As I write for the first newsletter, I am hearing rumors of the first frost warning! The weather edges along, and we are settling in and enjoying the start of the new year, welcoming old and new friends. On a personal note, I am enjoying the start of my second year as Guide and Site Director at Center School and it feels wonderful to find myself in such a great community of students, families and staff. The children are discovering their new roles and opportunities within the classroom. There is a warmth of enjoyment and exploration that is visible and vibrant in the Center School community. I am observing how shy new friends become more comfortable and branch out to invite a new friend to share snack time, or look through a book together.

There are many conversations to listen in on as the children share stories from their lives outside of school and become more deeply acquainted. Each of the returning students seem to relish the opportunity to show new students the routines and expectations, taking on graceful and courteous leadership roles.

We have celebrated one birthday so far, and it was such a pleasure to introduce the process to one of our new students. If your child has a birthday during the school year, please let us know which day you would like to celebrate. If your child has a summer birthday, you may celebrate it on a day of your choosing; sometimes a day half way through the year is a good marker day. Each family may bring in a treat such as small cupcakes or muffins and a few photographs of the birthday child, perhaps one photo for each year in their life so far. Parents are always welcome to attend the party, which starts around 11am.

When you arrive to pick up your child at Center School, please come through the first gate by the parking area and then come over to the second smaller gate by the playground. When we see you there at the smaller gate, we can say our goodbyes and do a formal handshake goodbye, and then you may open the gate. This process is for safety as well as to encourage a courteous process of departure. Please remember to always use the sliding lock fixtures on the both gates as the road is so close to the parking area, and there are many farming trucks, especially at this time of year. Please do not encourage your child to open the gates. I would like to share that I have office hours each day between 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. (except first and third Thursdays) Please feel free to call me at the school if you'd like to talk, have any questions, or would like to set up a time to meet together in person.

blessings, Mary Anna