(L-R) Patsy Ward, lower school principal and Laura James, upper school principal

The Children’s School is proud to announce the appointment of upper and lower school principals. Beginning June 1, 2012, the School’s new division principals will oversee programs and curriculum specific to those age groups – pre-primary through third grade for lower school and fourth through sixth grade for upper school. Both of these positions will report to the head of school to ensure consistency with the school’s philosophy while facilitating an opportunity for additional day-to-day involvement in age-appropriate educational needs.

We are pleased to announce that Patsy Ward, currently the associate head of school, will become principal of the lower school in recognition of her significant curriculum and program contributions and accomplishments to date.

Similarly, Laura James, who currently serves TCS as resource specialist, will become the principal of the upper school beginning June 1.

Together, Patsy and Laura will be responsible for curriculum design, admissions and teacher professional development for their respective divisions.

This new administrative structure will further strengthen The Children’s School’s commitment to academic excellence and the development of the whole child and simultaneously add depth and strength to the admissions process and our sixth grade placement process.

Marcia talks with Adrianne & Laura's fifth graders

Last week would have been Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 85th birthday. To me, as to many, he will always remain the young, vibrant, motivational preacher I saw giving his “I Have a Dream” speech on the National Mall in 1963. My father and I made the journey together from Cleveland, Ohio on a chartered Greyhound bus. Although I was young, I remember vivid details about that trip and that day – the bus ride that took forever, the smell of the food on the bus and the arrival in Washington D.C. to what looked like millions of people. More than anything, I remember the joy, happiness and feeling of hope that day.

I shared some of those memories with Adrianne and Laura’s fifth grade class last week and reflected on what it was like growing up during the civil rights movement. One point I kept coming back to and emphasizing was that many different kinds of people – of all races, ethnicities, religions, etc. – worked together to get us to where we are today.  Because our children are so accustomed to a diverse and inclusive environment, they were having a hard time understanding why a civil rights movement was even necessary in the first place. But as they listened to my stories, they began to picture a world that was very different than the one they know now. I could see the wheels turning as they glanced around the classroom at their friends and teachers to notice the differences that would’ve separated them 50 years ago. The more we talked, the more questions they had – very insightful questions, I might add. They began to understand.

In a world in which many people are concerned with only themselves and try to resist any change that could be uncomfortable, it was great to talk with our students about people who’ve worked to change the world, even at a great personal expense. I think our students also got a newfound appreciation of one another and were inspired that they too could make a difference. I think Martin Luther King, Jr. would be very proud of our school. I know I am.

Snacks
Monday – Apple slices, cheese & crackers – Cranberry juice
Tuesday – Nilla wafers & bananas – Milk
Wednesday – Chicken salad, carrots & pita chips – Grape juice
Thursday – Cereal bars & blueberries – Milk
Friday – Assorted – Water

Activities
PP – will explore all types of transportation and make trains.
PK -  will make and play with parachutes.
K/First -  will learn about Egypt and make pyramids out of popsicles sticks.
Second/Third – will create puppets and perform The Return of Star Wars puppet show.
Fourth-Sixth - will make lip balm.

Over the years I have had countless reasons to be proud of The Children’s School community. I’ve taken pride in graduates as they’ve given their farewell speeches. I’ve celebrated breakthroughs in individual academic performance or behavior. I’m pleased when I see our campus swarming with parent volunteers eager to help wherever needed. But I am perhaps most proud when I see the entire school community – students, teachers, staff, parents and friends – come together as one in support of our own.

Last week was one of those times. When we learned of the passing of third grader, Patrick Chance, our community showed its strength, solidarity and compassion. While we knew Patrick had been suffering from childhood cancer for almost five years, losing him was no less difficult or devastating. It’s impossible to prepare for such a loss, no matter the circumstances, but parents, teachers, and students seamlessly mobilized to honor him, his life and his family. It was TCS at its best, even at one of its worst times.

We will never forget Patrick’s infectious smile or his indomitable spirit. We will miss him fiercely.

We will kick off our return to Discovery with the art of making and painting with whipped cream!