Dear Families,
As Thanksgiving approaches, classes explore the indigenous perspective on how this holiday came about. Though we now use this day to spend time with family and friends and share delicious food, this is a day of mourning for indigenous communities as they remember the violence against the Wampanoag by the English settlers. Unfortunately, when it comes to Thanksgiving, generations of Americans have been taught a one-sided history in homes and schools. Over the next couple of weeks, classes will learn about the history of Thanksgiving beyond the singular narrative that reinforces negative stereotypes and myths about the Native People. Our librarian, Cheryl, has shared Family Resources: Native American Cultures to support families navigating follow-up discussions. Remember to listen and allow your child to talk, process, and play out their thinking without interruption. When we react by interrupting or judging that something is wrong, the message children get is, “I shouldn’t talk about this.” Instead, we want to show children that it is safe to talk about and play in front of adults, which opens the doors for communication. Please reach out directly to your child’s teacher if you have questions.
Spread the word: we are starting tours for prospective families! It is a TNS tradition that our 5th-grade students participate and answer questions during Q & A. Current parents also join in answering questions. I love our tours; I love hearing 5th graders and TNS parents talk about what makes our school community unique. Prospective families can sign-up here.
All families must submit one Emergency Contact Form per child each year. Only 89 families have completed it so far! Please take a few minutes to complete this. Thank you!
Finally, children arriving after 8:30 a.m. must get a late pass from Tylynn in the front lobby and go to class unescorted (unless they are in Pre-K or K).
Warmly,
Dyanthe