Pacific Crest School - Fall Connections from Dorrie
Dear families,
Welcome to the new school year! There was so much wonderful energy around the whole campus today. It is exciting to see children, new and returning, finding that work that calls to them in their classroom or showing others who are new where to find everything they might need. The joy and self-assurance that our children and adolescents show as they welcome new children into our shared lives demonstrates that great personal development that happens here at Pacific Crest. Seeing the courage and grace in everyone of our students inspires in me great gratitude and hope. It’s a real gift to have the children and all of you back at Pacific Crest.
If you haven’t already filled out a paper or on-line volunteer form, please take a minute today to tell us about the special skills, expertise and passions that you have. It is when parents share their gifts with student groups or with our parent led projects, that we create a truly vibrant community. This volunteer form helps us know to whom we should reach out and for what. The on-line form is available from the Parent Resources link at the bottom of our main web page.
I do want to let you know about our approach to the smoky air, give you an update on our facilities, and remind you of some upcoming dates.
The smoke from the wildfires seems to have lightened, however we are noting changing conditions and watching recommendations from air quality agencies. We will limit children’s time and activities outside accordingly and respond to any apparent signs of irritation from our children as well. If your child has any respiratory conditions please remind the teacher with a written note. We are also keeping windows closed so our indoor air quality remains high.
When you arrive, you and your child may notice some wonderful improvements to our gardens and a rather pungent, rural perfume of sorts around our school grounds: This is just the nutritious compost feeding all of our plants. Thank you to Martha Obenauer and Hugo Cirilo, who put a lot of work into weeding, pruning and upgrading our gardens this summer! They look absolutely beautiful! If you like to garden, too, please join our next garden party. We’ll let you know the date.
You will also see the beautiful front door portico that is in process. It replaces an identical, 24 year old structure that had to be removed this summer. It was originally designed by former parent and board member Nash Gubelman. Work will continue on it only during weekends until it is completed, but we should again have shelter from the rain before the winter showers begin in earnest.
Classroom orientations for parents are underway. Primary parent orientation takes place Thursday, September 7, from 5 to 6 p.m. in your child’s classroom. It is important for parents of returning and new Primary children to attend this orientation. The School Handbook is another valuable resource for all parents. Please let us know if you need a copy.
Here are a few more important dates:
Wednesday, September 13, 7 p.m. All Middle School Parent Meeting
Saturday, September 16, 11 - 5 p.m. Alumni & All School celebration
Monday, September 25, 5 - 7 p.m. Volunteer Fair
Wednesday, September 27, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Elementary Parent Night
So glad to see you all,
Dorrie