May 9th, 2011

Random Song quote:
Here’s an 80’s “Power Station” classic that is appropriate for the coming week:

“Some like it hot and some sweat when the heat is on
Some feel the heat and decide that they cannot go on
Some like it hot, but you can’t tell how hot til you try
Some like it hot so let’s turn up the heat til we fry.”


Happy Mother’s Day!

I imagine that many of you hard working moms tend to feel like it is a thankless job raising middle school age children. They have reached the age where little of what you say is right, their wisdom tends to come from their adolescent peers, and they probably lock themselves in their rooms for long periods of time. Almost all children go through this as they progress from elementary school – when they still want you around all the time – to high school, by which time they have gained a whole lot of independence that seemed impossible just three short years before. I’ve had a few conversations recently in which mothers have wondered aloud if their children behave the same way in school.
Dr. Wolfe visited our school in the fall and spent a couple of hours talking to the faculty. One of the pearls of wisdom that he sent our way was that we see a different student in school than you see at home. You see the “baby-selves” of your children. We see a much more adult version, if you will. Your kids are well-behaved and generally respectful (except when we have to climb over their outstretched legs in the halls). I have said more than once, your kids are a joy to work with. They are some of the best kids I have dealt with in my career which includes coaching, public and private schools, and several trips.
So, to all of the moms out there this week: from what we see every day, you have done an excellent job raising your children. You continue to do an excellent job helping them navigate through this very difficult time in their lives. To steal a line from D-Bish, the nickname the kids have for Dr. Bishop, thank you for sending your best to us.
I hope you all had a restful and indulgent Mother’s Day. Have a great week.


All-School Musical, “Oliver” hits the stage May 17-19…Get your tickets now for our first ever all-school theater event!

Happy Birthday to the following students who are celebrating birthdays this week:

• Dylan Blend – May 13th
• Joey Engelhart – May 14th

There are no students celebrating Bar/Bat Mitzvahs this week.

Kallah and Advisory:

• Monday –

All-School Kallah/Ma’amad in observation of Israeli Memorial Day

• Tuesday

MS – special activities centered around Israeli independence Day

• Wednesday

Clubs


• Thursday

Kallah – Introduction to TEDx

• Friday

Kallah – Preview of 2011-2012 Theater Productions

Calendar Events

• New Student science and math placement tests after school on May 2nd, 3rd, and 9th

Looking Ahead:
• Placements for school year 2011-2012 will be emailed home May 20th. Appeal opportunities will be posted at that time.
• “Oliver” – May 17-19
• May 26 – Meeting in the Middle for incoming 6th grade parents – 8am or 6pm
• MS Review Days – May 26-27
• Memorial Day – School Closed – May 30th
• Final Exams – May 31-June2
• June 2nd – 8th grade promotion; Last day of School
• Final Grades - emailed home June 13-14