Post date: Oct 31, 2016 5:31:0 AM
This was a busy weekend (kitchen remodel phase one: demolition & wall rebuild) so this email will be more succinct than my usual weekly blather. Amazingly enough, there are actually only a 'coupla' things to mention.
1. Conferences: From slow and uneventful to emotional and intense, the conferences were a good experience. I really valued our individual times together and appreciate the candor and glimpse into family dynamics. Almost every kid participated sincerely and evenly, showing poise, honesty, and maturity. There were belly-laugh moments, tearful moments, and the gamut in between. The goals that the kids set, the compromises that were reached, and the ambitions for the rest of our time together are all of paramount importance and a great outcome!
2. Retraction/Addendum: During conferences I realized (because some of you told me) that my request for you and your kid to get together and go over the assignment sheet nightly and PowerSchool weekly has been presumptuous and possibly counterproductive. Some kids don't need it, and in some situations it has caused undue conflict or parent-kid discord. So I humbly and enthusiastically retract that request/expectation, and replace it with "do what is best for you and your kid to create and communicate common expectations and systems of support". Family is the most important thing that we can have and nothing should supersede it's overall health. During these potentially challenging times when some students need to individuate and parents need to allow space and the occasional flounder (not the fish), we need to rest on the resilience of family. My father engraved a quote onto a beautiful piece of walnut burl and gave it to Amy and I for a wedding gift. It says "In necessariis, unitas; in dubias, libertas; in omnibus, caritas" which translates loosely to "in essential things, unity; when in doubt, liberty; and in all things, love."
Lastly, I want express my ongoing appreciation to all of the parents who are supporting me and giving very valuable feedback, supporting all levels of classroom and school endeavors, and enhancing the attitude/achievements of the students. It is such an honor to work with/for all of you.
Calendar:
November 1-4: Rm 29 in SF (changed intensive rotation)
November 8 & 15 (Tuesdays): Anne Frank Exhibit community night 6 PM
November 11 (Friday): Veteran's Day (no school)
November 15 (Tuesday): Innovation Challenge at SJSU
November 17 & 18: Room 25 to Angel Island -- see message from Gina
November 21-25: Thanksgiving Break
December 3: Star Party
December 6: 8th Grade to The Exploratorium
December 16: Early dismissal & break starts
December 16 to January 8: Winter break
January 16 (Monday): No School, MLK day
January 25 (Wednesday): 8th Grade Panoramic Photo
February 3 (Friday): Last day of first semester selectives
February 20-24: No School
Sincerely,
Chris