Teacher Margaret's "View From My Window" - November 13th

Dear Westfield,

Thank you to everyone who completed the Parent and Guardian Survey. The response rate was over 45%. This speaks to your care and engagement with your children's school. This week's “View from My Window” touches on two results from the recent parent survey. Over 90% of you reported feeling a sense of belonging at Westfield. Last Saturday's Preschool and Prek Playdate is one of the many ways we build community with you.  During the playdate, parents and grandparents played with their children, visited with our teachers, and had a chance to talk with other parents in a relaxed morning setting. I know that opportunities to form friendships with other parents and build a “village” of shared values is one of the most expressed appreciations and requested additions to our programs.

94% of you believe Westfield educates your “whole child”. Our recent trip to Taylor’s Farm was a highlight of our week, exemplifying learning that considers all of who children truly are.  PreK through Eighth Grade students, faculty, and parent chaperones enjoyed a beautiful day exploring Taylor’s amazing farm on the Delaware River. Students learned the farm’s history, including that the land belonged to the Lenai-Lenape people long before becoming the Taylor’s farm in 1720. Our guide, Peter Taylor, showed students Lenapehoking artifacts found there over the years. Students walked the green fields, experienced the wind and bright fall sunlight, touched goats, pumpkins, and held Lima beans they picked - not to be confused with the Kentucky Coffee Bean pods also collected.  Older students helped pick up trash on the river beach; a few even put their hands in the cold water. We gathered for a massive picnic in front of the farmhouse. We gained new experiential appreciation for our New Jersey home, where our food comes from, and how caring for our environment is a daily responsibility for us all.

MORE FARM PHOTOS

Our academic program will be on full, wondrous display for our Celebration of Learning next Thursday evening. We will begin at 6:30 PM. Children will go directly to their classrooms while parents and friends join me in the auditorium. At 6:40, adults will go to their children’s classrooms to learn from their children about the work they have been doing this fall. Just after 7:00pm, we will have a chance for young students to take their parents and friends to see the work of their older friends. Our hope is that children will see the work of the next highest grade and one other older grade.

In the Light,

Margaret

______________

November Query as shared by 8th grade: We have so much to be grateful for. Thinking outside the box of easy and obvious, what are you grateful for? 

Announcements:

• 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 reports cards the week after Thanksgiving
• 11/25 Meeting for Worship for Thanksgiving - join with us to give thanks for our many blessings