What do you look for in the fall? Is it the rainy colder weather we had this weekend? Is it the crisp fall weather, pumpkins and scarecrows? Is it making soup and staying inside to watch the football game or go out in the crisp air to hike the mountains? Do we look for the small things - the changing colors of the leaves, the wooly caterpillars, the geese flying in formation?

I hope this season is one of reflection and remembrance for you. Recently I have had a loved one become quite ill and need surgery. The time spent caring for others and really connecting with your family is difficult, yet so important to reflect on what is important and how much love really matters.

During this time of year, professionally I think of reading good stories with children or one of my childhood favorites, “Something wicked this way comes!“ by Ray Bradbury. I also love discussing how Mother Nature helps prepare the flora and fauna for winter.

Please take time this month to talk about fall and all its wonders with kids. Hear how they think and what they know. Even sing songs such as “Five little pumpkins sitting on the gate, the first one said, 'Oh my, it’s getting late!'” Take the time to be childlike this month...yes it really is good for your mindset.

Setting goals and taking quality time to have really honest, rigorous discourse is one of the most important things we can do as parents and grandparents.Children learn how to navigate the world and social situations from the adults in their lives.

One of my favorite scientists Rachel Carson believed that the war on being curious and full of wonder was won or lost in childhood. She hoped her books such as “The Sense of Wonder”would inspire adults and children alike to experience the sensory and emotional in nature.

This month there are so many things you can do with your child: look up at the stars, listen to the wind, feel rain on your face, observe the mysterious migrations of birds. Be brave this season and take time to Wonder!!

Please enjoy the photos of children exploring and learning together.

Join us for U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, to learn more about hands-on health and gardening on the “Whole Child, Whole School Sustainability” Green Strides Tour. Join the tour and register here.

Have a great month,

Sincerely,

Krestin

Superintendent of Eatonville School District

In Eatonville, we have been so fortunate to have modern, educationally green schools and grounds. The ESD learning environment includes gardens, the GRITS Farm, and makerspaces which facilitate hands-on learning. Students engage directly and learn about sustainability, natural resources, the environment, design, construction, and agriculture – preparing students for life-long success and professions not yet even imagined.

As part of our preparation we include versatile educational competencies such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, and cultural competence. Our schools offer learning environments that are agile, relevant, and exciting for all students.

How can you be involved?

October Events:

• Fall Fest - October 5 at Eatonville Middle School (in collaboration with SSAGE)
• Focus on Education: Community Conversation Event on Wed, 10/23 from 6-8PM **Save the Date***
• GREEN STRIDES tour with the Dept. Of Education (Tour our three GREEN Lighthouse Schools - register here or see the link and further tour information below.)

Enjoying lunch alfresco at EHS.

You are welcome to attend any and all stops on the tour; please RSVP for the tour stops that you will attend. There is no cost for any of these events. We look forward to seeing you soon!

(Above title will link you to the registration page or click the link here.)