Dear Lower School Families,

 

Let the Halloween fun begin! We cannot wait for everyone to arrive in costume today! We will enjoy a parade in the afternoon with some spooky dancing and a Popsicle party, too!

 

Congratulations to the students who performed at the Piano Recital on Wednesday evening! We are so proud of you and appreciate the support of your amazing teachers!

 

I want to provide an update relating to our outdoor play areas. The students have truly enjoyed the exploratory area along the North Road, as they create music, jump from rock to rock, and play in the fall leaves. Several students play soccer or basketball at recess, too. The faculty, staff, and I have observed that our students are working on fair play, being aware of others and their space, and working through conflicts during play.

 

The play structures have been a big hit from the Kindergartners to the Fifth Graders. We have also encountered some injuries as the overall activity level outdoors has increased, and we have more elements to play on this year. Relating to injuries that have occurred on the play structures, we have followed up on a safety review with the installer, adjusted the height of various elements; replaced two elements to provide barriers in places where students could jump; provided more discussions in class meetings about safe play in all outdoor areas, and increased our faculty supervision outdoors.

 

With each situation, we have learned about what the student was engaging in on the structure, any level of risk-taking, and injury prevention for the future. We will continue to monitor recess and support our students as they enjoy our outdoor areas together.

 

Reminder: Friday, November 5, is a NO SCHOOL day for Lower School students.

 

Happy Halloween to all!

Angie Crabtree

LS Principal