Welcome Back!

July 28, 2015

Dear Middle School Colleagues,

Welcome back to the start of a new school year!  In education, we are lucky that we always get a new start in our job.  It’s one of my favorite time of the year … you can just feel the exciting building as we get ready for your return and the return of our students.

Our new faculty have arrived and are busy getting set up here in D7.  They are a great group full of energy and enthusiasm.  We are privileged to have them joining us.  Here is a reminder of who they are (plus the addition of one new hire to cover an extra needed course for math/science in the 7th grade):

• Abena Bailey, English Language Arts/Writing/Digital Literacy (Grade 6)
• Natalie Beals, English Language Arts/Social Studies (Grade 7)
• Brian Benck, English Language Arts/Social Studies (Grade 8)
• Jeff Nesmith, Explo. Video Productions (Grade 6)
• Kattina Rabdau, Science (Grades 6 and 7)
• Peter Reynolds, Math/Science (Grade 7)
• Vaughan Swart, Science (Grades 7 and 8)
• Eric Schoonard, Math (Grades 6 and 7)

Changing positions within the school is Lara Keller who will be the HS and MS Librarian.

We are also welcoming a new administrator and his family (wife and 2 kids) as well:

• Jacob Hendrickson – HS Principal

There has been an incredible amount of work done around campus over the summer.  Some you will notice right away; other things might not catch your eye but have a big impact overall.  Here is a run down of some of the things done:

• Installation of new security gates and turnstiles
• Remodel of the Auditorium
• Creation of new garden area between Auditorium and HS Gym
• Remodel of entrances to Buildings A and B
• Installation of security cameras all throughout Building A
• Installation of new ceiling tiles and grid in hallways in Building A
• Painting the hallways and common areas of Building A
• Removal of temporary office on ground floor of Building A
• Remodel of Building A bathrooms
• Installation of new tile in the Dragon’s Den
• Painting the exterior of Building A
• Washing the exterior windows of Building A
• Repair of the filtration system in the swimming pool
• Creation of a STEAM area in the elementary school

Projects not yet completed but still scheduled:

• Replace basketball hoops in Building A gym
• Install additional scoreboards in Building A and Building C gyms
• Repair volleyball standards in Building A gym
• Install curtains in hall windows of dance room
• Repair ceiling tiles and closet of dance room

While the facility changes are extremely welcome and very exciting, I am also excited about the educational changes that we are undergoing.  The 15-16 school year will bring a renewed focus on the Core Values as we seek to further embed them in our continued work on the Curriculum Framework, the conversion to an Apple school and the focus on transformational uses of technologies, and the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

As you are getting ready for your travel back to Vietnam, we are busy preparing laying plans for the year to help us achieve all of this work.  Careful design of the in-service days is a part of that.  The in-service schedule for Aug. 4-11 is titled Full Faculty In-Service 2015.  We have tried to balance school wide, divisional and individual needs as we planned the time.

Following past tradition, Service Learning Trips are available on Saturday, August 8^th.  The sign up link is found in the Full Faculty In-Service document.  These include:

• Anh Linh Love School (Education)
• Little Rose Warm Shelter (Women’s Issues)
• Heartbeat Vietnam (Health)
• Wildlife at Risk – WAR (Endangered Species)
• Animal Rescue Center – ARC (Animals)
• Senior Citizens Center (Seniors, History)
• Making Community Connections (Health)
• Mai Am/Mai Tai Orphanage (AIDS)
• Phap Vo Orphanage (Education)
• Disability Resource and Development Vietnam (Disabilities)

I have sent the following information out to parents and students regarding the start of the school year.  Please view the document Starting the Middle School Year to see that information as well.

Enjoy your last days of vacation.  I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures and experiences.  Travel safe and see you all soon!

Looking forward to another great year,

Molly

*just one family photo from the summer … can’t resist: