Our First Week Back in School!
And it sure was a good one.
Updates from our first week
Hello Caregivers!
We are wrapping up our first week back and it has been fabulous. The building is full of learning, laughter and creativity. In this newsletter I will be sharing:
- Our focus for the first few weeks
- Scenes from this Week
- Important Dates and Reminders
- Head of School musings
Our Focus for the first few weeks
Community Building: From Teambuilding to developing our community agreements we spend a lot of time thinking about who we are as a school community and what it means to be a part of it.
Classroom norms and expectations: What does it mean to be in a classroom? What do I bring with me and when is it okay to work on a beanbag? This and so much more.
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Personal goals and projects: Students will be setting some goals for their own classwork and identifying projects that they want to work on with timelines to keep track of their success.
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Fun: Playing games is so important and part of everyday! If we aren't having some fun we are doing something wrong.
Pacem Library!
Real World Math Class
Kids got crafty and we had fun. They know that this is one of the few classes that is actually going to require some homework but I assured them it wont be too much!
Teambuilding!
Dear Pacem Caregivers,
When we gathered outside the new shelter in Hubbard Park on Tuesday I immediately knew that it was going to be a good school year. Not just because we have such an amazing crew of kids this (we do though!) but because I was reminded how special this place is. It is rare to find a school that genuinely values each individual child for who they are and when you find one you should hold on to it and nurture it. I feel so lucky to be here and appreciative of you all for letting us play a role in the lives of your children.
On Wednesday we brought the kids together to write their guidelines for how to be in community with each other. It is one of my favorite things that we do. I have included a photo of their signed agreement and I really encourage you to come and take a look in the hallway to read all of the details. We focused on what it means to care for yourself, each other and our space. Here are a few of the things that they came up with, in their words:
Caring for yourself:
- Be responsible for your own actions
- Ask for what you need
- Try your best
Caring for each other:
- Ask for consent before touching people or their stuff
- Listen to each other
- Assume best intentions and ask questions
Caring for our space and environment:
- Put back ALL OF THE PENCILS and other supplies
- Leave the space better than you found it
- Respect special things (like the rat)
These kids are amazing. Please share information about our little school with anyone who will listen because this is worth sharing. Always reach out if you have any questions!
Sincerely,
Ryan Johns