We're back in full swing!

We are back in full swing in the Lower School division. We are enjoying the good weather which allows us to be outside.  The study of the presidents has begun in fifth grade.  The rainforest is being studied in third grade.  Snow is the intergrated curriculum theme in second grade and our first graders have begun their study of the many facets that established the USA, from people to events that took place in establishing our United States.  Fourth grade is electrified as they study the properties of lightning and electromagnetic currents.  Projects are being planned by the students as they progress through their lessons in each themed unit.  iPads and laptops are in the hands of the students often.   We are busy learning while having fun. Kindergarteners are coming to the first floor Chapel three times a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Its wonderful having next year's first graders join us in Chapel.  It is a very special tradition! 

Last fall, Sheila Abio and I attended a parent workshop at a local elementary school to preview Ms. Tricia Madsen's presentation for parents on bullying trends, behaviors, and prevention strategies.  Trish's meeting was filled with anecdotal as well as researched facts.  Mrs. Abio and I walked away inspired to bring Trish to St. Paul's for our students and parents' benefit!
So began our process of interviewing, planning and getting financial backing from the Parents' Guild. Now St. Paul's students and parents can look forward to Ms. Madsen's workshops for they will be held soon right here at school!

Bully Prevention Workshops for students and parents will be held January 24 – 26^th.

Students in first – eighth grades will meet with Tricia Madsen, a community educator specializing in the area of bullying prevention and relational aggression on Tuesday or Wednesday, January 24 or 25^th for an hour-long workshop.  Tricia has spoken about bullying to more than 80,000 students, parents and teachers, and is passionate about designing innovative strategies and programs that lessen the many obstacles youth face. Tricia is a dynamic speaker who has a wealth of strategies to counter the intentional actions of bullying. She will share with us the nature and prevention of relational aggression, manipulation, bias and cyber bullying.  Trish’s presentation is fast paced and full of factual information she has gathered through research and while working with students in both public and private schools, including St. Paul’s last year.    She is the author of the STEP Up program for middle school girls and speaks nationally on the topic of relational aggression.

·         Ms. Madden will also offer a Parent Workshop on Thursday, January 26 at 7 pm in the North MPR.  Please RSVP to lvan@speds.org  by 9 AM  on Thursday, January 26 ,  for the parent workshop.  Questions can be directed to Gingie Watt, Lower School Division Head, gwatt@speds.org .

If you have any questions or wish to make a comment, please call or email.
Happy New Year!