Genuine Conversations
Like many, I was fortunate to get some quality time off this summer, slowing down and settling into another level of relaxation. Since returning to work, I've noticed a remnant of the time away that I want to acknowledge and hold on to.
 
Over the last week, I have observed how my conversations with colleagues -- who also had time away -- tend to meander more than during the school year. More than just a reporting of vacations or projects, these conversations instead have unfolded in unexpected ways, frequently punctuated with more humor than usual. And unlike the more typical work exchanges that are straight-ahead, linear, and efficient -- problem, brainstorm, decide, implement, evaluate -- these ambling conversations have taken on lives of their own. There have been more discoveries, both about the other person and myself. Connections have been deepened.
 
In one sense, these conversations have a more emotional and interpersonal aesthetic. The connection is more important than the mere exchange of information, thus we both become more observant and aware of the subtle nuances that are the hallmark of genuine exchange. Not to be too cliché, but for me it is a variation of Martin Buber's I and Thou that is the hallmark of a "successful" vacation.
 
Back at RDS, this has, of course, led me to reflect on how we relate to and with our own children. I am not 100% sure about you (though I'm pretty sure!), but I know that too much of my conversation is of the straight-ahead, linear ilk-logistics, chores, responsibilities, etc. This dynamic is along the lines of the old Dragnet television series: "Just the facts, please." 
 
This type of communication is not necessarily bad -- in fact, it's essential for both our kids and ourselves -- unless, of course, it isn't balanced with these more meandering and opening conversations. After all, these latter conversations are the ones that linger in our heads and hearts, and those of our children, for months and years to come. In fact, right now, if you are in a bit of a meandering mode, take a moment to recall one of these conversations you had as a child or teenager with a parent or guardian. Perhaps while riding in a car, on a walk together, making a late-night snack, or on a long car ride together... See what I mean?
 
As your summer begins to wrap up, intentionally make yourself available to these more meandering conversations with your kids. Follow each other and take turns leading. In many ways, these conversations are like sound relationships investments that you can call upon when the school year gets too hectic or too busy. That is, this is the time when the journey really is more important than the destination, probably because when it comes to raising kids, the ultimate destination is the journey.
 
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
 
Mike

P.S. If you've called RDS in recent days, you may have recognized a familiar voice answering the main  line...  I am pleased to announce that Jill Nesbitt has joined us as the new Front Office Coordinator, with Derek Clark stepping up into the role of Senior Executive Administrator and Assistant to the Head of School. Jill, a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, comes to us with experience as a recruiting coordinator and office administrator, but may be more familiar to many through her son, Channing, who graduated from RDS in June. Having been a member of our community for many years as a parent, Jill's experience and familiarity with the school are enormous assets and will help ensure a smooth start to the new school year. Please join me in welcoming Jill to our RDS family!

                                     
Better and Better
Here in lower school, we are very excited for a new school year to begin. Our teachers have been busy this summer, enhancing their skills through professional development and planning for the year ahead, as well as taking time to renew and re-energize by connecting with loved ones and taking time for themselves.
 
We look forward to having your children start and/or return to school on August 25 and to supporting each of them to have a successful year of learning. After 23 years of teaching in public and parochial schools, what drew me to RDS in 1996 was the school's focus on seeing and teaching the whole child. My nine years as a first-grade teacher here only strengthened my conviction that, in order to be successful, students need adults who will see their unique struggles and strengths, and who will seek out strategies to challenge and support each one to do their personal best. 
 
As Lower School Director since 2005, I draw on my experience to help our teachers create the best possible learning environment for your children. Some of the ways we do this include:

• understanding how people learn in general and how individual students learn in particular
• knowing that study and practice can strengthen skills for any student, regardless of current ability
• establishing collaborative partnerships with students, families and colleagues
• engaging a variety of strategies to help each student be successful
  

Another thing I have always appreciated about RDS is that we are always asking ourselves, "How could we do better?" One challenge we have identified is that many students have difficulty learning as well after lunch as they do in the morning. (Some adults have this problem too!) Some students may not eat all of their lunch because they are so eager to play. Others eat so slowly that they miss out on playing, then return to class restless. To address this problem, many schools have turned to a "Play,Then Eat" lunch strategy. After many discussions, we have decided to give this a try as well. Starting this year, students will begin lunch recess with physical activity, then take five minutes to wash hands, and finish with lunch. While our primary goal is to enhance each student's ability to focus and learn in the afternoon, we are hopeful that this will also help us to reduce the amount of food that gets wasted.
 
As with all things new, there may be some bumps along the way. But, like I said, we're always asking, "How can we do better?" So, if you have feedback about the new "Play, Then Eat" recess or anything else about our program, please know that your comments are always welcome.
 
Sincerely,
 
Denise Breland
Lower School Director

                                      
Getting to Know You
It is a privilege to be a new part of the Redwood Day School community and to have the opportunity to work with RDS students, faculty, and families. For me, an important goal for the year is to learn about what makes the Middle School such a special place. To this end, I have been meeting with middle school faculty over the summer, will meet with the Student Council before school starts, and with all middle school students during gathering times at the start of the school year.

I also want to meet middle school families and am making an effort to do so as early in the year as possible. I have been meeting with eighth-grade families to discuss high school placement. I will meet sixth-grade families during New Student Orientation on August 24. For seventh-grade families, I will host a "meet and greet" on Thursday, August 26 at 7:00 pm. I am also available to meet with families individually if you have concerns needing individual attention. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Middle School Coordinator, Jeanne Coyne Song by email or at 534.0804, ext. 226 or me at 534.0804, ext. 230 or by email.

Opening Day in the Middle School
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 25, and our middle school day will begin promptly at 8:10
a.m. All middle school students will gather in the Middle School Multipurpose Room. We will spend the first period that morning and our other assembly periods laying a solid foundation for a successful academic year.

New Faces
Sarah Durantini (sixth-grade math and science) and Lindsay Sandzik (seventh- and eighth-grade science) will both be on maternity leave in the early part of the school year. Ms. Durantini and her husband welcomed their daughter into the world last week, and Ms. Durantini plans to return to RDS in late September. Ms. Sandzik will leave at the beginning of October and return in January. Dr. Nancy Knop will be the maternity leave replacement for both teachers. Dr. Knop is a veteran teacher who served as Chair of the Science Department at Head-Royce School and tutors students in science, math, and reading. We look forward to having her join our faculty, if only for a short time.

Outdoor Education
Looking far ahead, our week of outdoor education will begin on Monday, May 9, 2011 for seventh and eighth grades and on Tuesday, May 10 for the sixth grade; all students will return on Friday, May 13. The sixth grade will go to Pinnacles, the seventh grade to Mount Cross, and the eighth grade to Catalina Island. Please note that the seventh-grade trip destination has changed this year; our new site will save about six hours of travel by bus so that students will be able to spend more time in program activities. Outdoor education is an integral part of our science and environmental studies curriculum, and we expect all middle school students to join us on these trips.