Dear Parents,
Well, we did it! Our first play came together and was a great success! I hope you took home content, proud, and tired first grade actors. It was wonderful to sit back and watch them show their hard work, teamwork, and class work. I was very proud of them. Many of them were incredibly nervous for our morning performance for the student body during Morning Lesson. We got some of the jitters out, and were ready to present to you in the evening with more poise, fellowship, and comfort. I was struck, though, by how much fun they seemed to be having while performing. That is usually a side of them I get to see, but seldom is seen by “outsiders.” Now that you have a taste of the Waldorf drama curriculum, perhaps you are as eager to see this group in their 8th grade play as I have been.
Thank you so much to everyone who helped out behind-the-scenes with the play and potluck. Special thanks go to Bettina the Costume Maven, Claudia the Potluck Organizer, Ann-Marie for proving our after-school snack, and Danila for her help throughout the day yesterday. Thank you to Ms Ingold for the wonderful make-up and, more importantly, her constant “wing-man” attitude, taking care of all the things I didn’t know how to do or didn’t think of. I would have been crazy without everyone’s help! And also thank you to Heather and Essi for taking photographs during both performances. I’ll let everyone know when photos are posted to shutterfly.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Summer Fest, June 11, 11:00pm. Maypole dancing, potluck, orchestra performance, and more!
- All-School Annual Music Concert, June 14, 6:00-7:00pm. This concert will be the premier of “Hymns of the Urban Prairie”. Due to limited space, all parents should RSVP in order to guarantee a seat. RSVP here as soon as possible. First grade is opening the concert with a song learned in Chorus class, and should wear “Sunday best.” Please see Mr. Garcia’s email for more details on arrival time, etc.
- Last Day of School, Fri, June 17. School ends at 12:00 noon on the last day. More details on the last day activities will be forthcoming.
WHAT’S AHEAD?
In the last two weeks of school, we’ll be spending our time reviewing material learned over the course of the whole year, doing small projects, and engaging in more artistic activities. The last couple days of school we will also do cleaning and organizing, getting ready for next year. The feeling of summer is already living in these children. While their focus is no longer so strong, their interest in doing is still as good as ever. We’ll use some of that will to our advantage in these last weeks of school.
Also, please note that with shorts and short-sleeves come the inevitable “summer knees and elbows.” Small building and “chatting” games have been largely replaced by tree climbing and tag, and with those come small scrapes and cuts so familiar for children in summer time. All this gross motor movement with no coats or pants to protect them result in dirty knees, minor scrapes, and even a couple splinters. My goal is always the safety of children, and I’ve noticed that I’m going through band-aides at a faster rate than before. I will continue to contact you should an injury be more than minor or if an explanation is required. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. Also, you may consider putting sunscreen on your child before school or sending them with summer hats.
OFFICE HOURS
I have limited Office Hours the next two Tuesdays due to meetings already scheduled with parents and also the Music Concert on June 14. In addition, I’m engaged in writing End of Year Reports for all 27 marvelous first graders. Due to this, I hope you’ll understand that I strongly prefer that you email me ahead of time to schedule Office Hour time. While I normally enjoy having an open door, I don’t want you to arrive and find the door closed for a meeting or me already at home working on reports. Email me ahead of time, and if regular Office Hours aren’t convenient, we can find another time. Thanks for your understanding.