Lower School E-News Blog

Dear Parents:

We're quickly approaching the date for the school's annual gala (May 5), this year themed: "The Founders' Ball-Celebrating Our Past: 1912-2012."  If you're new to the school or you've never been to a gala, you owe it to yourself to revel in the delights of this evening.  Great friends, bargains, food and entertainment await you... and you'll be amazed that the entire event was pulled together by parent volunteers. 

All of this effort supports Parker's Scholarship and Fellowship Funds, and I can attest to the difference it's made for our students, teachers and program; in fact, I sometimes feel I'm the most fortunate principal on Earth, working in a school where innovation and creativity can take shape in our program with remarkable facility, thanks to the generosity and commitment of parents.

I have experienced a downside, however.  Several years ago, my wife, Listy, and I were enjoying one of the galas by dancing away the night, and I may have pecked her on the cheek once or twice (as I'm wont to do).  The next Monday, I heard there was scandal afoot, as stories of Dr. G. romancing Mrs. Hartman (my wife's twin sister) were making their way through the school's grapevine.  My only retort was (in the words of one of my favorite rebellious kindergarteners of year's past), "I'm innocent, I tell you!"

Haven't gotten your tickets yet and you're worried you're past the deadline?  Don't worry... if you act fast, I have it on good authority that a few tickets remain.

Make your reservations here.

 Language and Culture Week

The Lower School will be replete this week with exciting assemblies, tantalizing food, all kinds of music and art, and representations of countries around the world.  Parents who would like to see and experience portions of the week might target flagraising on Monday (the opening ceremony) and the Food Festival on Friday (a decades-long tradition featuring culinary sensations from around the world).  Also, weather permitting, we'll all enjoy an amazing Dragon Dance and Fashion Show in the courtyard on Friday afternoon.  Please join us if you can... our parent volunteers have done an amazing job of raising our students' collective global gaze and consciousness.

Special thanks to Wendee Pratt, Narma Kaid and Elizabeth Carey for the hundreds of hours they've dedicated to this wonderful event.

Girls' Science

The girls travel to the Upper School's robotics lab this week (Th, 3-4:30 p.m.), rubbing shoulders with older students who have competed regionally with their robot creations.  This is an exciting time for Lower School science and technology, and we hope your 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade girls can be involved.

 Thoughts to Ponder

 In honor of our Parents' Association volunteers (from www.kchblog.com):

The value of volunteers

One of the things that makes our society great is that there are so many people who are willing to sacrifice their time and energy to volunteer for a wide variety of causes. I heard the following quote from Young Boozer III this weekend as he accepted the Stanford Medal. The originator of the quote is anonymous.

Don’t ever question the value of volunteers. Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers; the Titanic was built by professionals.

Here are some other great volunteering quotes:

A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit. (Greek Proverb)

Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in. (Anon.)

It’s easy to make a buck.  It’s a lot tougher to make a difference. (Tom Brokaw)

Volunteers are not paid — not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.  (Anon.)

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. (Booker T. Washington)

You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give. (Winston Churchill)

The miracle is this – the more we share, the more we have. (Leonard Nimoy)

Volunteering is not a choice, it’s a responsibility. (Anon.)

The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.

In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal.

In every heart there is the power to do it. (Marianne Williamson)

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. (Elizabeth Andrew)

Lower School Menu April 23-27, 2012

Mon.                Baked Salmon
                        Steamed Rice
                        Broccoli
                        Pb & j, Turkey Sandwich
                        Garden Salad
                        Clam Chowder
                        Fresh Fruit & Yogurt
                       
Tues.                Corn Dogs
                        Carrot Fries
                        Pb & j, Tuna Salad Sandwich
                        Garden Salad
                        Cream Of Tomato Soup
                        Fresh Fruit & Yogurt
                       
Wed.                Baked Boneless Skinless Italian Chicken Breast
                        Mashed Potatoes
                        French Green Beans
                        Pb & j, Egg Salad Sandwich
                        Garden Salad
                        Lentil Soup
                        Fresh Fruit & Yogurt
                       

Thurs.              Macaroni & Beef Casserole
                        Wheat Rolls
                        Pb & j, Cheeese Sandwich
                        Garden Salad
                        Sweet Potato Bean Soup
                        Fresh Fruit & Yogurt
                       
Fri.                   International Food Day (Food Festival)