We had a fabulous opening of school.  The children look happy and are working diligently. The first through fourth graders celebrated by having a student scavenger hunt on Friday afternoon, which was really an excuse to enjoy each others' company and also enjoy popsicles.  See the pictures below of many of the classes, including early childhood having fun at school. 

MINIATURE SCHOOL: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10
Thursday evening, September 10 is Miniature School.  It is a wonderful way to meet your children's teachers and learn how you and the school can partner to help your children excel.  You will be receiving an invitation.  The times are a little different this year. Lower School Parents will gather in the MPR at 5:45 to hear an update on our school from Headmaster Kevin Smith.  Then there will be visits to the classroom and special teachers.  Childcare is available all evening.  

THE LEADER IN ME

I am very excited to talk to you about a new program we are bringing in this year.  It is called the Leader in Me.  It is a very positive social, emotional learning program based on Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Successful People.
The goal of the Leader in Me is for students to understand that they all have the essential qualities to  become leaders.  The Leader in Me also helps to create a common language within our school by teaching the students the Seven Habits. 

  You have already seen Leaders Enter Here at our doors.  Teachers will be teaching the Seven Habits, imbedding them in their lessons and hopefully encouraging all the children to know that they can be leaders and do what is right.   What is interesting is that much of what the program endorses, is already in place in Lower School. We have always started our day with class meetings to gain that sense of community.  Kindness Week will become Leadership Week with much of the same concepts, but different language.  Our Way to Goes will now be based on the Seven habits, rather than our social skills of the month.  The big difference is the positive message that each child is a leader. The following is a quick overview, but they really encompass much more.

The Seven Habits:

Habit 1: Be Proactive • You're in Charge

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind• Have a Plan

Habit 3: Put First Things First • Work First, Then Play

Habit 4: Think Win-Win • Everyone Can Win

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood• Listen Before You Talk

Habit 6: Synergize • Together Is Better

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw • Balance Feels Best

Your teachers will be talking about this program in more depth on Thursday evening.

AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT: 

The After-School Enrichment flyers were sent out this week.   The clubs and activities begin on September 15 except for the Cross Country Team which will start this Wednesday. There are already a couple of meets planned for the team.  Please return the registration form to me as soon as you and your children choose the ones they would like to attend.  

JEWISH HOLIDAY CAMP

On Monday, September 14 and Wednesday, September 23, there is no school in observance of the Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  We will be offering EDP camp for those of you who need child care.  A flyer was  emailed last week.  If you need another, please contact me.

A REMINDER: Please remember that Roycemore Lower School is a nut/peanut-free environment.  Please remember this when you send in birthday treats and snacks for your children.  There are many other allergies, specific to individual children, so please check with your classroom teacher before sending in treats.  Thank you in advance for caring about all of our children.
attached to the email accompanying this blog.

Please remember when you need more information, such as lunch menus, the weekly bulletin, and reminders of upcoming special events, go to the Parents' Page on our web site at http://www.roycemoreschool.org/parents

As usual, if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to call or e-mail me.