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Happenings at High Meadows School
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 | | First graders Maddic Jordan, Elijah Boatright and Frank Eldrige reading a book about sharks |
Greetings!
Today is International Literacy Day -- how will you and your family celebrate?
Several of our faculty and staff members are donning t-shirts that read "Never Judge a Book by its Movie," which is a terrific springboard for discussing how different these media are in portraying the same story. I know that most of you probably hadn't prepared for this day, so I'd like to extend the celebration to the whole week.
Here is my challenge to parents: By the end of this week, please read something with your child. Many of you include reading as part of your child's bedtime ritual, so you may want to go the extra mile by asking him a few questions about the book. For older kids, maybe you can read a news article together. The point is to model for your child just how important and fun reading is for all of us!
After a long summer hiatus, I have been inspired by my breakfasts with new parents to blog about one piece of feedback we typically receive about their child's experience. Please read and comment -- it is good feedback!
Happy reading,
Jay Underwood
Head of School
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Fifth Grade Band Members Learn from the Pros
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A member of the U.S. Army Field Band
demonstrates the euphonium.
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Last week, members of the 5th grade band participated in a Google Hangout--an online chat similar to Skype--with members of the U.S Army Field Band stationed in Washington.
As our young musicians watched, the Army Field Band professionals each spoke about their particular instrument and gave a musical demonstration. The timing couldn't have been better as our youngest band members have been going through the process of choosing their own instruments as they begin their first year in the band.
"This is an amazing opportunity for connectivity and growth," said Director of Music Paula Williams. Assistant Director Patrick Wright added, "The musicians in the U.S. Army Field Band are some of the best in the world. Giving our beginners the chance to see and hear the best in the world was inspiring and unforgettable!
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Inquiring Minds: Kindergarten and Third Grade Conduct Campus Interviews
 | | Kindergarteners from the Drage/Mayotte class interview Mr. Underwood. |
Head of School Jay Underwood and others were the subjects of several interview sessions going on around campus last week. As part of their study of the unit of inquiry, "How We Organize Ourselves," students from the Drage/ Mayotte kindergarten class sat down with Mr. Underwood in his office to learn more about his role at High Meadows and why he enjoys being Head of School.
 | | A panel of High Meadows experts representing various school roles field questions from 3rd grade students. |
Taking this idea one step further, the third grade classes, studying organizational systems, continued with the same theme. Students looked at the organizational structure of their classrooms as well as of the entire school. Third graders from both the Hannah/Newman and Casario/Poyatt classes invited a larger panel of experts for their Q & A session. Joining Mr. Underwood on the panel were Kate McElvaney, elementary division director, Cari Newman, third grade teacher, Mary Lou Odom, S.H.A.R.E. president, and Damond Logsdon, member of the board of trustees.
"As we studied systems, we realized that our school is made up of roles that fall under three main areas: function, responsibility and reflection," said 3rd grade teacher Jennifer Hannah. "Our interview questions were generated with these in mind." As the students asked thoughtful questions about contracts, meetings, curriculum planning, and balancing responsibilities, they reflected on how people develop systems for the purpose of governing themselves. In the coming weeks, third graders will be moving on to study local, state and federal governments and the ways in which they mirror systems here at High Meadows.
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Meadow Mile Registration Forms Due
The Meadow Mile will be held Saturday, Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. Don't miss out! Turn your registration form in today.
Please register no later than this Wednesday, September 10. Forms may be turned in to your child's teacher or to Ms. Brown in the Franklin House.
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Cross Country Team Shines in First Meet of the Season
 The High Meadows Cross Country team sent 24 Middle Years runners to the Paideia Python Invitational this past Saturday at Paideia School.
It was an extremely hot but fun and exciting start to the season! Finishing in the top spots for High Meadows were 8th grader Jack Rhodes, who placed 6th overall, and 8th grader Stephanie Michael. "Everyone on the team did a fantastic job running and supporting one another," said Coach Anne Lovatt. "Thanks to all the parents for cheering us on and helping out at the meet!"
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 | | Theater Arts teacher Danielle Wright works alongside 6th grader Connor Beitzell painting set pieces for "Much Ado About Nothing." |
It's Shakespeare Time
It's time for our fall Middle Years production, "Much Ado About Nothing" and the kickoff of A Year of Shakespeare!
Since the beginning of the school year, our students have been working hard to prepare for this show, and it's finally time to open ticket reservations. All shows are scheduled to be performed in the Johnson Kemp Barn Theatre. Tickets are free, but reservations are required due to limited seating. The show runs about 60 minutes and is sure to be lots of fun! To make reservations, simply click on the date of the show you would like to attend.
See you at the show!
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Fall Festival is Around the Corner
It's that time of year again! As crisper days approach, plans are well underway for the annual High Meadows Fall Festival. Plan to have some fun on the meadow, Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m -2 p.m. As always, there will be class activity and craft tables, the bake sale, new High Meadows gear for sale, and of course, the famous cake walk.
Can you help? We have volunteer spots to fill! If you can help make this year's festival another success, please click here to sign up to choose your time slot. Opportunities include assisting with the bake sale, cake walk, merchandise table and ticket booth among others. We can't do it without you!
Attention bakers--once again, we'll need plenty of your wonderful homemade cakes as well as cookies, brownies and other goodies to fill our bake sale and cake walk tables. Thanks in advance for your treats!
Look for more details coming soon. For any questions about Fall Festival 2014, email co-chairs Jennifer Head, Maggie Walters or Jocelyn Gasaway.
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 Staff Spotlight
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Sept. 16 & 17
1st Grade
Parent Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 16
8:45-10 a.m.
Early Years Commons
4th/5th Grade Parent Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 16
6 -7 p.m.
Elementary Commons
7th Grade
Parent Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 16
7 - 8:30 p.m.
MY Commons
Pre-K Parent Meeting
Wednesday,
Sept. 17
9 - 10 a.m.
Early Years Commons
2nd Grade
Parent Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 18
8:45 - 10 a.m.
Early Years Commons
3rd Grade
Parent Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 18
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Elementary Commons
PS 3 Parent Meeting
Friday, Sept. 19
9 - 10 a.m.
Early Years Commons
"Much Ado About Nothing"
Middle Years Theater Performance
Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.
Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.
Sept. 19 at 5 p.m.
Barn Theater
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Grandparents
Day...
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars now for the annual High Meadows Grandparents Day, October 10. This year by popular demand, musical entertainment is back!
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 Meadow Musings
Blog
Check out the latest installment of the High Meadows blog!
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Photo Day Coming Up!
It's that time of year!
Studio 7 will be here
to take head shots of
students on Sept. 16
and 17. Please check
your child's classroom
portal to find out what day your student
is taking his/her photo.
The Yearbook portal
page also shows a
send proofs home a few weeks after taking their photos, at which time you can purchase
photos. Please contact Danielle Wright for the password or with any questions.
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