Our busy week!

Dear K-5 families,

I hope you had a festive Thanksgiving full of family, friends, and laughter.

Hot on the heels of last week's very exciting GrandFriend's Day return after many years' absence, we're excited to hold our Fall Student Step-Up Day on this coming Thursday for ECC through 6th grade. Like our Spring Student Sneak-Peek Day in May, this is an opportunity for students to spend some (or all) of the morning in the classroom of the next grade level up, connect with children and teachers they have seen on the playground and around the school, and put a "big picture" frame around their year as one step in the full path of their schooling. 

Teachers will be previewing Step-Up Day with students this week; they'll talk about what it's like to look ahead, to navigate new environments and adults, and to connect with old and new friends. They'll also debrief the experience with their students at the end of the morning. Teachers and admin will make sure all students get to the proper room that morning, and back again for lunch (Ks to 1st/2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th/5th, 5th to 6th; the two groups that do not move are current 1st and 4th grade students, who play host to the Ks and 3rds respectively).

In a similar vein, Family Step-Up Tour for grades K, 2nd, and 3rd is this Friday, December 6th. This is a chance for families with students currently in Kindergarten to see all of grades 1-5, in 2nd grade to see our Upper Elementary program (grades 3-5), and in 3rd grade to see 4/5 and also the Middle School. Please RSVP to Paula Farmer if you have a child in K, 2nd, or 3rd and would like to participate (please note this is not for families with children in 1st, 4th, or 5th).

Also, tonight from 6-8p on the University Campus, the Middle School division will host an admissions information night. Families of 5th grade students who are stepping up to the middle school next fall are encouraged to attend, along with anyone who is interested in learning more about our middle school program. Please register here if you know you'll attend.

Finally, I want to make sure you're aware that this Saturday our middle school will host a "Parents' Night Out" for ECC-5th grade families. From 3-7:00p middle school students will provide childcare here on campus for students from the ECC and elementary school. The cost is $30 per child, $50 for two sibs, and the money raised will go toward the middle school travel fund. I encourage you to bring your child(ren). It's an opportunity to enjoy a childless evening and support our middle school at the same time. There will be outdoor activities, crafts, and a movie. An early dinner will be served. Contact Middle School Division Head MaryBeth Ventura  with any questions, and sign up with Julie Walton in the school office. 

See you in the classrooms!

Zaq