Saturday, June 12, 2010

June 12 “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

~
Dear families--

By now you've probably learned that I went home on Thursday morning and was absent on Friday. My family had a medical emergency, and I spent those days and today at the hospital. What lies ahead for us is a winding path, but one we will face. I'm grateful that the season will allow for my need to be away, and won't impact my school family.


Just know that I WILL be at school on Monday
, and everything is on schedule. We'll practice in the morning, decorate in the afternoon, and celebrate in the evening! It's going to be a cool day, too, which I am grateful for; a full gymnasium on a hot muggy evening would make for an uncomfortable ceremony.

Remember, boys should wear button-down or polo shirts, and [non-denim] long pants or shorts. Girls should wear skirts or dresses.

Let's enjoy this last evening together! It has been such a pleasure working with you all....

Teri

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

June 9

"I hope your dreams take you...to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, an to the most special places your heart has ever known."

With only a few days left, we're trying to keep a lid on the chaos.
Speeches are being written, histories are being practiced, and final projects are being completed. It will all come together on Monday morning. Monday afternoon, we'll start decorating at around 1:00 for anyone who can make it. Some people have volunteered to come around 3:00, which is also greatly appreciated. It shouldn't take us too long... That evening, kids should show up between 6:30 and 6:45. That way we can start on time at 7:00 PM.

Though the weather has been unpredictable, it seemed to hold for the community picnic today. I hope you all enjoyed spending a little time with your child at this end-of-the-school-year tradition.


I'll write more later.
Teri

Thursday, June 3, 2010

June 3 "Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Afoot and lighthearted, I take to the open road. Healthy, free, the world before, the long brown path before me, leading wherever I choose” - Walt Whitman

Hello, families--
We're back, and what a wonderful time we all had! Your children played hard, learned much, and spent the entire two days outside. They did a fantastic job on the low ropes course, and on team challenges--and they WERE challenged. They canoed on Long Pond and took a night hike up Bear Mountain. They learned such survival strategies as how to construct an emergency structure in the woods and how to build a no-fail fire using only one match and a little patience. They did a sensory walk --blindfolded -- through a strenuous 'obstacle course' in the woods (the chaperones and I were right beside them all the time even though THEY didn't know that). They ate well and laughed a lot and stayed up late doing whatever it is that adolescent boys and girls do. I couldn't have been more pleased with their willingness to be "fully present" and participate in the plethora of creative/demanding initiatives. ...And WALK!... I wish I'd worn a pedometer!

I think your children learned a lot about themselves and about trusting and supporting each other--something they can take with them always. It was a great way to end our time together.

In case you'd like to meet some of the Pok O MacCready staff who took good care of your children, click here. Let your son or daughter point out familiar faces to you!

NEXT STOP: STEP-UP CELEBRATION!
Please look over the yellow form your child will have for you on Friday. We can either reimburse or call ahead to pay for these expenditures.
  • If we are to have balloons, I DO need help getting the helium tank (cost: around $80.00) and
  • flowers (I'd check with Shaws, Hannafords, and Price Chopper to get the best price. Florists will be too pricey, probably...)
  • I'll also need a group of volunteers to help set up.
Please check off and return the form indicating what you are able to help with asap.

____________________________________________

Teri

And now, here by popular demand, the continuing saga of Liberty's Kids:










































History is composed of wonderful stories--stay tuned as "Liberty's Kids" continues to chronicle how our country won its battle for freedom in the American Revolution.