This week many of us had the opportunity to feel everything was alright in the world as we listened to the kindergarten students sing and recite poems for parents, grandparents, etc. under the expert guidance of their teachers.  Their angelic voices exuded pure joy as we watched them showcase their learning from each of the IB units they learned this year.  The program culminated with an invitation to view their artwork that was set up around the perimeter of the gymnasium by Mrs. Buddy, before proceeding to the cafe for a reception and light refreshments.  

 

As I have shared in the past, during this school year the teachers and I immersed ourselves in the process of completing a self-study in preparation for an evaluation visit by the IB Organization in the fall.  It is not enough to say simply that this is an arduous process.  The teachers and I took every available moment outside of the instructional day to tackle the lengthy and thought-provoking document.  This was done with Mrs. Madoff guiding us through it step by step.  In addition to being a Distinguished Media Specialist, Mrs. Madoff is also our IB Coordinator and she deftly monitored and navigated us throughout this journey, which when looking back enabled us to reflect on our practices and seek areas for improvement and growth.  I know I speak for all the teachers to say we are glad it is completed and sent on its way.

 

With about four weeks left of school, there are many events planned to close out the year.  On Tuesday, June 7th there will be an informal discussion for our current grade five parents with parents of current middle schoolers to provide insight in the transition from elementary school to middle school.  This is the third year we are holding this event and it is very much appreciated by the grade five parents.  The discussion is scheduled for 9:00 that morning in the cafe.  Keeping with the theme of transitions, also, on that day, our current kindergartners will be dismissed at 12:00 so our incoming kindergartners can visit in the afternoon.   If you need further information about either event, please contact the school office for more details.

 

Still keeping with the transition theme, by the time you have the opportunity to read this issue, an Interim Superintendent will have been appointed for the Greenwich Public Schools.  I look forward to working with this person, as I am certain the entire ISD community does, in ensuring the district and its schools continue to move forward.