Dear Tigers,

The last few days before Winter Break can be intense for students and staff, especially when the rainy days and freezing temperatures force us into indoor recess! That's often when we need the most joy and reasons for celebration of our learning and community. Here are just a few of them:

Our Middle School dance tonight was a showcase of our students in their most genuine, silly joy. As a new Principal in this community, I have to tell you this was unlike any Middle School dance I have ever seen. Students were unabashedly enjoying cotton candy, hot cocoa, and even gingerbread house making at stations--all the while doing the cha-cha slide! I was too busy dancing with students to take pictures of that moment, but I've got these to share with you. Thank you to all the Middle School students and faculty (special shout out to Ms. Voorhees!) who gave up their time to put this together, and family volunteers who sparked joy for all of us.

In 5th Grade, students invited families to listen to their culminating project on Incan, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations. Guests listened to groups present their arguments as to why these civilizations did use advanced technology in their everyday lives. Their presentations were well organized with a clear thesis statement, reasons and supporting facts. One group even created a mini-versions of the hanging bridges using the same techniques as the Incans they studied.

And finally, in 1st Grade, students this week got to learn from a generous NASA Scientist, Dr. Hanson, about black holes in the center of our universe. In the subsequent hours, I saw multiple students drawing their own versions of black holes and take out the bookmarks and space pictures they received from our speaker. Thank you to the 1st Grade team for making this possible!

A reminder from last week's Guarida that in our OCC meeting this Thursday, we will discuss our lockdown protocols, crisis communications and supports for students. We will explain our safety response protocols, what information we share immediately, and what we are legally restrained from divulging, and how we psychologically support students following an event.

Finally, don't forget to contribute to our Toy Drive (featured in this week's Joy section). There are over 113 families this year who could benefit from gifts and food this season. It's an important act of solidarity that allows us to stand together as a community, and live out our values. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed!

In our next Guarida in January, I'll also feature our Holiday Concerts and the last great moments from our final week of school in 2024!

Un abrazo,

Carolina Brito, la Directora