February is upon us and the snow is here! Please send your kids to school with the necessary clothing to enjoy morning break and lunch recess OUTDOORS. When it is truly cold, below 18 degrees, kids can stay in the halls; otherwise, we ask that kids get outside to run around a bit. So far, we have been fairly lucky with the weather - a cold snap followed by a number of beautiful days. This week, though, is shaping up to be arctic. Knowing that kids have gloves, hat and jacket will be just the ticket.

From a learning perspective, February is prime time. The kids know the routine and are benefiting from the good habits established during the first term. Assignments at this time of year get a bit more demanding in order to help students take their next step toward a greater ability to self-regulate, organize and think abstractly. At times, you may even wonder how it could be that ALL of these assignments are due in a single week. This is usually intentional on our part as we know that occasional "crunch" times are the best way for students to practice the kind of "juggling" that will be necessary for future success. On occasion a "ball" will drop, but this serves as impetus for children to intentionally plan ahead the next time it looks like a busy week is coming their way.

While conferences are still a few weeks off, I do encourage each of you to set aside time to come in and meet with your son's or daughter's teachers in mid March. These two way conversations come on the heels of the close of the second term and are a great time to plan for the spring term.

Critical Thinking Workshop: on February 19 at 8:30 in the MS Community Room I am offering a window into the work we are doing to help your children develop critical and creative thinking skills. Because the workshop will be hands on, we have limited attendance to the first 30 parents to sign up. It should be good fun.

Open Door Morning: Please feel free to set up time to chat with me on Friday, February 21. I have set aside the morning for informal discussions about how things are going at school or ways that we can best support your son or daughter. While I am often available for these kinds of get-togethers, I know that parents sometimes are reluctant to set up these sorts of informal opportunities to check in or simply to get to know one another better. Please call Fran Clark at 303-914-2567 if you would like to set up a twenty-minute time.

I am particularly pleased with our students' efforts to be kind to one another. This is a skill and attitude that we practice daily at school. Our community is built upon small moments of empathy and consideration. It is the kind word in the morning, the door held for a friend, picking up the dropped book for a classmate....each small act helps to create a warmer, more friendly and more inclusive community.

If you have any questions or if I can be helpful in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best,

Bill