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, generations of Americans have been taught a one-sided history in homes and schools when it comes to Thanksgiving. 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.
As some of you have heard, our new 4th/5th grade teacher, Jameson, resigned very abruptly last week. He did so for personal reasons – none that had to do with his experience or feelings about the children or our school. Various staff members are covering the class while we find a replacement. This has been a very difficult situation for the children and families in the class, and we continue to provide them opportunities to check in and share their feelings. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of us or Denise if you have any questions.
With the weather changing and the stomach flu circulating, we would like to remind you about two policies you can also find in our handbook:
- Any child with a fever must stay home until 24 hours after being fever-free without using fever-reducing medication. If your child vomits or has diarrhea at home or in school, they must stay home for 24 hours after the symptoms have stopped. This will help prevent the spread of germs. If your child becomes ill in school, the nurses or office staff will call to ask you to pick them up.
- Please dress your children in warm clothing with their names labeled on them. We are a school that believes in getting kids outdoors, so send them with gloves, hats, and extra layers of clothing. Your children who love playing outside will appreciate it!
Warmly,
Dyanthe and Shaquawn