Teacher Margaret's "View From My Window" - February 2nd

Dear Friends,

We are celebrating Black History Month all month. From displays in classrooms, to book choices in the library, to posters asking students to connect the past to the present, to songs in Meeting for Worship, we will be lifting up and exploring the lives, experiences, and achievements of Black Americans. If you have a story or experience you would like to share this month as a part of our observance, please let me and your child’s teacher know. 

Over 145 people attended last week’s roller skating party. Everyone had fun. I achieved my goal of not falling down! Old friends had time to visit and laugh together; parents made new friends while their children had fun. Amazingly, the babies in attendance took the noise and flashing lights in stride. 

I am nearly finished reading 14 Talks by Fourteen by Michelle Icard. I appreciate the mnemonic, B.R.I.E.F,  Icard uses to help us have more successful stressful, scary, and important conversations with our tweens  – (Icard, 9-12). 

• B=“Begin peacefully”, maybe even have a few neutral starters planned in advance, you want to open a door, not shut it before you even begin
• R= “Relate to your kid”,let them know you want to talk about something and you are willing to wait a bit
• I=“Interview to collect data”, be careful not to interrogate, you are trying to find out information
• E= “Echo what you hear”, say back what you have learned, this helps your child know you care and are paying attention
• F= “Feedback”, you are still the parent, setting boundaries, offering advice, agreeing (or not) to their request, etc. 

Announcements:

• We have begun admitting new students for the 2023-2024 school year. To date thirty completed applications have been submitted. This is double the number of applications from this time last year.
• The Parents and Guardians and Student Dance is on Friday February 10th. I hope to see you there.
• Save the date, we are bringing back Grandparents Day, Friday April 28th. Look for more information before spring vacation. 

Queries for February Meeting for Worship

• How does our worship nurture all worshippers, creating a deeper sense of community?
• Does worship enhance my capacity for attentive, nonjudgmental listening to others?
• How does participation in meeting for worship contribute to my lifelong spiritual journey?

Have a great week,

Warmly,

Margaret