Greetings!
Do you hear that humming sound? That's the sound of happy students and teachers settling into learning environments that are a good fit. It has taken time, patience, communication and hard work - but the reward is emerging - a school year poised to "meet our students where they are" and to move them forward with love and support.
Speaking of love, the theme of our school year - "What's Love Got To Do With It?" is apparent to me every day at Camelot - and warrants sharing and recording on a regular basis. As such, I'll periodically give a shout out or two in my Weekly Update to recent moments that exemplify the theme. Our first example is about Moon Cakes and the Mid-Autumn Festival - a day of big celebration in China. When Ms. Lori, whose family is hosting tenth grader Johnny Qian, learned of this holiday she sprang into action! She sought out traditional holiday celebration food (Moon Cakes), brought them in for the students to share, and taught the entire school about the custom in Morning Meeting. I think we all looked up at the moon that night with an added sense of wonder and appreciation of the festivities happening "back home" for our students in China.
Closer to home, we are happy to welcome our newest student and her parents to our Camelot Family. Eighth graderAbby Weber and her parents Jamie and Shelby officially joined the ranks this week.
This week is Club Preview Week. Students may attend clubs of interest to check them out without signing up for the semester - with the usual after school protocol/fees being applicable. Club sign up for the semester is due by this Friday, September 27. Students have been given sign up forms and they are also posted on our website here:
Thanks to the efforts of Ms. Lori and Ms. Amanda, there are 2 announcement boards now hanging in the Big Hall. Parents in search of "Where is study hall?" or "Where does this club meet?" can consult the boards for all such information.
The Soccer Team has 2 home games this week (Wednesday and Friday). We'll transport Middle and Upper School Fans for whom I have a parent request email received by the night BEFORE the game!
This Thursday at 5:30 PM all Upper School parents will attend Back to School Night. Please note that this is aREQUIRED parent event and that your family conference in October will be maximally effective only if you have the benefit of the Back to School Night experience. Please arrive early and allow time for parking so that you don't miss any of the important information that will be shared that evening. I will also run a pre-event session at 5:00 PM for parents who want to discuss strategic planning for high school course selection including honors, AP and online options and anything else folks might want to bring as questions. Retreat Feedback indicated to me that this is a common topic of questions and that we might all benefit from some Q and A on this topic.
This week we have college rep visits on Wednesday from Duke University, on Thursday from Bates College (ME) and on Friday from Colgate University (NY). Upper School students may sign up to attend on the sheets found on the Guidance Bulletin Board in the Upstairs Hall.
Mr. Mike could use Parent Service help this coming Saturday (September 28) in preparation for our first Open House of the year on October 5. Please contact him directly at mike@camelotacademy.org.
Conference week (week of October 7) is fast approaching! Look for an email to sign up for your meeting in the coming week. Also note:
- Upper School students will have job shadow opportunities that week
- Upper School students have an optional rafting trip on that Wednesday, October 9 (please don't schedule a conference that day if your student goes on the trip!)
- High School students are encouraged to visit colleges that week
- Lower School students may sign up for Optional Care on the Wednesday-Friday of their conferences on a space available basis (contact Ms. Wendy at wendy@camelotacademy.org)
That's a lot of info! Thanks for your attention to the details.
I look forward to seeing Upper School parents on Thursday night.