December 21, 2007

Season’s Greetings, from all of us at DISES!

Before we all head off in different directions for the holidays, there are a few things I want to communicate to you that will be on our doorstep before you know it.

First, there will be a Pre-School Community Forum at the Community of Christ Church in Stonington  on January 10th at 6 pm.  We are inviting all interested parties from the community to join us to explore how we might pursue creating a pre-school program for four-year olds for next year.  This will be a facilitated discussion.  All ideas are welcome!  Please join us, and help us spread the word to anyone on the island who may have young children, or have an interest in being part of the planning process.  Babysitting will be provided.

Secondly, nominations for school board members are currently being accepted by the Superintendent’s office.  Two school committee member positions are open (Skip Greenlaw’s and Don Sargent’s seats).  Both are for 3 year terms.  If you are interested in running for school office, or know someone who is, please make sure you pick up the nomination papers at Central Office.  You will need to gather at least 25 signatures of registered voters and submit the papers by January 18th.

Thirdly, we have a lot to look forward to in the new year.  Our literacy initiative is well underway and in January and March our teachers will be working with fantastic artists who have been trained by the Kennedy Center to provide enriching professional development, which will happen during in-service days.  We’re proud of the fact that we are in a partnership with the Kennedy Center and the Stonington Opera House to offer our teachers this opportunity.  Additionally, our specials teachers (art, music, library, PE, technology, drama) have planned a series of performances, residencies and activities in the classroom, focused on  our school-wide theme of Africa.  You will hear more about this in January.

May you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Catherine Ring, Principal