Friday, June 11, 2010

There's Only One Way to Close the Show

And Tatum taught us what that is...


Sunday, June 6, 2010

An Incredible Finish

Families,

Thank you.

Thank you for sending your children to us for the last nine months, for entrusting us with their education, and their emotional and physical safety. School is perhaps the ultimate human enterprise, and, as a result, we are far from perfect. What we seek to do, every day, is to personalize the educational experience your children receive.

These last four days of "Smitherdale" (as the t-shirt has dubbed it) will no doubt be a whirlwind, as have been the last two weeks.

First, how about Field Day?! Marne, Nicole, Laura, and Leslie deserve 100% of the credit for the sunshine, not to mention the seamlessly organized day. (Mr. Black's photos here.)

The fifth grade "Fractured Fairytales" (another youtube link) had me grinning ear to ear! (Again, marvelous photos here. What would we do without him?)

The music concerts were wonderful reminders of what we have to celebrate. (A previous post has embedded a youtube video of the 7-8 band performing at a band competition this Spring.) Here, as a complement, is a video of the jazz band performing last week:



There are a number of important events coming this week.

Tonight marks the graduation of the RHS senior class at Lewis & Clark.

Thursday morning at 10:00 is our awards assembly, held this year in the lovely gym at Smith. (8th graders traditionally depart after the awards assembly.)

And, Thursday night, we will promote an impressive group of 8th graders!

Finally, Friday night is the final Board meeting of this school year. The Board's letter to the community elucidates far more clearly than I could the budgetary situation in which we find ourselves. Dealing with a shortage of funds is, ultimately, the most difficult part of my position. But, it is a critical element as well. I know that this school represents so much of our community's hopes for its children, and that the natural results are strong emotions and personal ties. We benefit from this everyday. I anticipate a full house Friday night, and welcome the opportunity to gather with our families to work through the situation for your children.

This year has been, for all of us, an exercise in patience. I'd like to thank you for yours. The result will be well worth it!

Best,

j