The School Picnic was amazing!!! It was wonderful to watch children, families, and staff enjoying a day at the East River Park together. Thanks to all who were able to come, to the amazing cooks, and to everyone for their generous contributions. Seeing everyone together is a beautiful reminder of why we all work so hard to support and protect the Earth School’s values of community, inclusion, and respect for all. As we head into the end of the school year, we are preparing to say goodbye to our graduates and to welcome in a new batch of little ones. For our fifth graders, a new chapter in their school journey is about to begin. I wish them the best and am confident that they will continue to make us proud in their new school communities.
We are busy making plans for the new school year. We have selected Studio In a School, a reputable arts partner for the upcoming school year. Through this program, each class will work with a professional teaching artist in the visual arts. In addition, there will be family workshops, professional development for teachers, and a student exhibit. Teachers will collaborate with the artist to further integrate visual arts into their classrooms. The school has set aside funds to support most of the project. We have applied for a city grant to cover the remaining portion.
Narrative Report cards will be distributed on Friday. At the end of fourth grade, the Department of Education collects “grades” and attendance records for next year’s middle schools admissions. Since the Earth School does not issue grades and most families opt out of the standardized tests, we will upload the narratives into the new My Schools system. For further information, see our grading policy in the school handbook.
At this time of the year, the Department of Education allots days for the school staff to work together on school planning and professional development. Like the half days during the school year, these opportunities for staff collaboration provide time away from children to build on what’s working, to develop areas that are lagging, and to explore new initiatives. Over the years, these opportunities have allowed us to benefit from the leadership, perspective, and expertise of our whole staff. Topics this year have included developing and implementing the “PBATs” math assessments for 5th graders, integrating sustainability and culturally responsive practices, looking at math development through the school, and improving recess. Most recently, we spent a day looking at school data in math, English language arts (reading and writing), attendance, and family involvement in order to develop our Comprehensive Education Plan. When we identified an area in need of improvement, we engaged in a process to uncover the “root causes” of the problem and will develop an action plan to address it.
Family Conferences are this week! At June Conferences, teachers and students share collections of student work to see the year’s accomplishments. Formats vary by class, but please be sure to sign up in front of the classroom or by email. Evening times are available in all classes. ALL of your child’s teachers and service providers (speech, ot, pt, guidance) are available and eager to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress. Don’t forget to meet with Tim (tim@theearthschool.org), Emmy (Emmy@theearthschool.org), and Vince (vince@theearthschool.org).
Hope to see you at the Family Picnic and Potluck this Friday! Please see class newsletters for details and guidelines. Remember to pack Reusable Water Bottles as we are a Plastic-Water-Bottle-Free School!!
All for now! Abbe
Posted Jun 10, 2019, 9:31 AM by Designer Stevie Remsberg
Wow, it’s already June!??! It’s been such an amazing year at The Earth School. It’s my favorite time to visit classrooms as children bring the pieces of learning together and express their classroom studies through writing, projects, art, and rich discussions.
Family Conferences are scheduled for next week. At June Conferences, teachers and students share collections of student work to see the year’s accomplishments. Formats vary by class, but please be sure to sign up in front of the classroom or by email. Evening times are available in all classes. ALL of your child’s teachers and service providers (speech, ot, pt, guidance) are available and eager to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress. Don’t forget to meet with Tim (tim@thearthschool.org), Emmy (Emmy@theearthschool.org), and Vince (vince@theearthschool.org).
The approach of the summer vacation brings many emotions for each of us. There are feelings of excitement and anticipation, but also loss and anxiety about moving to new situations, such as new classes and, for some, new middle schools. When children experience these mixed emotions, they may behave in ways that adults find confusing. We might see some regression, detachment, disorganization, and, even, physical aggression. End-of-year rituals, sticking with predictable schedules and routines, and inviting children to express themselves are important ways to help them stay centered and secure. In responding to unwanted behaviors, we suggest using “Reflective Technique,” in which adults help children make connections to underlying causes, “Sometimes kids get worried at the end of year and their feelings come out in _____.” “I’m going to make sure everyone is safe, but if you are feeling worried or angry about saying goodbye, you may ___ (draw, write, talk about it, etc.)” Older children can be invited to discuss their mixed feelings when adult shares their own conflicting feelings about an approaching change. Remember that these behaviors and reactions are temporary!
Welcome back to Guidance Counselor, Shirley Suares!!
All for now! Abbe
Posted Jun 3, 2019, 10:25 AM by Designer Stevie Remsberg
6/18, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Parents Association Meeting and Elections!!! 6/18, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Third Street Music School Open House to apply (235 E 11th St near 2nd Ave). Earth School Students ages 6 (by Dec 31, 2019) to 14 will be able to meet teachers, try out different dance styles, chorus, instruments, and apply for FREE classes. 6/20, 9:00 a.m. Earth School Graduation 6/21. Summer Solstice 6/21, 3:00 p.m. Ice Cream Social (Grades 4/5 only)
