FIRST DAY REFLECTIONS

We’re off to an AMAZING start!  Every one of our 531 students found their way to their new classrooms.  Teachers welcomed students into rooms that were organized, inspiring, and prepared with great care.  The hard work of our custodial team (and the Sunday visit from the Cub Scouts) paid off as our school was clean and ready for opening day.  Our office and support staff handled each and every question that came their way with grace and attention to ensure families had every need met for the day.  In the classrooms, students met their new classmates and built connections through a variety of activities.  The excitement of scouring through school supplies and bringing order to chaos was evident.  I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to visit with parents at the Welcome Coffee sponsored by our PTA and thank you all in advance for the various ways that you will serve our school through your volunteer efforts.

And, on top of all that…learning began on day 1.  I Tweeted my absolute favorite take away from the day.  A 5th grade student approached me at dismissal beaming with enthusiasm.  He said, “This was the best first day ever!”  Of course I had to know more.  He elaborated, “My teacher gave us a pretest in math so that she could teach us what we NEED to know, not what we’ve already learned.  My goal is to learn 6th grade math.”  At that very moment I felt a sense of pride for the remarkable staff with whom I have the privilege to work.  Our teachers teach children, not subjects and not grade levels.  Yes, our students are organized into groups around age/grade and yes, we have content standards that establish a target.  But our goal each day is to grow and stretch the brains (and hearts) inside each child that crosses our threshold.

EXPECTATION ASSEMBLIES

At the Expectation Assemblies for students in grades 1 – 6 yesterday, we covered how to work together as a school community to maintain our focus on learning (even on the playground).  Our school handbook will find its way to you in the coming week and I know each and everyone of you will dutifully read and cover the dozens of “rules” with your children.  In an effort to synthesize what is most critical, students were introduced to this chant, “I am a superhero; an ordinary person who does extraordinary things.  It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3.  1) Show Respect, 2) Make Good Decisions, 3) Solve Problems.” Students watched this Kid President video about superheroes that will fold into messaging at tomorrow’s Friday assembly.  They heard Kid President exuberantly share these messages:

• “If you want to be awesome, treat people awesome.  It’s about strength.  Firepower.  It’s about compassion.  Nothing is stronger than that.”
• “You have everything right now to change the world.  Everything!”
• “Kids can change the world and grown ups can change the world.  It would go a whole lot faster if we worked together.”
• “The little things that we do are a BIG DEAL!”
• “You don’t need a cape and you don’t need money.  You don’t even need to be bit by something radioactive.  You just need to care.” [about what it takes to be a superhero]
• “The world needs heroes and that hero could be YOU.”
• “You’re already filled with superpowers.  So don’t wait for a signal in the sky.  Look a little closer at the world around you.  You’re ready right now.  It’s time to be the hero you were meant to be.”

FRIDAY ASSEMBLY

Tomorrow is our first Friday Assembly and I can’t wait!!!  These gatherings provide our school with an opportunity to connect with each other and around ideas that build a common language and shared school wide experience.  Parents, you are encouraged to attend!!!  In fact, you might get tapped on the shoulder someday to actually participate in an assembly.  Tomorrow, students will hear the message that Almond is united on supporting them in unleashing their superhero superpowers.  Hope to see you on the blacktop.

BACK TO SCHOOL DETAILS

Next Tuesday, August 26th, we invite you to join us in the evening to visit your children’s classrooms.  We ask that you come without your children so that our focus may be on sharing information with you that you’re eager to hear.  We will gather together as a whole school community on the blacktop for a general session.  Below are the schedules and locations for each grade level.

• 6:00pm – 6:40pm | Grades TK/K – 3
  • In Classrooms: TK, K, 1, 2
  • Grade Level Presentation in Library: 3rd (classroom visits after)
• 6:45pm – 7:00pm | Everyone on Blacktop
• 7:05pm – 7:45pm | Grades 4 – 6
  • In Classrooms: 4th
  • Grade Level Presentation in Library: 5th
  • Grade Level Presentation in Multi: 6th (stop by classrooms from 6:30-6:45)