Notes from Ruth Glass...

First: Congratulations to Alaina Chen and Evan Hamilton!  

Both have received notification of admissions to the schools to which they applied for next year. Alaina will be attending Deerfield Academy; Evan will matriculate at York School in Carmel. The admissions process in both schools is highly competitive. Deerfield, for instance, had well over 1500 applicants for 165 openings. Evan applied only to York, having determined as a little boy that was his goal. Alaina was also accepted at Northfield Mount Herman, Loomis - Chaffee, Taft, and waitlisted at St. Paul's School. Anyone with experience in the national independent school scene recognizes that the accomplishment of these two students is phenomenal: a credit to them, their families, and Lake Tahoe School.

As promised in last week's Bobcat, over the next few weeks, I plan to include additional student responses to the question of "What is a Bobcat?" In other words, what does it mean to be a student at LTS?  

So often as adults, parents and teachers, we talk about values that we think are important, but we lack many opportunities to check to see if our children are learning and listening. For instance, when our own children were young, it was always nice to hear that they had behaved themselves when visiting the homes of friends - and even offered to help, for goodness sake.

While I expected a range of sophistication and response - and got it - I was stunned by the consistency in message, as well as the many ways in which our children seem to think about others. The "news" generally emphasizes how poorly prepared young Americans are for life, how self-centered they are. We know that Lake Tahoe School is special, and that our children often represent a different way of thinking.

Following are direct quotations (with some spelling editing) from Lake Tahoe School students:

"We have thinking time when we can think by ourselves." (K)

"We're kind and loving. We make friends. " (2nd)

"To be a Bobcat is integrity, have respect, and to be honest. To work hard and listen." (3rd)

"To be a Bobcat is to be honest, kind, helpful to your teacher, to have an education, to have integrity, to have respect. To be a Bobcat is one of the greatest privileges of my life." (4th)

"Having honest, integrity, and respect. Being a hard working citizen. Cleaning up after yourself. Caring for others. Participating in activities, even if you don't like it. Having fun. Being determined to learn. Having an open mind. (5th)

"There are several qualities that contain the meaning of being a bobcat. The given qualities are honesty, integrity, and respect. The more hidden qualities that are just as important can be found in almost all of us. One of these qualities is ambition. Our school and the community that it fosters would not be the same if the ambition of the students was not present. Because of ambition we strive to do the best we can and become people that our friends, teachers, and families are proud of. Another quality is compassion; every action has a reason behind it, and I know that for many of us it is compassion. Compassion is something that influences everyone all the time, whether it comes from themselves or others around them. Without compassion and the desire to make others happy our complex and family like community would be non-existent. A true bobcat also has the priceless ability to see past the cover and understand that what really matters is what is inside these qualities are what it means to be a Bobcat and are what form a strong, capable, understanding, confident leader. " (8th)

No adult could have said it better.

Finally, while saying this makes me feel a little awkward for obvious reasons, I was (am!) deeply touched when Thursday's Pi Day Family Activity was prefaced by a very surprising "Thank You, Mrs. Glass" celebration. Every child wrote a note on a class poster, all of which are now hanging in or outside of my office.  

In keeping with the "What is a Bobcat?" responses, your children were stunningly generous and creative with their expressions of appreciation. Please tell them that you heard from me how much their notes mean to me. And if you want a good chuckle, stop by to read what they notice: Curly hair and brave enough to kiss a pig among them. The wonders of working at Lake Tahoe School never cease!

Have a lovely weekend.

Ruth H. Glass

Head of School 

Spring 2013 E3 After-School Programs

Lake Tahoe School's E3 Program is designed to provide opportunities to enhance our already rich academic curriculum for two days per week.  Our youngsters spend each day immersed in a rigorous course of study. E3 provides time we set aside for them at the end of the day to be Exposed to new ideas and ventures, to Explore their own creativity, and to find ways to Enrich their education.  

E3 classes are offered three days per week for students in grades K - 8.  Recognizing that most of our children are involved in myriad activities outside of school, as well as the true value to brain development of spending time in creative play, E3 allows students to unwind and grow at the same time.

Our E3 faculty takes pride in the selections they offer and joy in working with their students, and they prepare carefully. We ask that, when you sign up for a specific offering, you make a commitment to consistent attendance for your child.  This program is voluntary, but when a student commits to an activity, consistent weekly participation is paramount.  

The listing of offerings and a sign-up  

sheet can be found here.  

As you will note, most of these programs will begin at 2:45 p.m. After the end of regular classes, all elementary school students should head to the lower school cafeteria, where they can eat a snack, provided by you, before heading off to their respective after school programs.

Spring activities start on March 27th and run through June 5th.

Snack period from 2:35 until 2:45 pm in lower cafeteria.

Activities start at 2:45 pm and run until 3:45 pm, unless otherwise noted.

At 3:45, kids are brought out to front entrance for pickup just like normal.

Minimum of 4 kids per activity required unless noted by specific Teacher.

Dear LTS parents,

I am excited to announce all grades will be swimming at the IVGID Recreation Center during their Physical Education classes starting on March 18, 2013.  The program will run for three weeks and finish on April 5th, 2013.  The complete swim schedule is attached below.  

6th grade PE students will have the opportunity to participate in a Jr. Guard Start program. This program will teach water safety and the duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard.  While this course will not certify anyone to be a lifeguard, it will build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills in preparation for the American Red Cross lifeguard course.  Justin Bluhm at the IVGID Aquatics Center has been instrumental in helping to shape and plan this wonderful swim experience for our Lake Tahoe School students.  

Parents please remember to send your child to school with a SWIMSUIT and TOWEL on the day(s) that they have P.E. class.   

If you have any questions or concerns about your child swimming during P.E. class, or if you would like to help out in any way during this swim unit, feel free to contact me at jcooper@laketahoeschool.org.  

Jon Cooper 

GO BOBCATS!

Mondays -

10:15 - 11:45 - 3rd grade

12:10 - 1:30 - 4th grade

1:55 - 2:45 - 6th grade

Tuesdays - 

12:10 - 1:30 - 2nd grade

1:55 - 2:45 - 6th grade

Wednesdays - 

12:10 - 1:30 - Kindergarten

1:55 - 2:45 - 6th grade

Thursdays - 

1:10 - 2:35 - 5th grade

Fridays - 

10:30 - 11:30 - PreK

12:10 - 1:30 - 1st grade

1:55 - 2:45 - 6th grade

The Lake Tahoe School celebrated Pi Day on March 14 (3.14) for the seventh straight year. The celebration of the infinite 3.14159...ran all week and included honoring scientist Albert Einstein and mathematician Waclaw Sierpenski, both born on 3-14.

In addition to pi investigations, LTS students created circle art, pi-ku poetry, number chains and frequency graphs. The week culminated with a pie party and pi recitation competition. The largest number of digits recited from memory was 262digits by third grader Jack Ludviksen         followed by Jada Moore of the fourth grade.

Pi enthusiasts need not wait a full year for more pi festivities. Pi Approximation Day, July 22 (22/7), provides another opportunity to celebrate one of math's most famous number.

Pi Contest Winners: Back Row (left to right) Jada Moore, Ingrid Altunin, Ethan Chen, Caroline Sandberg, Niccko Palmeras, Jack Ludviksen. Front Row (left to right) Lilli Honey, Cameron Mitchell, Sarah Dehnadi, Lauren Sandberg, and Melanie Davidson.

Dear Grade 1st thru 5th Parents,

The Music and Art departments of LTS are collaborating on an Art/Music showing on Wednesday, May 29 from 1:00 to 2:30 in the flex room.  I have announced this to all my music classes and several students have volunteered to perform a musical piece, either vocally or instrumentally.  

Some are still thinking about it!  The auditions will be on Tuesday, March 26 and Friday, March 29 at snack recess and/or lunch for any students I haven't yet heard and who are prepared.  Those that are already performing are Olive Hamner, Lili Honey, Jack Ludviksen, Nick Patrick, Ingrid and Vanya Altunin, Sebastian Dehnadi, Brian Wiebe, Sophia Reed, Ethan Chen, Sarina Baratta, Kylie Ludviksen, MJ Hatchett, Kenna Bacon, Bella Artle, Roxanne Reed, Melanie Davidson, and Katie Bell Rau. If I have already heard the students play or sing, they just need to come in during one of those times and show me their progress.  I will have sign-up sheets in music class.

In a group format, the 2nd grade class is playing some violin pieces and the 4th grade class is performing a piece.

The art pieces will be displayed in the flex room during the music recital.  This should be an awesome spring event!  As always, many thanks for your terrific support with your children and their music!

Eunice 

Conference and Report Card Information

Dear LTS Families,

It's hard to believe March is here and the end of second trimester is in sight. As you plan your calendar for this month please be aware of the following dates:

Second trimester reports will be sent out March 22nd.  Different from the past, in all grades these reports will be in a checklist rather than a narrative format.  The close proximity of conferences will provide an opportunity to receive more detailed information about your children's progress in person, as well as to have any questions addressed.  One exception is that Middle School enrichment teachers will provide narrative reports for their students since these courses are finished at the end of each term.

Conferences will be held the week of March 25th.  As was the case in the fall, Lower School students will be in school and classes will meet as normal on conference days.

Middle school conferences will be held Wednesday, March 27th and students will not have school that day so all middle school teachers can be available to meet with parents. The schedule for conferences is given below.

Monday, March 25--1st grade in the Boardroom

Tuesday, March 26-Kindergarten in the Library and Third Grade in the Boardroom

Wednesday, March 27-2nd Grade in the Boardroom

Middle School in the Flexroom

No School for Middle School  

students on March 27th!

Thursday, March 28-4th Grade in the Library

Friday March 29-5th Grade in the Library

We are looking forward to seeing each you at conferences in a few weeks!

Megan Sjoberg

Middle School Conference Format

Our advisor system is a good, strong one, but even the best advisors aren't able to provide details about grades and performance of a student in a colleague's class.   

Our new system will require a bit more time and patience on parents' part while providing more feedback about each child. We continue to feel there is great value in creating an opportunity for parents to meet with a variety of teachers, rather than just the adviser.  

We will do our best to follow the ten minute time limit more closely than in October to help facilitate the flow of meetings.  

The system works this way:  

Please do allow the teachers a break between 11:30 and 12:00 for their own lunchtime. 

All faculty will be located at separate tables in the Flex Room.

Parent(s) and student(s) will circulate through the tables, spending a maximum of 10 minutes with any single teacher.

There is no specific pattern of circulation. Parents are asked to be mindful of time and who else might be waiting. If you see an open table, feel free to jump in, or wait in line for the teacher you'd like to see.

You and your child may conference with all the teachers or just one or two, your choice. 

You should plan on spending an hour to an hour and a half for conferences.  More time, I recognize, than in the past, but a much more complete process.

Find additional LTS events and activities   

LTS Gift Card Program

Order deadlines are the  

1st and 3rd Friday of each month! 

We also would like to remind you that using gift cards for everyday purchases such as Raley's and Whole Foods can add up to a lot of money for our school! Use them at participating stores just like cash.  

 With each card a family buys, LTS gets a  

percentage back- up to 20% from some retailers! 

There are hundreds of stores to pick from: department stores, home improvement, groceries, gas, toys, books, office supplies, travel (both hotels and rental cars) and many more.

Here's how you can order your cards:

1. Use the gift card program order form available in the front office or on the LTS website here.   

Choose from the retailers on the form and/or add retailers from the complete list of retailers. The complete list of retailers is available in the LTS front office.  

2. Turn in your order form and check (payable to Lake Tahoe School) to the LTS front office by November 9th.

3. Your cards will be delivered for pick up at the school within approximately 4 to 7 business days from order deadline.

Phone: (775) 832-4130

www.washoecountylibrary.us

March 10-16

Teen Tech Week. The 2013 theme is Check In @ Your Library. The purpose of Teen Tech Week is to help teens learn how to appropriately use technologies, with an emphasis on what public libraries offer, which can include everything from DVDs and audio books to video games.

Wednesday, March 20

4:00 - 4:45 p.m. Story Time. Children of all ages are welcome at story time. Join us for stories, songs, games, and crafts!

Wednesday, March 27

4:00 - 4:45 p.m. Easter Story Time. Join us for holiday stories and crafts, followed by an Easter egg hunt in your library!