Greetings!
Another great week at Camelot - it was heartening to see so many of our ideas from faculty retreat work so well when implemented in the classrooms. Also, I'm enjoying my daily walks to the Specials House with groups of students. It is amazing how much can be shared in those few minutes of talking about the day and of learning what is on people's minds. I'm happy for the sunshine and fresh air break as well as my spontaneous conversations with students. This week they were paving Morehead Avenue which brought up conversation among some Sr MAPP students about how government gets the money to keep our town running well, etc. etc. On Friday, thanks to parent Mel Royal, a large load of Chapel Hill gravel was delivered in preparation for laying our new walkway. Our youngest students were excused from class to watch the delivery process and the big truck - and then began the dialogue as to how to figure out how much gravel that truck could hold and how heavy that gravel must be! How delightful to have the flexibility to avail ourselves of all of the learning opportunities that surround us!
Speaking of opportunities to learn from our surroundings, the October Asheville trip is quickly approaching. Balances are due this Friday, September 28. I must admit that as I see the hint of color in some of our trees I am excited about the fall splendor these travelers will experience in our beautiful NC mountains.
For those whose spirit of adventure has them ready to explore a more distant destination, England is calling.....We'd like to get four more people signed up this week to secure our itinerary. Once again, here is the link to info and pricing and registration:www.casterbridgetours.com/
Use the following Trip ID: 84281
Please let me know if you are considering this option - if you have not done so already.
THE COMING WEEK IS THE HUGELY EXCITING CLUB PREVIEW WEEK!
This week only, your student may "try out" any activity we are offering without a semester-long commitment (regular after school charges do apply). Upper School students/Lower School parents went home with a RED SHEET detailing what opportunities are offered on which days to which age students. Each and every opportunity is a gem- reflecting the talent and passion of one of the members of our community. There's something for everyone from Kindergarten on up.
Please note:
-Our YOUNGEST students have options on Mondays (science) and Fridays (art).
-Our dancers have not one - but two - opportunities this year - on Mondays AND Tuesdays - with a special discount for those who take both days. Both groups will perform at our school events and may collaborate on a special end of year project.
-Also on Tuesdays, our students from China are hosting a FREE club to teach about their homeland. It has been heartwarming to see their excitement in selecting topics to share with their classmates here - food and field trips will also be part of the experience.
-Our publications are expanding this year - in addition to the regular work of yearbook club, there will be a special 30th year publication. In addition, we are resurrecting our literary magazine to publish and share the work of our many gifted writers and artists.
-Finally, our budding photographers will have a chance to learn from a pro about what goes into capturing the real essence of a moment with a photograph.
-This is truly a great slate of activities with something for everyone - I hope that all of our students will avail themselves of one or more of these opportunities to explore and expand their interests.
-SIGN UP FOR FALL CLUBS IS DUE THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28.
(please send me an email if you need a copy of the info/sign up sheet)
Lots is going in on the college front.
Monday - Vassar College (NY) Tuesday - Meredith College (NC) Wednesday- Kalamazoo College (MI)
In addition, all of our high school students and their families should make it a point to go to the huge college fair next Sunday, Sept 30, at Northgate Mall from 1-4 PM. This is a great opportunity to "go shopping" and see a lot of schools in a short period of time.
Critical to the college process are the famous standardized tests - PSAT, SAT, ACT, etc.
All Camelot 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT on our campus the morning of Saturday, October 20th. Parents were sent an important email from Ms Lynne- please respond to her by this Friday, September 28.
Our soccer Knights have a scrimmage at home on Tuesday and an away game on Friday. Players will receive a more detailed email, fans please check our athletics calendar on the website for more info.
A parent service opportunity is approaching - Mike is looking for some parents for sprucing up and cleaning jobs before the Saturday, October 6 Open House. Please contact him at mike@camelotacademy.org or on his cell 919-818-0047.
Finally, this Thursday at 5:30 PM is Back to School Night for Upper School parents*(*a required parent event).
Once again, please plan to arrive early as the parking lot will fill quickly and our program will start on time. National Honor Society will again provide babysitting (donations appreciated for their activity fund) and parents will be welcome to walk over to our new Specials House afterwards for a quick tour.
How's that for a lot of good information? Enjoy your week and I'll see you soon.
Best,
Thelma