Thanks to everyone who is making attending conferences a priority. While Wednesday’s events presented a bit of a wrinkle, I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of parents’ efforts to pivot to Zoom. To my knowledge, we did not miss a beat; every scheduled conference happened on Wednesday. Pre-pandemic, that would not have even been close to being in the realm of possibility. Moreover, I hope that the conferences are proving to be important moments of exchange between parents and teachers. We are early in the year, which means that home and school can benefit greatly from two-way, real-time communication. There is still plenty of time for students to learn from the first few weeks and show us their capabilities.

 

Parent Association Meeting: On Tuesday, October 25, at 9:45 a.m., please join us for a Middle School Parent Association meeting in the Choir Room of Schotters Music Center. Abby Johnson, our Middle School counselor, is our featured speaker. Her topic is how to foster independence in Middle School-aged children.  I have placed the full description below.

 

Middle School Social:  On Friday, October 21, the Middle School is hosting its first “social” in the Dining Hall from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Student Activities Committee is still deciding what the theme will be. When they have decided, they will share it with our students. The social is an opportunity for the students to come together to have fun and build community. There is a DJ (Mr. Luong!), line dances, games, raffles, and a movie in a separate room. We know that students are at different developmental stages, and we want to have enough variety so that everyone can have fun. It is a long day for teachers, so we are grateful when you arrive promptly at 9:00 p.m. for pick-up. Please come in to the Dining Hall, as it is dark out, and we want to be sure every student is accompanied by an adult. Finally, we try to be clear with the students that this is not a “bring a date” event. Middle School is a great time for friendships. There will be plenty of time for other sorts of relationships down the road. Should be fun. 

 

I hope everyone enjoys the “extra” day this weekend. If I can be helpful in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Best,

Bill

 

Independence and responsibility must occur in harmony; providing your child with the independence they crave when in Middle School while instilling responsibility is a delicate and important balance. Join Abby Johnson, our Middle School counselor, to learn hands-on strategies for encouraging (and managing) adolescent independence. The meeting will be preceded by brief Middle School Parent Association announcements and a question and answer session with Bill Wolf Tinsman, Middle School Principal.