Images from Step-Up Day

By now you've likely heard all the stories about your child's experience at yesterday's Step-Up Day, so here are some images to accompany the narrative!

Sweet Briar Creek (K) explores shapes and materials.

Laurel and Blackberry Creek (1/2) have a literacy workshop.

Temescal Creek (3rd) explores "Combinations of 10".

Strawberry Creek (4/5) investigates probability.

Cerrito Creek (4/5) explores the relationship of numbers.

Wildcat Creek (6th) plays with poetry.

Mindfulness training in K-5

One of our major initiatives this year in K-5 is the development and implementation of a strong program of mindfulness. A secular practice that has evolved from Buddhist roots, the folks at the Greater Good Center at UC Berkeley believe mindfulness can help teachers be better teachers, while the Huffington Post has lots of examples of how mindfulness can help students be more successful at the social, emotional, and intellectual work they face. It's why mindfulness is taught in some of the most progressive schools across the country, from Sidwell Friends School in DC to Gateway School here in California.

As you may have already heard, this year we're working with Kate Janke of the Heart-Mind-Education project to jump-start our mindfulness program (some of our faculty are already teaching mindfulness based on their personal past experience). Kate has been meeting with our faculty once a month since September to help us each develop our individual mindfulness practices, and have a shared vocabulary and experience to discuss mindfulness as practitioners. We also have access to resources on the password-protected portion of her website such as audio files and readings that we can use to assist us between her visits.

Since we love assessment and reflection here at TBS, two weeks ago we asked faculty to complete a simple survey on the training thus far. The thread of the narrative comments can be easily grasped by the following three charts we created based on their qualitative responses: most of the faculty are using mindfulness and find it at least somewhat helpful, AND most folks would like the school to find more ways to support their practice.

In February Kate be leading faculty in an intensive 15 hour training across three days on teaching mindfulness to students, after which she'll support teachers implementing regular mindfulness practice in their classrooms through the remainder of the spring. Stay tuned for news about that, and for a soon-to-be-launched parent mindfulness circle!

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