Principal’s Notes
7 September
Dear Parents,
Yesterday we were honored to host Paul Salopek, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist from the United States. He shared his experiences from the “Out of Eden” project, which documents his travels along migratory route of our earliest ancestors from Africa around the world. He is currently in the midst of walking this route, which covers 20,000 miles and will take an estimated 7 years to reach the tip of South America. During the presentation, MS students had a half hour to ask Paul a range of questions they prepared in social studies classes. Paul’s journey is integrated into our Grade 6 social studies curriculum. This was a wonderful opportunity for our current Grade 7 & 8 students to personally connect their experiences with the project and Paul's stories. Our Grade 6 students now have an outstanding introduction for their inquiry related to the Out of Eden project later this year. I invite you to find out more more about Paul, his journey and your child's insight or inspiration from the stories they heard. For your own inspiration, find out more here.
Communication Protocols
We seek to resolve issues directly with the appropriate faculty member or administrator if concerns or difficulties arise at school. Your child’s teachers are the first point of contact for any concerns related to grades, curriculum, homework or class behavior. If concerns cannot be resolved with the teacher, please contact Ms. Gold, our counselor, Mr. Ranson, our Associate Principal or the Middle School Principal, as appropriate. Matters that cannot be resolved at the MS section level should be directed to the Head of School. Please see our MS Handbook, page 36 for this information should you need to reference it in the future.
Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences
Student/parent/teacher conferences will take place at the end of this month, September 27-28. Conferences are an opportunity for students and teachers to share their reflections on student learning with parents. Conferences are by appointment with your child’s teachers. In the coming week, you will receive an email with directions and a link to sign up for conferences. Conferences can only be made through this email link and are on a first come, first serve basis.
Guests at School
Students are welcome to bring visitors and friends to visit campus for a day. Guests of students are expected to follow their host student’s schedule, participate in classes, and follow all school rules. Requests for visitors should be sent directly to the MS Principal. We ask that a request be sent at least two school days before the planned visit (example: request Thursday for a Monday visit). After approval of the visit, the MS office will contact security and the host student’s teachers so that they are informed. Please see page 17 of the MS Handbook for more information.
Correction to Grade 7 Week Without Walls
This year for WWoW, grade 7 will be visiting Dandeli, Goa to partipate in adventure activities and a safari. They will not be visiting Jaipur and Ranthambore as previously published. Please check your emails from the Grade 7 team with updated information about this year's trip. More detailed information will be shared at the Grade 7 WWoW parent information meeting on September 26.
Big Bad Blue
This weekend cheer on our swimmers at Big Bad Blue!
Spirit Week is right around the corner!
Pajama Day: Wear your most comfortableclothes! Remember to bring any other items like pillows or dolls to make your fashion more “sleepy”!
Crazy Day: (Almost) anything goes! An inside-out hoodie, a formal shirt with track pants, or a crazyhairdo is fine; show your wildness with your fashion sense!
Multiples Day: Pair or group up with your best buddies and wear matching shoes, matching t-shirts, or even matching socks; how will YOU show unity within yourselves?
Character Day: Dress up as your favorite character! Whether you dress as a cartoon character, a movie heroine, or even a famous person from history does not matter; your creativity is the limit!
UN Parade of Nations: Wear your country’s national dress for our annual parade of nations. All students will participate in the parade and walk across the school stage in their country’s traditional attire.
Next weekend, bring a friend and come out for International Day!
Parent Questions: How do you prepare Grade 8 students for the transition to high school?
We have a program that includes high school course registration and orientation in the spring for all Grade 8 students. Counselors from the middle and high schools facilitate this transition. The program includes information sessions, course registration, events that involve Grade 8 and high school students as well as events for parents. Optional IB & AP sessions are also a part of this program. In the spring, Grade 8 parents will be invited to relevant coffee mornings to become familiar with the high school. Individual counseling for students during the transition to high school is available upon request.
We hope to see you on campus for these events this weekend and next week!
Enjoy your weekend,
Jessica Pechhold Andrew Ranson
Middle School Principal Middle School Associate Principal
