A Few Updates

Happy Great Hearts Day!

We had a lovely assembly this morning, and the students performed a beautiful recitation of their poem.  I was very proud of all their hard work!

Congratulation go to Hanna Tollen for receiving the virtue award for Humility this month. We have spoken about the idea that humility means  "we have much to offer, and much to learn."  Hanna is a wonderful example of this in our classroom.

We were also very proud of Peter Green's poetry recitation of Psalm 100 for the Bard Competition.  It was clear that he put forth much effort and hard work.  Great job Peter!

Also, thank you for all your generous donations to A New Leaf.  The director of the organization came and spoke to the school this morning and she was overwhelmed by the generosity of our students, staff, and parents.  Fifth grade alone collected over 400 items!

I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that yesterday, due to some issues that have come to light,  we had a discussion with the entire fifth grade class about what it means to show friendship and be inclusive of all students.  Last night I happened upon a post that Glennon Doyle Melton wrote on this topic.  I thought it was both timely and beautifully stated, I wanted to share it with you all:

Please talk to your children about relationships. About empathy. Please show them with your questions that you care about the way they are treating each other and being treated. That you care not only about their minds - but about their hearts. And not only about their hearts- but about the hearts of their classmates and acquaintances and those who have no one to sit with at lunch.

We are so concerned with achievement in this country and some ways- that’s okay. But I think people who are trying to be perfect all the time have no energy leftover to be good. This is true of adults and children. People who don’t feel forgiven for being human don’t forgive anybody else for being human, either.
Our kids need to know that we want them to do GOOD as much as we want them to do WELL.

Maybe- when they get home today in addition to asking:

How was your test?

We could ask: How are your friendships?

Is there anyone in your class you’re struggling with?

Who drives you crazy? Why do you think that is?

When did you feel left out today?

Anybody else feeling left out?

Anybody getting picked on at lunch, recess, or the bus?

How would you feel if that were you? What could we do about it, together?

Test scores and grades are important- I understand. Children learning how to care for and be cared for by other human beings is even more important. It’s a matter of life and death.

Getting along with others is the hardest thing in the world. We can't leave kids alone to figure it out. Kids need coaches. We all do.

We Belong To Each Other- And We Can Do Hard Things- like raise kids who are brave and kind.

I am so honored to be a part of the Great Heart's community and I thank you for entrusting your most precious assets to me every day!