TA News

Dear TA Families,

Early Wins

During our faculty meeting earlier this week, we each reflected on a ‘win’ we experienced during the first days of the new school year and took time for a few people to share out with their colleagues. Hearing the list of wins was inspiring. Student enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement were a few of the shares; I am learning so much from my students, was another. Students are writing amazing poems, creating sophisticated ceramic pots, and jumping in to auditions for the fall play were a few more sentiments shared this week. A few of us noted our relief and delight that students are accepting the new cell phone rules. As one teacher noted … Let’s not jinx it, but so far this feels like it might be the post-pandemic year we’ve been waiting for.

What was a ‘win’ for you during these first seven days of the school year, as a parent, a student? I invite families to reflect on this same prompt and share out with one another at home.

We know there can be challenges to the start of a school year, too. Learning the schedule, meeting new classmates, getting to know new teachers, finding our groove. These are good to check in about at home, as well – and please reach out to our resources at school (advisor, teacher, counselor, front office, etc), if there are issues we can help solve. The heat wasn’t a win this week, and I want to thank students, teachers, and staff for being resilient, taking it in stride, finding shade, and staying hydrated. We adapted, and we kept on learning and diving into our work together.

Panther Pride

In advisory, students demonstrated some panther pride, creativity, and competitive spirit as part of a school-wide door decorating competition. The campus is looking pretty festive with lots of blue and white everywhere. Judging criteria included extra points for featuring the school’s five values – cooperation, caring, diversity, excellence, and commitment – so it’s good to see those spotlighted in the designs. Winners will be announced in assembly on Monday!

Back to School Night – Thursday, Sept. 14

Join us at the annual Back to School Night on Thursday evening. Meet teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about your student’s classes and curriculum. Parents are welcome to arrive at 5:45 p.m. to check in, visit informational tables, and meet school staff on the quad (or library as the rain location). The formal schedule will start at 6:00 p.m. with parents attending advisory and then following an abbreviated school-day schedule to each of their student’s classes. This flyer has more details and the evening’s schedule; each student will fill one out in advisory on Tuesday to bring home for parents to use as a guide. Reminder: The following school day, Friday, Sept. 15, is a half day, with 12:10pm dismissal.

Thank you,

Carrie Brennan, Head of School

Featured photos this week: Taking our learning outside to seek shade and a bit of breeze. Working together as an advisory to share our take on panther pride and decorate the school.