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.

LS Weekly Memo Week 27: March 11 - March 15

Thanks for all your efforts to support the auction.  The classroom projects were beautiful, your volunteer efforts a tremendous help, and your other auction items greatly appreciated.    On to a week of informances, performances and another big weekend with OBOB and the Parent Daughter Dance.

COMMUNITY

Informances
Thank you to Kristen and Amy for their talent and commitment to providing the informances for the parents.  

Busick Play
Thank you John Fitzhenry and Natasha for the play summary.  I hope many of you get a chance to see the final 5th grade production of the year.

OBOB
OES is hosting the Regional OBOB on Saturday.  See Lara for opportunities to help or cheer on our team.  


PROGRAM

Professional Development Follow-up -
Those who presented topics at the faculty meeting are coordinating dates for follow up conversations.  Look for future communication

AS Faculty Meeting
Monday March 11th, 3:15
Professional Development
We will gather in the Dining Hall to share appreciations and news and then learn more about:
Inter-cultural Competency training (ICC)  - 1st opportunity of several for intercultural training.  
Faculty Learning Groups (FLG) - formation of pilot group to refine FLG process.  New FLG groups will be begun each year.
Lower School Inquiry - day to build understanding of inqury in LS and to work on end of year projects
Department Initiatives -
Everyone will be asked state their interests in priority order at the end of the meeting.

LS Inquiry Plan
Chris and I will be talking with Judy Graves this week to finalize plans for April 1.  See below for current outline for the day. I would like to have at least 1 representative from each grade so we can be sure we have good vertical discussions.  The more participants we have the better our work will be.

Inquiry in Lower School

8:00 – 8:30 – Judy presentation – Why inquiry based learning matters
8:30 – 9:00 – Q and A – large group – What is inquiry based learning

9:15  -11:15 – Beliefs about Inquiry – What are core beliefs about inquiry based learning
9:15 –10:00 – discuss in Grade Level Teams and create criteria/ values
10:00 – 10:45 – discuss in vertical groups, PreK – 5
10:45 – 11:15 – report out, look for common themes

11:15 – 12:00 – Lunch
                      
12:00 – 3:00 – Project work -
Faculty discuss end of year projects and work on enriching those projects with inquiry        12:00 – 1:00  3rd – 5th – Judy work with Team
1:00 – 2:00    1st & 2nd – Judy work with Team
2:00 – 3:00    Beginning School – Judy work with Team

3:00 -3:30      Reflection
What did you learn?
What are possible next steps?

LS Faculty Meeting - TEAMS 3/14 and 3/21
BS - See Team Leader for agenda
1st - 2nd - See Team Leader for agenda
3rd - 5th - See Team Leader for agenda
Specialists - See Shared Agenda


OPERATIONS

Celebrations - Wedding and Baby Showers
The all Lower School celebration will be on campus, ideally hosted by some of the person’s colleagues with help from the LS Office.  The LS Office will provide cake, beverages and paperware.   

Of course, anyone is welcome to offer a smaller, more intimate gathering off campus as well.

Uniforms
I am concerned about the message if some of us allow non-uniform wear and others abide by the policy.

Hats - for recess only.  Do not allow your students to wear them at any other time.  
Hats worn outside of recess should be confiscated for the day. Repeat offenders may lose the privilege to wear hats at all.

Uniform Wear in class
Only OES uniform outerwear may be worn in class - vest, sweater, sweatshirt.  All other outerwear should be in the closet.

LS Weekly Memo Week 26: March 4 - March 8

Thanks for supporting PJ day; a hit of a day for many Lower Schoolers. For our only 5 day week in February, it sure flew by. We have 3 more full weeks before Spring Break. Thanks to Margaret, Sue Jensen and the arts faculty for a great Arts Week.  I particularly enjoyed seeing classes on art tours around the campus.  DId any of you find your way to the OES Music site which includes songs from our own Mr.D?

COMMUNITY

Pajama Day and Primetime Auction Attire a Big Success!
It looked as though a good time was had by all!  What fun to see the imaginative costumes and comfy PJ’s doned by Beginning and Lower School students and teachers...one of our subs even got into the spirit and wore PJs. Yeah, Julie Romberg.

Assistant Teacher Meeting, Thursday, March 7th, 12:05-12:40

Next Assembly, Friday, March 22nd

SST Meetings
We look forward to meeting with you to check in about your students.  Specialist meeting on 3/14 will focus on students of interest.

PROGRAM

All LS Faculty Meeting
March 7th, 7:30-8:30
Building Update -
March 11 overview
Professional Development sharings
Reggio Emilia
Haiti
Inquiry and Planning
Intercultural Competencies
Technology
Math, Science and Inquiry
The majority of the meeting will be dedicated to report-outs on professional development.  Some groups may offer a time to get together for a longer conversation.

AS Faculty Meeting
Monday March 11th, 3:15
Professional Development
We will gather in the dining hall to learn more about the Intercultural Competency training, faculty learning groups and other professional development opportunities for April 1.

Intercultural Competencies Committee- Monday, March 18th.


OPERATIONS

Substitutes - Reminders
Make duty responsibilities clear to your subs
Contact Jenny Strode in advance, or night before.  If you wait until the morning to request a substitute it is more difficult.  
Provide Jenny or Chris feedback about substitutes.

Duty Coverage
Remember to get duty coverage when you are away.

Tidy Up First and Second Grade Wing
Thanks to all who straightened up this common area back in February when we had our Admissions Day.  There is a growing pile of lost clothing in the Wishing Well by Chris’ office.  Please don’t leave lost items there, take them to Lost and Found in Room 10.

SST Post-Conference Check in Meetings
If you haven’t done so, please set up a time through Ari to meet with SST on an upcoming Thursday lunch hour or an alternative time that works for all.

Thanks to all who covered duties for Chris, Jenny while they were away and JAne while she is recovering.  Please let them know if you want to swap a duty in return.

LS Weekly Memo Week 25: February  25-29

Thanks to Tracy and Kristen for the 100’s Day Assembly.  How amazing to have all 340 Lower School students involved in multiple math activities at the same time. I apologize for letting assembly run overtime, but wanted everyone had a chance to experience each activity. Get ready to kick off the week with another great assembly, as we launch into Arts Week.  Thank you Margaret and all the performing and visual arts teachers for your efforts in organizing the events. We have a good stretch ahead of us; 4 uninterrupted weeks of school until Spring Break.

COMMUNITY

Welcome Back Chris and Jenny
We look forward to learning about your international travels.

Arts Week Assembly - Monday, 8:05 - 8:45
I know it is early, but let’s try to get everyone in the gym and seated by 8:05.
Habiba will be worth the effort.

Chapel
Chapel occurs at the regular time on both Monday and Friday.

Uniform Optional Day - PJ’s and TV characters - Friday, March 1
A theme day in support of the Auction. Bring your remote in case the volume gets too loud or you need to pause the excitement.


PROGRAM

LSCTF
The Task Force met on Friday and discussed its role in Lower School and the 5 year curriculum plan.

LS Faculty Meeting - 2/28
Department/ LS Team meetings
Teams - continue discussion of 5 year curriculum plan

NWAIS (formerly known as PNAIS) - Accreditation Visit
Sunday April 21 to Wednesday , April 24
As plans are being finalized for the visiting team remember:
4/21 All Faculty and Staff Reception @5:30 pm, Dining Hall
During the days the Visiting Team is here, plan to follow your usual schedule.
Do not plan any field trips or campus explorations, so visiting team members can find you.
4/24 - Closing Faculty and Staff Meeting @ 3:15 pm, Dining Hall

NCCE Conference
Several colleagues are heading to the regional technology conference.  If you have tech questions you would like them to explore contact Debra Thomas.

OPERATIONS

Class Placement
In an attempt to simplify scheduling of class placement meetings we are hoping to use grade level Common Planning TIme for the first round of class placement beginning on April 29.  The Specialist Team Meeting on Thursday, May 9 will be for placement discussions.

Substitute Requests
Please be sure to complete a blue slip whenever you need a substitute.  You are welcome to request a substitute, but do not ask the substitute yourself.  Jenny will do the scheduling

Auction Volunteers - They can still use more
Auction Event Volunteers Needed -- Sign-up
Organizer: Chris Gong

LS Weekly Memo Week 23: February  11-15

I hope you were all able to step out into Friday’s sunshine and enjoy spring for a day. With conferences behind you, the long weekend comes at a great time. Please contact an SST member if issues came up during conferences that you would like help with.

COMMUNITY

Chris in Reggio Emilia
AS you read this know that Chris is touring Reggio Emilia schools, gathering ideas and images to inspire our inquiry and LS Building design work.
Chris will be video conferencing from Reggio Emilia in the Platt Global Classroom on Thursday, Feb. 21st, 7:40-8:20.

Jenny Cleveland in Haiti
Jenny is accompanying her daughter on a service trip to Haiti with representatives from several other Episcopal schools.  While the main focus of the trip is supporting her daughter, I am sure she will be gathering service learning ideas as well.

Jenny and Chris’ Duty Coverage
Please sign up on the list posted in the LS Office.

Assembly - 100’s Day - 2/22 @ 8:10 - Gym
Tracy and Kristen have been planning some great 100’s activities.

Assembly - Arts Week Kick-off - 2/25 @8:10 - Gym
Habiba will put on a smile on your face and a bounce in your step.

SST Meetings
We would like to check in with each grade level after conferences.  We will be working on a schedule.


PROGRAM

LS Faculty Meeting on 2/21 - Teams

Teams will meet

Beginning School - video conference with Chris

1st and 2nd - Review draft of 5 year curriculum plan

3rd - 5th - Review draft of 5 year curriculum plan

Specialists - in LS Art Room. Appreciations, norms, concerns

LSCTF Meeting - 2/22

Restructuring LSCTF

Revist draft of 5 year curriculum plan

OPERATIONS

LS Building Project
I have heard from a few people with ideas of interesting schools to visit virtually or in person.  Any more?  I would like to begin planning.

No Uniform Day - March 1
Please remind your students that this Friday is a regular uniform day.  Friday, March 1 will be a uniform optional day with a PJ’s and TV theme.

Auction - volunteer or attend if you can

No Admissions Make-up Day, Saturday, 2/23