Dear Parents,I find it amazing that September has already come and gone but it's true. I can feel it every morning when I step outside and feel the coming of October chill my hands and ears. I've even had to start wearing sweaters again, a sure sign of fall.
With the change in weather, please remember to help your children choose weather-appropriate clothing for P.E. and the playground. It's easy for kids to slip into their favorite summer clothes and get to school only to find themselves feeling too cold during the morning recess. On the flip side, some children have been arriving all bundled up and pleasantly toasty, later becoming too warm by afternoon. They quickly shed a layer or two and often forget that they have left their beautiful sweater on the playground. Of course this means that the lost and found bin in the 24th street entrance is getting rather full. Please check it when you drop off or pick up your child.
If you are interested in joining the new Swan Parents' Book Club, the sign-up is on the bulletin board in the 24th street entrance. Remember that there are 3 books to choose between: 7 Strategies for Developing Capable Students, Choosing Excellence, and The Schools Our Children Deserve. The one that gets the most number of parents signing up for it will become our first selection.
I've had a chance to talk about the instrumental portions of our music program with the teachers and am happy to report that things are going very well. Both Stefan and Kristin have told me that the changes to music implemented this year have made a world of difference. They are both very excited about the focus and the progress they see in the students. Leslie has told me that keyboarding is going very well also. There are some things that are being "fine tuned," but this is turning out to be a great addition to our Swan School music program as well! Another thanks to the music committee for all the hard work they did this summer that helped make this possible!
Speaking of great programs, Loida's after school program is absolutely fantastic! Kids love it, Loida is enjoying her time with the children, and they are all getting a tremendous amount of homework done! If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity give Loida a call, her number is: 385-9467.
Our school's website is in the process of being updated by Carrie and Jon. If you get a chance, check it out and give it a "test-drive." You'll find it easier to navigate and filled with great information about our school. The URL is: http://www.swanschool.net
As a part of our school's emphasis on community, students are focusing on what they can do to foster a friendly and safe school family. Each class is looking closely at specific aspects of our Swan School community and preparing presentations in which they will teach the rest of the school what they have learned. Marcy's class looked at what it means to be safe. Karen's class taught us about caring for others, and Russ' and Lowell's class has split into two groups, one focusing on communication and the other on caring for Swan School. The students are having a great time with this and learning how to be even more respectful to one another at the same time.
I hope your weekend goes well and that the brisk October air simply makes your home that much more cozy. :-)
Russ