Dear Parents,

Friday was a big day for me, it was the first time I have been able to experience the Rhody Kiddie Parade since I first moved here in 1983. What a great experience! After lots of preparation and excitement, we all met just down from the skate park and waited, and waited, and with anticipation growing by the minuteŠ we waited. Finally word came along the queue that the parade was under way! We began "marching" and singing and smiling. I was in charge of pushing a wheelbarrow along the route, soon realizing that I wouldn't be able to put to use the "parade wave" that I'd been practicing the day before. As we got to the first corner I heard a "Hey, Mr. Yates!" from a group of my former students. I yelled back a "HI!" and smiled a bit broader as my pride in being a part of Swan School grew. As well wishers along the route cheered us on, our students began grinning more broadly than I thought was possible! By the time we reached the end of the parade, I could see in each Swan School student's face a sense of pride in what they'd accomplished and joy in what they were a part of. Thanks to all of the parents who helped this event happen so successfully!

Although each school year has started out busy in the 15 years I have been teaching, I have observed that every month seems to get progressively busier, culminating in the frenzy known as the last month of school. I have also learned that Swan School is no different in this regard than any of the other schools I have been a part of (other than it feels much more positive and energized than I have experienced in the past). Well, in the joyful frenzy of this spring, I made my first mistake (I'm certain that it will be the only one I'll ever make). I got so caught up in the preparations for my class's trip to O.P.I., that I forgot to give you a more timely notice about the school's learner exhibition - I apologize. That said you should also know that the students have begun work on their projects. Every K-5 student in our school has become part of a mixed age group that has chosen a specific aspect of wetland ecology to create a presentation on. They are all quite excited about what they are working on and happy to be working with each other. You will likely have a request or two this week from your child for materials specific to their project or for some help gathering information. The Learner Exhibition will take place between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. this Thursday, 5/25 and will be presented in a "science fair" format.

Also, be aware that this Friday afternoon, 5/26, the school will be visiting the mouth of Chimacum Creek to experience first hand some wetland and salmon restoration work that is going on there. If you can chaperone and/or drive, please let Flossie know.

Some other events to look forward to include: this Saturday's Garden Party, our Spring Concert (6/2), Elective classes (6/5-6/8 & 6/12-6/14), our in-school talent show (6/9), whole-school field trip (6/15), all leading to our final day of school (6/16). There will be more details about these events later so be sure to "stay tuned" to Flossie's emails.

Even though I said this at the last parent meeting, I wish to state it again, thank you for our new classrooms. From the first time I walked into them, I could tell that they will become marvelous educational spaces. Your children will embrace school even more joyfully than they do already, and when they are older, will look back on their experiences at Swan School as just about the best place they could have gotten their early education! If you haven't had a chance to "tour" the new buildings, don't hesitate to ask to see them any day after school, one of the staff or board members will be glad to "show you around."

Russ