November

Dear Green Meadow Parents and Friends,

You may have noticed happy children scampering round newly planted trees in the first grade playing area.  The trees were planted to enhance the natural playing environment for first and second graders.

Speaking of changes, the Project Management Group is in active planning phase for the Arts Building renovation which we hope will begin in the 2010 building season.  We will keep you posted as permits and approvals are obtained.

Now that the leaves are off the trees, we are aware of the months of frost and snow ahead as we begin to fortify ourselves with the thoughts and initiatives which will light our way through winter.  Here at school the celebrations of seasonal festivals help us to sustain a mood of gratitude and reverence for what is good and true and beautiful in the world.  We as adults continue to work actively to maintain a collaborative, cooperative and honest school environment.  And "work" is the right word for the effort expended to assure transparency of purpose, courageous sharing of ideas and perceptions, and openness to change as needed.

At the time of Thanksgiving I am filled with gratitude that in a world where miscommunication is rife, hatred often triumphs over caring, and self-interest routinely trumps selflessness, we have the opportunity as parents and educators to work together in service of the highest goal: educating our children into adults who will take effective and enlightened action in the world. That is a task worthy of our sacrifices and our efforts. Thank you for partnering in this task.
 
Gratefully,

Kay Hoffman
Administrator