In last week’s Thursday Word I ended my greeting with a mention that ideas are the seed from which innovation is born.  Let’s explore how ideas grow and what we as a community of educators and parents can do to encourage this growth.

Take a moment and reflect on the opportunities you create for your children/students to engage in conversation around stimulating topics.  Do you provoke thoughts about topics that peak their curiosity…such as, “I wonder why some birds fly in groups,” or “What would happen if there were no more honey bees on our earth?”  This type of discourse not only gives a young mind the permission to imagine and challenge assumptions, it also instills a voice that has value.  For that voice to have worth, we must honor it with active listening.

As I visit classrooms at Almond School and observe interactions between our parent volunteers and students during lunchtime, it is evident that we value our children’s voices.  Students are provided with opportunities to share their thoughts and express opinions.  We are on our way to cultivating thinkers that will improve our world!

Operational Items & Reminders:

• You may be wondering, “When is our library going to open for students?”  We are in the final process of reorganizing materials and hiring a new librarian as a result of Mrs. Hakes’ retirement.  We anticipate opening in the next two weeks.
• I hope to see you at the Project Cornerstone Developmental Asset 101 Training on September 16^th from 7-8:30pm in the multi.  The presentation will include discussing the positive values, skills and experiences that help children support healthy life choices.
• Next week we will begin playing music at lunch on Fridays. 
• Supervision on the playground begins at 8:15am.  Any students/families arriving before that time are asked to wait in the rotunda (round waiting area) in the front of the school.
• When picking up your children at the end of the day, please wait in the rotunda. 
• If you are picking up younger children at lower grade dismissal and waiting for your older children to be dismissed, please ensure that you are supervising your children’s behavior.
• To ensure a safe environment for Almond Eagles on Halloween, no weapons of any kind will be permitted as part of any costume (this includes shields).