25th Anniversary Thoughts
Dear Parents,In preparation for our school's 25th anniversary celebration, my students are writing letters to expected visitors and alumni. Of course we first talked a bit about the anniversary and then brainstormed some ideas about what makes Swan School such a great place, but it didn't take long until the class was excited to get to work and write about one of their favorite places. Near the end of the first writing session I stopped the class and asked a few randomly chosen students to share their what they had written with the rest of the students. Although each of the letters was an initial draft when shared, I was immediately impressed with the enthusiasm and obvious love of school that was evident from every child. When our writing time had ended and students were cleaning up for the next activity, I quietly asked a couple of the children if I could share their letters with the parents. They each beamed and let me know that they would be happy to let me do so. The letters below are taken from their first drafts.
I think Swan School is a FANTASTIC school because we have awesome, you heard me, awesome teachers and awesome kids. ...and guess what? There are absolutely NO, I said NO bullies. We have tons and tons of really great books to read and all of the kids and adults care for the books almost as much as they would if they were people.Oh, and I almost forgot one of the most important things, the School Board! They are such great people and they care so much about the school and the kids that they help us with things like field trips and other really fun stuff.
Swan School is a really great place and we have lots and lots of fun learning! Yes, that may sound strange coming from a kid, but it just shows how much we love it here and always will!!! Oh, and at the same time that we're learning, we make lots, you heard me right, lots of friends!!
Swan School is a really great place. Thank you for reading this letter and please know I had tons of fun writing it.
Sincerely,
Ismay
Swan School has changed a lot in the past 25 years. It has new classrooms, new playground equipment, new teachers, and most importantly, new friends.All the people here are friendly and helpful. The teachers are really nice and will play games with you at recess. At Swan School you never get bored or frustrated because the teachers provide a "just right" curriculum for each student.
As you can see, Swan School is a great place to learn and people really love it here. Thank you for coming to Swan School's 25th anniversary!
Sincerely,
Helena
As these students have stated so well, Swan School truly is a remarkable place where a love for learning is valued, where students feel safe to develop connections and learn to solve problems, and everyone's contribution is appreciated.
I know that this isn't something new. In fact I can attest that Swan School has been giving students an educational foundation that has helped children grow into happy successful adults for years. When I first arrived in Port Townsend in 1983 to work in a sporting goods store, I heard about this small school that had just started up. Not long afterwards I went to my first "The Valentine's Ball" and had a lot of fun. Over the years I attended a garage sale or two and would often read about Swan School in the Leader. It wasn't long after I become a teacher that I started looking more closely at what was happening in our local educational community. The more I studied, the more I appreciated everything that the school was doing. I often ran into people who had their children at Swan School or who were alumni, and with each conversation I would find out a bit more.
One day I saw an ad in the paper for a position that had become available, it didn't take long for me to update my resume and send in my application. For me, becoming a part of the Swan School staff has been both rejuvenating and rewarding. Sure there are times when I am at school a little longer than I'd like or I am not able to complete a task in as timely a manner as I had hoped to, but I have to say that being a part of an institution where children are valued above test scores and education is as it should be - holistic, enjoyable, and challenging - is truly a delight! I am proud to be a part of the history of Swan School and am thankful for those whose insight and early leadership created a haven that has helped educate so many children.
Russ