Pinemere Trip

Thursday, 9pm

We surprised the kids by showing the Eagles game. Lots of enthusiasm and like true Philadelphians, some boos. (tough first possession, right?)  We had a wonderful talent show, with a couple of amazing card tricks by Maxam (this is a correction- apologies to both young men, in a earlier edition of this I misnamed Maxam) , some dancing and singing by a big group of kids, and a banjo act. You want variety folks? We got variety! 

The rains have hit Pinemere. It's pouring as a write this. Instead of S'mores tonight, the kids had to settle for... sigh... ice cream.

Your kids have been great. Photos from Thursday evening below.   More to come. 

We still plan to be back to school by around 2:45 tomorrow. If that changes, we will be in touch. 

On a more personal note, I'd like to add that the kids have been great. And they are rapidly building a community they can be proud of. 

Thursday, just before noon,

Good day friends,

    We've had a good morning and it seems the rain is going to hold off until this evening. 

   We've spend time talking about emotional safety, physical safety, and taking time to make sure the other is okay.  Right now, I'm looking at the kids play cooperative games. They're in good spirits and participating nicely.

   Earlier this morning, we all participated in a game organized by peer mentor, Raina.  

... a few moments later...  we've just finished lunch and now we're getting Jedi training. (with swim noodles!) 

Photos from Thursday Afternoon. 

Wednesday 8:45 pm

Good Evening Parents, 

    We have had a really nice first day here at Pinemere. We arrived before noon, moved into our cabins, had lunch, and then launched into our afternoon activities. These activities challenged students to think about ways in which we communicate clearly and listen. We also had students write a letter to their 12th grade self. We made homeroom plaques/ coats of arms and we talked about the symbols and ideas that best captured us right now. Our fourth activity was the ninja warrior course they have here at Pinemere. Many tried to scale the large wall, and a few even succeeded.

   After our structured activities, we opened the lake, pool, basketball and tennis courts for the kids for an hour an a half.  After dinner, we again offered organized activities, included friendship bracelet making and a night hike. For the last our the kids have been at a bonfire making s'mores and hanging out.  Below are some pictures from the day. 

   More photos to come tomorrow. Wifi is extremely slow here and it's taking forever to get them uploaded.  

   Back with more updates tomorrow. 

Alex McDonnell 

Grade Dean