Principal's Newsletter April 1, 2011

Sometimes I wish you all could see what I see, hear what I hear, in our school.

Wednesday afternoon was one of those times. I think I've written before of our professional development model -- study teams focus on topics of interest and importance and then have the responsibility to lead the rest of the faculty through meaningful learning experiences. The model was designed to give faculty a voice and direction in their learning, and also accountability to one another. The other day, that is exactly what happened.

Four of our teachers, focused this year on School Culture, led us through an activity called "Small Moments that Matter." From the title you can likely infer that the work revolved around finding effective and appropriate responses to the dozens of potential "teachable moments" we encounter when working with children every week. Sometimes the trouble with character ed programs or speakers is that they don't go deeply enough into real, actionable, moments. But this was the antithesis. I was so energized by the thoughtful care put forward by every teacher as they struggled through tough situations -- real situations -- and carefully put together meaningful adult responses which leave children impacted and better able to navigate in the future. I just wish you could have been there!
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On the theme of caring, last time I wrote asking for suggestions for what our students could do to assist schoolchildren in Japan affected by the earthquake. We've zeroed in on a plan, thanks especially to Erica Naito-Campbell and Grover, Tammy Sutter, and Maya Klein.

The recent earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan have left many school children in need of not only physical items, such as basic supplies, but also emotional support. Riverdale Grade School students will be making origami hearts with messages of support and caring for school-age children in Japan, with a goal of sending thousands of Paper Hearts by the end of April. Seventh and eighth grade leadership students will teach other students how to make the hearts, and those messages will be given to a local nonprofit group to be sent to Japan.

In addition, Dr. MacNamara is working to establish a conduit for Riverdale families to support those devastated by the earthquake and tsunami.

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Coming Up Next Week

And, later in the month...author visit from RGS parent David Michael Slater!