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The values we hold dear at Parker were in great evidence at Friday's Peace Assembly. The band played, voices were sweetly raised in harmony, children danced and played drums
and xylophones and held candles in solemnity.   


At the Assembly and afterwards at the K - 5 Show of Work I felt moved by the earnestness and pride in accomplishment of each child and the delight in the traditions of school - gathering in celebration, singing, showing off progress to parents and buddies.  

Here are a few details:
INSPIRING A PASSION TO ACHIEVE: 
Highlights
 from the Show of Work


In 2-3, the Hudson River study inspired students in so many ways!  Author Hudson
Students shared their book that was inspired by the work of author Hudson Talbott.
Talbott gave students tips on making a beautiful and compelling  illustrated book about river history, flora and fauna in artwork, poetry and prose.  Broadcast journalist Steve Hartman told them about how to tell a story through video as they perfected scripts for videos about Hudson River science topics they had become immersed in. At the Show of Work their completed book was displayed on the big screen, a product wrought of the critique of peers, revision, and bursts of creative and collaborative energy. Children's written reflections of their work showed the real depth of their understanding. 

K-1's produced observational artwork, habitat display boxes, and non-fiction books
about native regional animals that were laden with facts 
and drawings.  They showed attention to fine detail and displayed the passion that five and six-year-olds bring to topics they love.   


The 4-5's presented a multi-faceted view of Native American life through creation stories, drums, and rhythm in a performance inspired by native fire circles. This project encompassed skills in combining areas of knowledge as students collaborated to write creative
stories and played the drums they had created.

We saw all the elements of Parker's mission at work today. We came together as an extended community as students showcased the elements of our mission: curiosity, creativity, passion, and purpose.  Parker's core values of emotional security, intellectual vibrancy, ethical awareness and social responsibility were also on display!  

    UPDATE ON THE DISCOVERY CENTER!
Over the past two months Parker's incredibly generous donors have moved the mark forward by over $80,000 to reach our current total of $570,548!   With just $130,000 more to go to break ground this spring on the 3,200 square foot addition for science and performing practice, the
6-7's sort and classify the contents of owl pellets
Capital Campaign Committee of the Board is out there talking to donors, corporations and foundations.  Please let me know if you would like to discuss a pledge to help us achieve a spring
ground-breaking!
 
Our construction manager has presented the Board's Facilities Committee with real costs that are very close to the original estimates, and the committee is working on value engineering to make sure we are as efficient and cost conscious as possible. 
 
As we come down the home stretch, we will make sure that everyone has a chance to participate in this exciting and innovative project that will benefit all Parker students far into the future. Together we can imagine the possibilities and turn our dreams into reality!  Join in by making a pledge here.

HAVE A MINDFUL VACATION
 


Linda Lantieri, Director of the Inner Resilience Program, encouraged us to keep compassion front and center for ourselves and our students, to teach from a place of balance, and as Gandhi said, to "be the change we wish to see in the world."

She urged us to align our practice in school with our families' practices at home.  

Taking Linda's  - and Gandhi's -  advice, try to take time as a family for naming what you are grateful for, for breathing quietly to calm the emotions, and for paying attention to those things that touch your heart.  

My gratitude list certainly includes Robert C. Parker School, our caring team of faculty and staff, our dedicated families, and most of all, our delightful students.  
Pre K students connected by the lines of a snowflake.

Enjoy the beauty of the season!
Meg

Meg Taylor
Head
286-3449  ext 101

The power of imagination makes us infinite.   ~John Muir


 
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