd, so please consider preparing a dish to share with 10+. Bring place settings for your family - plates/utensils/cloth napkins (if you use them). We'll provide juice, water, coffee, tea and cups. It's really helpful if you arrive between 5:30 and 5:45 PM with your dish so our hospitality helpers can arrange everything before 6:00 PM. After supper, we'll provide some family activities. We'd like our teachers to have the evening "off" to relax and enjoy mealtime and socializing so we ask you to supervise your children both inside and outdoors. This is a really fun event! Please let us know how many in your family will attend. Due to space constraints, the potluck will be postponed in the event of foul weather.
Speaking of hospitality helpers, we sure can use the help of 3 or 4 folks to set up tables and buffet items, prepare drinks, (arrive by 5:00 PM), and assist with clean up (from about 7:30 to 8:00 PM). If you can lend a hand, please let Lori Pacchioli know--- lorip@scfriends.org.
Field Day – Our all-school Field Day is scheduled for Friday October 5th. This afternoon of fun activities and games is planned and run by our 5th-8th grade students for the rest of the school. Students will be mixed into multi-age groups and led by members of the 5th grade class around a series of activity stations designed by the middle school students. It is a fun afternoon of activities that builds community in our school. Students should be sure to wear sneakers and bring a water bottle to school on Field Day.
Inservice Days – We remind you that our first faculty inservice days are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, October 18 and 19. There will be no school for students on those days. We will, however, offer a child care program each day from 8:00 – 5:30. You’ll be receiving details about the program and registration soon.
Enjoy your weekend
Dan
