News From The School at Columbia University, 6/08/12

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Monday, June 11
8th Grade Commencement: 6 - 7:30 pm
(Low Memorial Library Rotunda, Columbia Campus)

Tuesday, June 12
Last Day of School (Full Day)

TAKE NOTE

Medical Detectives
At the Medical Detectives exhibit at the March Science Expo a group of doctors led investigations about why people get sick or stay healthy, collecting data about participating students. There were over 100 respondents from almost all grades. Overall, the students are doing pretty good but there is room for improvement! Take a look at the numbers, and remember to wash your hands, brush your teeth, and get plenty of rest!

Thank You

Choice is all around us. Each day we have choices to make, and each day we must live by those choices.

I made the choice last spring to become the Interim Head of The School at Columbia University. From the time I made that decision to the present moment, I have not stopped being grateful that I did so.

The School at Columbia is, as I noted at the Parent Association event, a school on its way to greatness. It is exceptional. It has dared to create its own construct based on important elements in the educational life of a child.

It is Innovative. Taking up the challenge of envisioning the world its students will inhabit as adults, TSC makes every effort to arm children with the necessary skills to enter that world.

It is Collaborative. Realizing that the time is long gone when a lone individual sets out to slay the dragon, many of TSC’s lessons are geared to the kind of group work the future will demand.

It is Diverse. Acknowledging that your children will become adults in an increasingly interconnected and global world, TSC allows them to grow in just such a world.

It is Community, a rare thing in today’s contentious world. TSC’s strong sense of community allows your children to develop their intellect and their sense of self in an atmosphere that is forgiving, safe and nurturing.

I have spent my professional life in three very different institutions. Nowhere did I learn more about what education should strive to be than I did at your school, The School at Columbia University. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity.

And, A Note of Thanks & Farewell

I would like to express in my last Lion’s Share a note of thanks to Stacy Bolton, TSC’s Director of Communications. She has been a steady support in its publication since the start of this school year; her input has been invaluable. Stacy will not be with us next year, but you may well see her on the Upper West Side walking her three children to three different schools!  Be sure to say hello.

-Nancy Elting, Interim Head of School

Communications Down the Road
The TSC Communications Office will be open all summer preparing mailings, school publications and getting ready for the fall. This year, along with a welcome letter from incoming Head of School Amani Reed, you will receive your wall calendars, Family Handbooks and Directories by mail during the summer. We hope this will allow you to better plan your September transition, schedule playdates, and arm you for next year. If you have not yet updated your contact information, you have a few days before we go to press on the new directories, click here for a new form to fill out, and email it to Yvelisse Viera right away. On a personal note, it has been a pleasure to work with the children, parents, and faculty associated with TSC this year and I look forward to reading and hearing about the continued successes of The School. My talented colleague Claire Sexton will remain on, and a second communications professional will join the team. If you have questions at any point over the summer, you can always email communications@theschool.columbia.edu.
- Stacy Bolton, Director of Communications

Summer Reading Reminder

Take pictures of students reading everyplace and anyplace over the summer and be sure to send them to getcaughtreading@theschool.columbia.edu for some smart and welcoming decoration around the school next year.

Looking for something to read? Check Ms. Johnson's lists here (Pre-K), here (1-2), and here (3-4). Older grade recommendations can be found at: The New York Public Library's Summer Reading 2012, Teens Summer Reading 2012, and Horn Book's summer reading list.