To the Presentation School Community:

As this calendar year draws to a close, my excitement about becoming your next Head of School continues to grow.  I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the school's search process: students, parents, teachers and staff, and especially Nancy Fischman and Presentation's Board of Trustees. The hospitality of the entire school community is obvious.

During my visits, it was immediately apparent to me that the Presentation community is a special one. Classes are engaged and thoughtful. Students, from the very youngest to middle school veterans, greeted me warmly and readily shared what they were working on. Kids and adults asked me pointed, but fair and thoughtful, questions. I am left with the impression that this community loves its school, wants to preserve its character, and is excited about its future. I'm right there with you.

My own discernment allowed me to view Presentation as both an educator and potential parent.  Alicia and I have two sons,  Finn (8)

and Rowan (6). They are different people and different learners. We want the same thing for our children as you do: an education that is academically and ethically rigorous. We hope they will savor their youth and value the wisdom of their questions. We want them to have fun and be excited, but also challenged and stretched. We expect them to make thousands of informative mistakes, under the guidance of innovative teachers. We believe in intentionally small schools, like the Presentation School, as the places best equipped to know and love kids.

Presentation's mission, to be a visionary, faith-filled, and collaborative community, is what draws me most to this school. I am grateful to be invited to share this special opportunity with Presentation's students, teachers and parents.  I look forward to getting to know you soon, and wish you a happy holiday and a productive school year.

Sincerely,

On Thursday, December 13, the 7th and 8th grade projects will be open for viewing during school hours.  From 2:15 - 3:00pm, the students will be at their projects for a walk through.  Parents are invited to view to projects any time on December 13.  

The best way to have your child's class and photo well-represented in our yearbook is to submit photos!  There are two ways you can do this. One, you can log in here and upload an unlimited number. But for those of you who are short on time, we are making a one-time offer that if you reply to this email and attach up to 5 of your best shots from the classroom or field trips, we will upload them for you!

Please plan on attending our next regularly scheduled PA meeting on Tuesday at 8:30 am.  Please join us for a cup of coffee or tea while we discuss ideas for involvement on our committees; social, dad's club, speaker series, garden, technology.  These initiatives, and more, need you! Please consider your area of interest and join us in making a difference.

Also, by popular request, we are having our December bake sale on Tuesday, the 19th.  There are cookie tins in the front office that will be filled with specialty items such as peppermint bark, fudge, etc.  These will be pre-ordered for only $20 and we would like to know by next Friday how many of these you would like to have as delicious homemade gifts for the lucky people on your holiday list. If you have a special item that you would like us to showcase at this bake sale, please step forward!

Thank you for all that you do for your child and our school.

Our middle school students will be completing Advent chains this week. Each day has a scripture that helps prepare families for the reason for the season.  Families are encouraged to pull the final reading on December 25th, and share the Nativity story before opening their Christmas gifts. 

8th Graders Pilot ACT Tests

 

Our 8th graders last week participated in a field study pilot for the ACT college entrance testing organization.  The goal of the pilot is to design the next generation of educational measures designed to evaluate schools' and individual student progress toward achieving the new national Common Core standards.  By participating in this nationwide study, our students helped to influence the development of the next generation of ACT tests.  In addition, our students had the opportunity to preview and practice new types of test items.  The students took a 40 minute math test last week and will take a 30 minute writing test this week.  We appreciated their participation. Individual student score reports will not be generated, the purpose of this exercise for our students was to give them a taste of the type of testing that lies ahead for them in high school.

The 16 middle school students in Mr. Kuschner and Mr. Smithson's Outdoor Survival Class had a great time last week learning how to analyze and collect kindling materials, create sparks, split firewood and create fire.  All safety precautions were used and the students were absolutely thrilled by the experience.  

Graphic designer Lisa Saper Gonsier has created a terrific small admissions advertisement for us which will run next week in the Sonoma Index Tribune.  Lisa is very talented designer and we are so fortunate that she donates her services to us!

Babysitting:  We have in the office a list of Presentation grads who are now in high school (some of whom drive) who are eager to babysit.  Please do your own vetting as to experience though.  Stop by the office for a copy of the list (just in time for the holidays!) 

 

Justin-Siena Community Chat:  Please join current Justin-Siena school families for a Community Chat to learn more about the school on Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 6:15-8 pm. This evening is hosted by the Nugent and Grieve families at the Nugent home.  RSVP to David Holquin at holquind@justin-siena.org.

 

Shop & Support:  Remember to stop by the school office to pick up a sheet to order gift cards through out scrip program.  Also available are sign up sheets for the Sonoma Market school donation program.  Remember to register or renew your Safeway card at www.escrip.com. Group ID - 137107396.  Club card members must 

renew EVERY November. 

 

Help Needed!:  We are still in need of help in after-care on Friday afternoons and substitute (fill-in) lunch helpers on occasional week days. Please let Laura Wallace in the office know if you can help out!