Dear Swan School Parents,

Arriving on campus today I saw Mouse, the neighbor's cat, across the empty playground. As he sometimes does he began walking towards me letting out some loud meows as if to ask, "Hey, where is everybody, it's recess time isn't it?" I had to let him know that school was out for the summer and that the daily schedule he was used to wouldn't resume until the start of school in September. Of course he was sad at this news (well, at least I assume he was).

Anthropomorphizing aside, the school really is a different place when everyone is gone. There seems to be both a soft stillness that lends itself to reflection of everything that has passed and a quiet energy that inspires anticipation of the coming year.

The end of this school year was full of wonderful heart-felt festivities. The staff had a party at my home not only to commemorate the school year, but also to say goodbye to the staff who were leaving us. The board put on a wonderful celebration at the June parent meeting. There was a very touching graduation/send-off to the Adventurers at the end of our all-school field trip to Old Fort Townsend. The students enjoyed an end-of-the-year celebration on the last day of school, and of course there was the final potluck of the year at Fort Worden. All of these things celebrated what really was an outstanding school year. As I watched student and parent faces throughout these events, I saw more than sadness for the passing of a great year, I also saw excited anticipation for the coming school year.

Although I had to say many fond goodbyes to a few staff members, some parents, and several students, I too am looking toward next year with anticipation. There are quite a few things on my summer "to-do list." One thing on the list that I am very excited about is working toward the enhancement of the music program with a stronger schedule and some additional offerings. Carrie Muellner will also begin her new duties over the summer as our full-time Administrative Manager and will focus on everything from bookkeeping and purchasing to facilities maintenance, PR, and playground improvement. Stacy Stafki's duties will expand next year to include that of aide for the Navigator's class. Although we haven't completed the interview process for the Adventurer classroom teacher or the art teacher positions yet, we have received a number of applications from some very strong candidates and I am sure we will have some great new staff members by the middle of the summer. Over the break there will be several improvements made to the playground as well as to the classrooms, all to help make the facilities friendlier and safer. We will also be looking at improving our assessment methods and report cards. Yes, you're right, it will be a busy summer for the staff, but fine tuning the school and its programs will be very exciting as well. I anticipate another wonderful school year as we build on the amazing foundation and strength we were given by earlier board and staff members. Perhaps it will be even better than the one that just came to a close.

Well, it seems that I lost Mouse's attention, he just wants the children to return, and in many ways he's right, it's the children who are the most important part of our school. I know I can't wait for their return either.

Russ