LS Weekly Memo Week 28 : March 18 - March 22

Spring is in the air, spring fever is afoot and Spring Break is so close.  

COMMUNITY

Tasha’s Midsummer Night’s Dream
Oh, joy!  What a fantastic production of this Shakespeare classic.  The combined directorial efforts of the  Northwest Childrens Theater coach and Tasha prepared  the children for these complex roles.  The children were so poised and confident, each one getting into their character, from Varun’s mischievous Puck to Sydney’s passionate portrayal of Helena.  They were all fantastic! Bravo, Tasha and her Fifth Grade friends. I was impressed that the 5th graders could understand and perform Shakespeare so well. Even more impressive was the fact that they could perform it so well that the kindergarteners could understand and appreciate Shakespeare.

Informances
Our thanks to Kristen and Amy for their spirited and informative presentation for parents, grandparents and special friends. Our students’ breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for music and the performing arts is evident.  Well done, Amy and Kristen!

LS Assembly- DEAR
Kristen is planning another Drop Everything and Read event for our Friday, March 22nd, 8:10 assembly. Look for details in an email next week.

OBOB News
The benchwarmers came in 4th. They lost their final two round by a single question each. Thanks to all who volunteered to help, to Lara and Alysa for their coaching and to Asha for shepherding the Benchwarmers through the competition.

Aardvark Community Park
It is that time of year...time to think about recess safety and how to care for Aardvark Community Park.

Some safety reminders:
•No tree climbing- fun, but not safe.
•No cartwheels, handstands and other gymnastic moves under the gym’s covered area.  Those stunts can be enjoyed out on the turf field.

Caring for Aardvark Community Park:
•The red twig shrubs (not sure of their actual name)  out on the ACP have been ravaged by children who innocently snap their branches for their imaginative play.  Primary through Third Grade teachers, please talk to your children about this in class. It has to stop.  If possible, take a trip out there to look at all of red twig shrubs, all have been badly damaged. Teachers out on duty, please be vigilant and stop children if you see this going on.

•Waterworks was turned off this week. I’m guessing we had another bad clog.  When it is restored, please keep an eye on that area when on duty.  Again, our thanks to Dave Hall and their crew for volunteering their time to bring Waterworks back to its original glory!



Dougy Center Video
Thank you to all who helped make the filming work on Friday.  The Dougy Center was able to get some terrific footage to make their new educational video for schools.  My favorite moment was seeing the smiles on Dan Rawley and the children’s faces when Dan brought Bodie by at tehend of the day.

PROGRAM

Kirstin’s Presentation, Monday, March 18th in the DVR, 3:30-4:30
Our thanks to Kirstin for offering to share her Opal presentation- Planning for Emergent Projects.  Those of you who plan to delve into the inquiry work with Judy on April- this would be an excellent first step in your journey exploring project work. Those who already pursue inquiry project work, come share your ideas.   I hope many of you can come!
Kirstin would like those attending to bring a journal or paper and pen.  There will be moments for a reflective writing during her presentation.

Daily Cafe Subscription
Last year eight faculty signed up for the Boushey Sister’s online subscription to The Daily Cafe.  The subscription is about to lapse.  If you are one of the eight that signed up and would like to continue your subscription let Jenny know on Monday.  If you didn’t sign up, but would like to this year, please let Jenny know too.  
At this point in the year our curriculum budget is quite slim, so please give some thought as to whether or not this is worth your time and our resources.  Each subscription cost $69.

April 1st Details
John Holloran will be sending out a list of who is doing what on Tuesday.  Plan on being engaged with your group from 8:00 - 3:30 with an ice cream social in the Dining Hall from 3:30 - 4:30.

Judy Graves
The LS inquiry group will be working with Judy Graves all day on April 1.  She has recommended Opening Minds: Using Language to Change Lives by Peter H. Johnston as a good book to read before the 1st.  We will order 8 copies to be shared.

Team Meeting - 3/21
Thursday morning is another team meeting.
Specialists - Work on Norms
BS - Appreciative Inquiry with Laura Foster-Flynn
1st - 2nd - see team leader
3rd - 5 - see team leader

Computer Lab - RM 33 Scott House
3rd - 5th grade is working on redesigning the common space that used to be the computer lab.  The computer lab has moved to Rm. 33 in Scott House.  Use it if you have a need.


OPERATIONS

Drills
Let’ s return to the practice of specialists joining the classroom teachers on the field during drills. Specialists, please join the class you support during opening day.

Guided Fire Drill - April 5
We will be conducting a guided fire drill in Chapel during Chapel time on Friday April 5.  DAvid will explain the procedure and then we will evacuate down to the field as usual.

School visits - Seattle, Greater Portland, Other
David, Chris, Janet, Alysa and Kirstin will be travelling to Seattle, Hood River and the Portland Metro area to visit schools with innovative architectural designs. We are looking at Tuesday April 16th and Monday, April 29th.  

Transportation available for Service Learning on MHCSD
Jenny Cleveland and David are combining resources so you have the opportunity to head off campus with your class or classes to do service in greater Portland.  If you are interested in developing such a trip, please let Jenny Cleveland know by April 8 so we can work on renting buses.

New Family Welcome Night - Tuesday, March 19
Thank you Lauren, Kirstin, Chris and Tracy for sharing their time Tuesday evening to greet new families.  Thank you Sarah for recruiting such wonderful new families for Lower School.