Finale

In September, you turned your children over to me.  For many of you it was bittersweet moment.  You watched your child move from the pre-school years to elementary school.  It was exciting to watch your child take this giant step.  The excitement was mixed with some anxious expressions and teary eyes as you entrusted your child to me, a virtual stranger.  Over the past 10 months, together we watched all the children grow and mature and learn.

Last Thursday, was my turn for the bittersweet moment.  It was my turn to look at the children and hope I had prepared them for their next journey.  As I watched the children looking over their portfolios, excitedly remembering their year, I took a moment to step back and relish the voyage we have taken together.  With tears in my eyes, I gave them their last hug as a kindergartener and wish them a wonderful summer.

In considering my year, I also must stop and thank you, the parents, for all the support you provided me and the class this year.  I can not express how meaningful your kind words, notes, and hugs were to me as we parted on Thursday.

In looking forward to next year, I am excited to join some of the children in 1st grade and start a new adventure together.  For those not be returning to Summers-Knoll, I wish you the best, encourage you to stay in contact and will stay part of the Summers-Knoll community.

I wish you all a fabulous summer. 

Elaine

Architects

Enough room for each child to stand

The architects  who are working on the new building came to talk to the children and  brainstormed with them about what is needed in a school.  First, they talked about how architects think about measurement, size, and purpose of the space to determine how much space is needed.  Then the children did a few exercises to illustrate the point.  They stood close together, had a string wrapped around them and were asked if this is enough space for them.  "NO". 




 Then they laid head to toe.  "Better".  Finally, they were shown what people have determined is a good amount of space for children in a school classroom.

Heel to toe

The amount of room architects have decided each child needs.

Adding ideas to the blue print.

The second part of the morning centered on what we needed in our school.  There were some very interesting comments as children considered the options.  One child remarked that we needed bigger cubbies.  Another child liked that the music room was by the bathrooms because she liked listening to music while she went to the bathroom.  Many children cling to the idea that we  need pools and water slides.

The final product

New Digs

  No rain Friday afternoon meant we could go on an adventure.  We ended up at the new building.  While waiting for our tour guide to arrive, the children found a small room with an unlocked screen door.  They surmised that it was a jail.  Then someone thought it might be the space for the "principals office".

Soon our tour guide, Joanna, arrived, .
She pointed out green spaces and possible used for various parts of the building.  








The children looked in windows and speculated where the all important lunch room would be located.  Everyone was excited and in awe of the size of our new school.