June 2018
Dear Curtis Families,
In the few days since school let out, our 6th graders graduated, our teachers packed up their classrooms, and our campus is being readied for the summer camps that begin next week. I hope that, for you, these first few days of summer break have been met with rest following the flurry of the last weeks of school and excitement for the downtime ahead.
As I reflect on the school year that has finished, I cannot help but beam with pride and gratitude for the success of the two academic initiatives that we saw through this year...
the departmentalization of the 6th grade and the introduction of Spanish into our curriculum. At the close of the year, 6th grade students expressed their appreciation for the preparation they are feeling as they transition to middle school. Learning to move between classes, subjects and teachers as well as having a study hall helped them to form organization and time management skills—one of the primary goals of the departmentalized program. The students also shared how much they enjoyed their Spanish classes and, especially, joint Spanish classes with the Kindergarteners. As I observed the Spanish classes throughout the year, it was wonderful to hear the students conversing in a new language and learning about Spanish-speaking cultures. The addition of a World Languages Program is a major contribution to the cultural competency skills that we aspire to develop in our students.
Above and beyond these two initiatives, this year showed evidence of such amazing growth and development in each and every child. The rate of growth and development of students in elementary school is rapid and deep. Over the course of a school year, students learn to read, multiply, dribble a basketball, program a robot, create a farmstand, or play an instrument. Students also learn much about themselves, their resiliency, loyalty and the ability to act selflessly. Our teachers and staff work tirelessly to create and nurture this personal growth in each child. Their constant reflection and thinking about their practice and the curriculum they deliver is admirable and a sign of the dedication they have to our school. Our teachers are the heart of all things Curtis.
As we head into summer, the administration and I are remaining hard at work, reflecting on the year that has passed and looking to the year ahead. In the coming weeks, we will be taking a deep look at the Curtis School Parent and Student Handbook, focusing on the language that states our expectations for student and family behavior around inclusivity, most specifically around race. Dovetailing with this work will be the establishment of a Character Code of Conduct that all parents and students will be asked to sign as a commitment from our community to uphold and live daily the Curtis mission’s values of kindness, respect and compassion.
Finally, the administration and I will be using the summer to develop and articulate action steps for how to better build community and inclusivity at Curtis. I, especially, am looking forward to the year ahead and to being even more present for our community. You can expect invitations to join me for regular coffee talks/discussions throughout the year.
The 2018-2019 school year will be an exciting one as we continue our Envision Your Future (strategic planning) process, begin to transition to the Singapore Math curriculum, and further strengthen our commitment to and the education we deliver that supports diversity, equity and inclusivity. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about and engage in these priorities. I urge you to be attentive to CougarNotes and school emails informing you of all the ways in which you can be an active participant in all things Curtis.
On a personal note, I want to thank you all for the support and love you have shown John, Philip and me as we started our family this year. Philip is now seven months old and just popped out two teeth! We are looking forward to our first summer as a family and enjoying every minute and milestone of Philip’s.
I wish the same for all of you. May the summer days be long and filled with moments, memories and milestones that bring joy to your family and to you with your friends.
With gratitude,
Meera Ratnesar
