Dear Parents,

I hope you enjoyed the students' living history museum as much as I did. After performing their presentations for you on Thursday evening, they gave them to each other on Friday morning. It really was one of the most requested activities of the school year. As I watched the children perform, I was struck by the rapt attention that was given as each group performed, it was obvious how much they value each other as a part of their school family. It was equally obvious how proud the students were of their own presentations by how anxious they were to have a chance to perform them to their schoolmates. The kids weren't there to boast about how much they learned or how dramatically they performed, but rather they simply took pride in sharing their accomplishments in a way that was meaningful to them. Although not always obvious everyday when viewed from the outside, the learning that is happening at Swan School is holistic and meaningful to our children. During the learner exhibition one grandmother said to me, "It's wonderful how the children are learning history in such a meaningful way, it really comes alive for them. What a difference from how I had to learn it out of textbooks!" I couldn't agree with her more :-)

As with any school year, when it nears its close I often fondly look back on what we did and what has been accomplished; this year is no exception. Just a couple weeks before school began we were starting to move into our new classrooms. At the time it seemed that there was almost unlimited space. But it didn't take long to fill every nook and cranny. Looking at the old building now I can't imagine fitting our entire school in there any longer, can you?

Our first year of preschool has been wonderful. Not only has it proven to be an enormous success, it has also added a new depth to our school. For many of the Navigators, it is a highlight of the school day when they get to read to, help out, or simply play with the Discoverers. And I know the feeling is mutual, the 3 and 4 year olds are always looking up to the older students in the school as mentors and "big sisters" or "big brothers."

Team teaching has been a wonderful experience for Karen and Marcy. Their already superb teaching skills grew even further as the year progressed. The way their teaching styles compliment each other has strengthened the learning experiences of every student in the Explorers classroom. This year the traditional Navigators' field experience with the Olympic Park Institute was moved from the spring to the fall. What a great way that proved to be to start the year, we've been building on that experience ever since.

With the second year of our enhanced music program under our belts, the results have really begun to show. People in our community are now discovering what Swan School parents already know, that our students are amazing musicians. Thanks to our music staff for all of the dedication and support they give our children every week to help them musically achieve as much as they can.

This year the staff focused on reading instruction by doing some research, discussing what methods would work best for Swan School students, and then adjusting our curriculum to help students learn to read better and understand what they have read at an even greater depth. Although we will continue to build on what we have accomplished, I am proud to say that many of our children have gained as much as three years' growth in just one year's time, all while keeping reading fun and interesting. Even though the staff won't be focusing their attention on writing instruction until next school year, thanks to Lowell's efforts our school participated in our region's Young Writers' Conference this year for the first time. Not only was our school one of the best represented, our children's writing shined when placed with the rest of the schools at the conference. I can only imagine where we'll be after we enhance our writing curriculum even further!

This year we also hosted a number of guests. A few of which included the return of the Read Dogs. We also had the opportunity to learn from a professional falconer and an Irish high school student who taught the Navigators how to play the penny whistle while giving us a brief introduction to Ireland (what a treat that was). This list could go on and on, especially if I included all of the field trips ­ everything from getting a tour of the Food Coop, to swimming, to visiting a fudge factory.

Next year is sure to be just as good as this one, if not better. We are looking forward to welcoming a number of families that will be new to our school community. We will also continue to pursue our commitment to become accredited by the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (we are already accredited by Washington State). The beginning of a comprehensive and age-appropriate 5th and 6th grade program, named the Adventurers, should also prove to be a highlight of the 2007-2008 school year.

During these final weeks of the 2006-2007 school year, remember to ask your child about the elective classes he or she has signed up for. Everything from weaving to rockets and from juggling to yoga is being offered during the afternoons of June 4 through June 8. On Thursday the 14th we will be having our annual all-school all-day field trip. I understand that there is a very low tide that morning and so we will be sure to include some beach exploration as a part of that day. Also don't forget to mark your calendars for our last day of school potluck. We have reserved the kitchen shelter at Fort Worden for Friday the 15th from 4:30 on. It's a great way to celebrate the year and wish everyone a happy summer.

One final note, last Friday a survey was placed in your yellow folder near the entrance. Please be sure to fill it out and get it back to the office by Wednesday. Doing this really helps guide us as we plan for the next school year. Thank you!

Russ