Good afternoon tigers!

I hope you're enjoying Sunday evening with the family! We're dedicating this issue to spotlights and joy in our community.

First, at Oyster, we have the privilege of learning with Johanna Janssens who has taught us about Charles McGee, a contemporary American artist. Our students are compiling works in tribute to his artistic legacy. The students learned about contrast, prints, three-dimensional design, and artistic interpretation in their 3D paper sculptures!

E-X-I-T-O-S-O. That is how Mr. Burch's Spelling Bee can be described. It was an event full of excitement that kept us on the edge of our seats until the end! THANK YOU, Mr. Burch for being so dedicated to this event and especially to our children. Each year, family participation and student enthusiasm continue to grow. A special recognition to all the judges who made this event possible and of course to the teachers who encouraged the practice of this skill. And how can we not thank our tireless literacy leader, Ms. Kleinmann, for being a volunteer for this event for more or less 20 years!

Last week, 5th grade students welcomed the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic (the first female Ambassador to the White House!), and the education advisors of the embassies of Spain and Mexico, into their classrooms. Thank you to Emilia Conde, our 5th Grade Room Parent for facilitating the Ambassador's presence, and to the 5th Grade team for making it possible. All our tigers were excited and curious to learn a little more about all these countries. The embassies presented their typical dishes, autonomous communities, popular dances, and their cultural contributions.

Please don’t forget that tomorrow there is no school, due to Faculty Professional Development day. In addition to our pedagogical priorities, we will also plan our school's response to the political measures against our undocumented communities. We will act according to DC's Office of the Attorney General that allows us to defend the right to education for our most vulnerable students. Know that we are committed to the psychological and physical safety of every family, student, and staff member. We are a community founded by immigrants, for immigrants, and we are proud to be so.

Have a great Sunday, and GO COMMANDERS!

Carolina Brito, Principal of Oyster-Adams