Principal's Newsletter
October 2016
Happenings....
Our seniors have begun to fill out their financial aid forms and are starting applications for colleges. They also are planning out their senior projects, which will be presented in May. Our youngest students have settled into Kindergarten and school life. Mrs. Hart reports they all are becoming independent learners.
This year, Mrs. Greenaway has brought back her drama class. This class has not been offered in a few years and we are all excited to see a local production or two. They have begun the year off right with a trip to Wicked at the Providence Performing Arts Center. While in Providence, the group took advantage of seeing the unbelievable exhibit called The Body. It was beyond fascinating!
Ms. Hennessy has written and received a $5,000 grant from " Music Drives Us" from the Ernie Boch Foundation!!! She has been busy purchasing new hand bells, Ukuleles and other new instruments! Congratulations and Thank you, Ms. Hennessy!
Superintendent's Corner
Through my eyes
This past week, I was fortunate to be part of the school and island community for three days. Block Island School and this community is, indeed, a very special place. I’m reminded of the following quote by Henry David Thoreau who said, “Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?”
Here’s what I saw…
Last night, as some of the teachers and I walked in to the Roll Call dinner, I spied a magnificent sunset. Better yet, it was a pleasure to see so many Block Island School students serving dessert and helping out at this wonderful community event. In the kitchen and at the serving table were many parents and adults helping out and modeling for our students how a community works together. The food was delicious and to see so many community members at one event is very special.
I thought things couldn’t get better, but this morning when I walked before school, I looked to the eastern horizon and saw a brilliant sunrise with an orange, red, and pink sky. What a way to start a morning!
Later in the morning, Dr. Gibbons and Mrs. Lacoste shared with me that the “Roots and Wings” field trip found a sturgeon on the beach. I’ll be the first to admit that I know nothing about sturgeons. It is very special, that at a moment’s notice, Block Island students get to go out to the beach to learn more about this fascinating sea creature. I love that the teachers and staff include me in these field trips, too.
Something else that is rather special about Block Island School is the discussions that occur at the School Committee meetings as we try ‘to look through each other’s eyes” on issues and events that effect our students, staff, and community. At the November school committee meeting, scheduled for November 14, the school committee will be voting on the 2017-2018 school calendar. Yes, already we are discussing vacations and start and end dates for that school year. Please see the attached proposed calendar for the 2017-2018 school year. Some of the proposals are to start school for students on Wednesday, September 6th. Another suggestion was to shorten the April 2018 vacation by a few days so that school could end on Friday, June 16th. Please come to the meeting and share your thoughts with the school committee. If you cannot make the meeting, and have feedback please email me at jlundsten@bi.k12.ri.us. I’ll get your message to the school committee.
Next week (November 1-3) I’ll be on the island Tuesday through Thursday. My best wishes for a safe and fun Halloween weekend.
Support our School while you shop at your favorite store!
1. Go to www.Schoolstore.com
2. A pop up box will ask you to designate our school.
3. After you find our school, look for the words "supporting Block Island School" in the upper right corner of the page to confirm we will be credited.
4. Click on "Merchants" at the top of the page
5. Pick your merchant ( Target, Walmart, Old Navy etc...), then shop as you normally would on their websites. The School Store will automatically notify the merchant that our school gets a percentage of your purchase back.
It is that simple!! We hope you remember to shop through www.Schoolstore.com during the holiday season. Funds generated from this fundraiser help us to provide those special extras that make our school so special.