News

The Scoop from the Lower School: Mrs. Clare King

04/01/08

Spring has arrived which means the final quarter of the school year is on the horizon. As we conclude the third quarter, it is a good time to highlight all that the students and teachers have accomplished in recent weeks. The quarter was launched as the first and second graders presented their winter concert under the direction of Mrs. Becky Slater. It was a wonderful performance as the students demonstrated their musical talent through song, dance, movement and the use of the Orff instruments. The third and fourth graders also displayed their talents as they performed Rats! The Story of the Pied Piper at the third grade level and Rhapsody as fourth graders. It is always amazing to see the confidence and poise of the students on stage. All performances and productions were absolutely outstanding!

The spotlight was not only on the stage, but was also on what the students are accomplishing in math. The second annual Family Math Night was a huge success with over 200 parents and students in attendance. Throughout the evening the students and parents measured, calculated, did problem solving, estimation, counted money and made change. They also used grocery store ads to do comparison shopping, played mathematical board games, measured the digestive system and computed the profit of mining chocolate chips. The specialty areas were also involved as the students and their parents danced to mathematical rhythms and created math equations through music and dance, joined a bowling team and learned to calculate their score, created a geometric math monster in art and explored math websites in the computer lab. The main purpose of the evening was to create fun and excitement around math and to help the students see that math is part of almost everything they do in life. Based on the response of both students and parents, it was very obvious that the purpose was achieved.

In mid-February, the second grade students participated in a beautiful and meaningful Prayer Service as many of the students received the Sacrament of Reconciliation while their fellow classmates presented a beautiful dramatic production of The Prodigal Son and Daughter. It gave all who were present a special opportunity to reflect on what it means to forgive and be reconciled with one another. This theme was extended as we prayed together throughout the Lenten season leading to the beautiful Season of Easter and the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.

April’s seasonal warmth and appearance of spring blossoms will refresh the spirit and provide the necessary energy and enthusiasm to complete the final quarter of the school year. As we enter the final quarter, we will welcome a slightly slower pace providing the students the necessary time to focus on skills and concepts needing emphasis before the end of the year. There are many events and activities on the horizon for May. We will alert you as the details for all of these festivities are finalized.