Bear Tracks
December 16, 2016
A Note From the Principal:
Dear Bear Tavern Staff,
First off, KUDOS to Britt and Bryanna, Mrs. Moore (the piano accompanist) AND our 4th and 5th Grade students. The concert last night was fantastic! The kids played and sang so well. They looked great and were so happy. It really shed a positive light on Bear Tavern. We should all be very proud.
Second, I'd like to thank everyone for their support over the last few days. It is funny - to a T, everyone I have talked to over the last few days has been unfazed by my absence. I have been so worried that I was going to let people down or that I wasn't helping enough, but the beautiful realization is that everyone at Bear Tavern does what needs to be done. Not for a "thank you" or for an award, but because it is what we do. I cannot express how comforting it is to know that everyone has each other's back and that at the end of the day, beyond the day to day disagreements or frustrations, we truly are a family. I understand that that began way before I got here, but I am still proud of it, and it is my goal to do what I can do continue it as best I can.
Sometimes things happen that reinforce what you already know, but are great reminders to help you stay focused. I had a pretty powerful thought earlier in the week. It was the morning that I received the call that I should leave school and go to UPenn (where my dad was). I was in the main lobby of the hospital and was on the phone with my uncle; explaining what was happening [I had just been told what happened and that they had to fix an artery that was bleeding and that it was a really critical situation for my dad]. I was using everything I had not to lose it while processing it all and talking on the phone, but yet I was in a crowded lobby, trying to stay in a corner as lots and lots of people went on their way for regular errands and day to day stuff. I probably looked normal at the time, so who would think twice? The point is that we never know what someone else is going through. Whether it is a kid that we see acting out, or it is just a quiet kid, there is no doubt that in a school of over 400 kids, so many are going through something. We can be the force that helps turn it around. I want to be sure to say hello to every child in the hallway and connect with him/her and mean it. So many of us do this already, but I am going to work on lifting every student that I see in the hallway and around school. While only one or two might be in a tough situation that we don't know about; every single child and grown up is better off with some love and caring and someone going out of their way to make him/her feel special. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to brighten kids day and make an impact. Some really need it, and some are OK already, but it does nothing but good in either case. So many staff members at BT do this sort of thing every day. I just want to focus and make sure that I am doing it as well - 10 out of 10 days...
Thank you sincerely for all that you do to help the children in our building and to be there for each other when it's needed. We are lucky to be in a very special place.
Happy Friday and enjoy the LAST weekend before Christmas & Hanuka.
Sincerely,
Chris
Key Information:
Upcoming Dates:
AFTERNOON ENRICHMENT/ACTIVITIES:
Monday - Bee Bots, Fyre Coding, Magic Glass
Tuesday - Makey Makey Arcade, Art Enrichment, Title 1 Tutoring (Math)
Wednesday - Minecraft Moding, Art Enrichment, Title 1 Tutoring (Writing)
Thursday - Yoga
THE WEEK(s) AHEAD:
Friday 12/16 - *AM Special Schedule* Winter Concert 9 am Gym
Friday 12/16 - Collab Day (no PreK)
Monday 12/19 - Staff Meeting (Winter Celebration @ Farina's House) 4 pm - Winter Buddy Exchange. See Staff Conferences for Sign Up Genius re: Party.
Tuesday 12/20 - Grandpals - Niefer 10 am
Wednesday 12/21 - STAFF HOLIDAY BREAKFAST provided by Chris (come hungry) 8 am
Wednesday 12/21 - 3rd Grade Formal - 1:30 pm
Thursday 12/22 - *AM SPECIAL SCHEDULE* Den Groups
Thursday 12/22 - 2nd Grade Holiday Party 12:30 / K Holiday Celebration APR 1:20 pm / 1st Grade Winter Stations (1st Grade Classrooms) 2 pm /
Friday 12/23 - Early Dismissal (Winter Break) / Pre K PM only / 5th Grade Holiday Brunch APR 9 am