Campfires to Chitons

Dear Parents,

The other day at our staff meeting we had a discussion that led me to reflect on why I like working at Swan School. I came up with quite a long list that included things like having the freedom to teach in ways that I know work best for children, being a part of a school that is small enough to be a true community, working with a staff that is both dedicated and talented, having connections that go far beyond those developed in the classroom, embracing a holistic approach to education where value is given to every part of childhood growth, and enjoying a career where every day there is the chance for adults to make a deep meaningful impact with every student.

I am sure you know by now that I am one of our school's most vocal cheerleaders, I just can't help it. Every time I reflect on the role schools can play in the growth of children, I realize what an amazing opportunity our school provides for students. Friday's Learner Exhibition was yet another example of this. Where else can an entire student body join together and all focus their studies on one topic? Where else can parents revel in their children's pride as they enthusiastically portray Zeus, explain the contents of an ancient Greek library, act out one of Aesop's fables, or delight in the dramatic portrayal of a famous Greek myth? And where else could one step out on the playground and see children taking a break from their presentations by playing soccer while dressed in authentic Greek chitons?

Every day this year seemed full of these types of experiences and I can't believe that we are so near the end of it. Truly it really wasn't that long ago when nearly the entire school was playing together at Fort Flagler and singing around the campfire. And it does seem like just the other day when children were sledding down the playground hills at recess on freshly fallen snow, or joining together to perform Pachelbel's Canon in D. This year has flown by faster than the one before and I guess that's because it was so full of great experiences. It makes me believe that next year will fly by at least as quickly and, although it seems that this year couldn't be beat, I'll bet that the 2009-2010 school year will bring more adventures and quite probably even better educational experiences for the children.

Russ