The BUZZ 

September 18, 2016

Dear Earth School Families,

This is the time when the entire school is focused on establishing clear structures and routines for being together as a community. From learning where to sit at Town Meeting and where to store one's backpack to performing class jobs, solving a conflict, picking a "just right" book, or having snack, routines are what make school run smoothly. Once internalized, these structures are hard to notice and look "easy." When routines are not carefully established, classrooms appear chaotic and children feel off-balance. I invite you to consider some of the routines you have at home-- for bedtime or bath, or nightly reading-- to see if you have designed predictable structures for your child to work within. As children grow, their routines and responsibilities must be adapted.

In school, establishing routines is more complex as new groups come together and learn new ways of doing things. We anticipate roughly six weeks for teachers to establish the basic school structures in order for the classes to get in full swing. Yes, other subjects begin to unfold throughout that time, but without a solid foundation of skills for working and caring for ourselves and for each other, classrooms cannot become the humming, buzzing, happy communities that we seek. Please help your child to recognize the importance of school routines, rules, and structures. The rich, active curriculum that we all love is coming. To learn more about your child's class, its routines, the curriculum and how to support both your own child and the class, please come to the Class Kick-off Evening on Thursday, September 22, from 6 - 7:45 p.m. All parents are asked to attend. There will be childcare in the Play Space for Earth School Students only. (Unfortunately, there is no supervision for younger siblings.)

 Thanks to all who made the deadline for returning the Back-to-School Paperwork. If you haven’t, please do them asap!!

All for now! 

Love,

Abbe