Because of the Writers Workshop pilot this year we have been very focused on writing in general all year. Many of our intermediate teachers have been using the Units of Study that form the backbone of WW and we are all excited to pilot this program in grades 3-5 this year. We are going to showcase all this writing talent and the excitement around writing at our biannual Young Author’s Conference coming up on Friday, May 23rd. If you have never participated this is a volunteer heavy event that has become one of the most fun days we have here. Every student in the school has an opportunity to share a favorite piece of their own writing with a small group, facilitated by a teacher, principal, secretary or volunteer. Many volunteers even bring a short piece of their own writing to share with their group. The whole event is just a full day of celebrating writing and has become a real favorite of students and adults alike. If would like to help I believe we have more volunteer slots to fill, please contact the office. We are all looking forward to the 23rd.

Another new event last year was the Jog-a-thon, a transformation of the Move-a-thon. Instead of “moving” around the gym or the playfield we have a really running/walking event. With the help of myriad volunteers, the amazing fund raising committee and teachers unafraid to wear short shorts and headbands, it was a gigantic success. We will be running around the building all day on May 16th, which will give everyone one week to recover from the Niketown 5K the week before. This fundraiser is a student-focused fundraiser, one where they can feel like they have a part in that process of supporting their school and a lot of fun for us all.

While we are the topic of fundraising…we have some amazing kids. I will have to do a whole letter soon about the creative and generous kids we have as they also do fundraising for Julie Bolz and the schools in Afghanistan. Those collections are happening every Friday.

Niketown 5K coming this weekend, May 10.

Take care,

David Elliott