Teacher Margaret's "View From My Window" - November 6th

Dear Westfield,

The 7th-grade students spend time learning about the history and beliefs of the Religious Society of Friends. This week, we considered where they see our school mission in action and how they see Quaker beliefs shape their school days. Not surprisingly, given their age, they talked the most about the idea that everyone has good (the Light within) in them and that this is the basis for the testimony on community. 

Throughout the week, younger and older children come together in community to learn and play. At any moment, a 4th-grade student might tower over a 1st-grade child in need of help getting onto the swing or reading a tough passage. That same 4th-grade child finds themselves looking up to a 6th-grade student for help with a new movement in our Monday yoga time or with choosing colors for our Free Book Project bookmarks. At recess, children form mixed-age groups for touch football, imaginary play in the playhouse, and raucous games of gaga.

During Meeting for Worship, Middle School children sit with their Prek friends to help them settle and reflect. 8th-grade students sit behind me and help to hold our space and time in waiting, worshipful listening. I have overheard 8th-grade students compliment a younger child who stood and shared a message about kindness or care for the earth.

This past week, 8th-grade students visited their Preschool 3 friends. The big kids joined in circle time and helped to sing “Guess Who Came to School Today”. Then, our Preschool 3 friends invited their big friends to join them for some of their favorite activities - making colors at the light table, setting up complicated train tracks, and creating beautiful drawings. On Wednesday, 3rd-grade students read to their three-year-old friends. Kindness and patience were on full display - after all, the three-year-olds were hosts and had to show these clumsy big kids how to do things the Preschool way! The big kids experienced leadership and the joy of being appreciated as wonderful and expert at reading and singing. All of the children experienced a Friends school truth –  that we learn to collaborate by working and sharing ideas (and toys) with others.  

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Parent and Guardian Survey. I will have more to say about the results soon. In the faculty meeting Tuesday, I joyfully reported three headlines from the survey - that you overwhelmingly believe this school to be a nurturing place for your children and that you feel you and your family are valued members of our community, and that joy, learning, community, and personal growth are the words that most come to mind when you think of your children at Westfield. 

We have an Admissions Open House coming up in a few weeks. You are our best promoters. Please encourage your family and friends with children to come and see this school you love. 

In the Light,

Margaret

______________

November Query: What are you grateful for? How do you express gratitude? How is gratitude a verb?

Announcements:

• 11/8 Preschool and PreK Playdate - BYOC 10:00-11:00 AM
• 11/14 Admissions Open House - 9:00 AM
• 11/19 Family Council Meeting - everyone is invited
• 11/20 Celebration of Learning Evening 6:30-7:30 PM
• 11/21 End of the first trimester, look for report cards the week after Thanksgiving
• 11/25 Meeting for Worship for Thanksgiving - join with us to give thanks for our many blessings