Lower School Newsletter

Dear Lower School Parent,

Every year, hundreds of children under the age of nineteen are accidentally killed by a firearm. Despite where you fall on the political spectrum concerning gun control, all would agree that children need to be educated about what to do should they find a gun. Though it may seem unimaginable to think of guns being left in an area where children have access, the truth is that each year, young children find a firearm in places that adults consider “secure.” Please take a moment this week and speak to your children about what to do should they find a gun. The most important thing a child needs to know is that he or she is not to touch the gun but go immediately to an adult to report what they found. Even if you do not own a gun, a child may happen to find a gun at a neighbor’s home, a relative’s home, or outside on a playing field or playground.

The Children’s Hospital of Michigan created an attractive brochure about gun safety and children.

Parent and Director Meeting on Tuesday, March 2: Discussion of Class Placement

The next Parent and Director Meeting is on Tuesday, March 2 at 8:10 am. We will begin the meeting with a discussion about the process of class placement. I hope you can join me as I share some of the nuts and bolts of placing children in specific classes with specific teachers, some of the myths behind placement, and what parents should know about class placement. Please come with any ideas, suggestions, concerns, or successes. We will meet in the Head’s Conference Room. Hope you can join us.

Habit Hunters: Excluding Others and Bragging

The Habit Hunters developed a skit about excluding others and bragging. The Habit Hunters chose this theme because they have seen how damaging it can be when children exclude others from birthday parties or other large group activities. The Habit Hunters are almost finished memorizing their lines and will be visiting the classrooms next week to perform their skits. Please see the Habit Hunters’ most recent video on the KCD website.

A New Post in Mr. Robertson’s Corner (my blog for parents)

In addition to a host of physical benefits, organized sports have many emotional, mental, and social benefits for children. However, those benefits are sometimes negated by an unhealthy desire to be the best. Parents have a major influence on how their children perceive winning and “trying your best.” When you have a moment, visit my blog and read my new post about competition and winning. Please consider responding to the question at the end of the post.

Reminder: Conference Dates and Reports Cards

Conferences will be in the afternoon and evening of Thursday, March 4,* and all day Friday, March 5. The office is planning to send home report cards with children on Monday, March 1. You may find it helpful to review your child’s report card ahead of time and bring any questions to the teacher during the conference. This is also a good opportunity to clarify questions you have about your child’s progress.

Also, please do not discuss next year’s teacher placement with your child’s teacher. I have asked teachers to gently remind parents that placement information must be discussed with the director; if you want to share information about next year that you think is important concerning your child’s placement, please see me.

*Please note that March 4 will be an 11:30 am dismissal for Lower School. Lunch will not be served.

Parent Book Study: Raising Boys by Steven Biddulph

First grade teacher Julie Smith and I will be facilitating another parent book study this year. The book is called Raising Boys, and it focuses on parenting boys. In Mr. Biddulph’s book you will find: how the brains of boys work, important information about parenting boys, challenges boys face in today’s world, skills boys need to be successful, and what boys are really thinking and feeling. Raising Boys is an easy read and full of practical, important information for any parent who has sons. To purchase the book, visit a local bookstore or shop online.

The book study will most likely be held in late March or early April. I hope you join us.

I hope you all enjoy the remainder of February. The warm spring air and the first blossoms of spring are in the near horizon!

Warm regards,

Chris