Friday Flash: May 31, 2013

What I Know For Sure

Ah, the last week of school. What a special week it will be with rituals that ground us in who we are and how special our school is to all of us. Certainly the Portfolio Showcases were a demonstration for us in how incredible the learning experiences are that we create. Student after student talked with pride about the culture of our school and how much they value it. We felt renewed in purpose and commitment. Boy that felt good! From the hearts and voices of our students it was easy to reconnect with our core values. Bless them for they always bring us back to what matters most. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our students. We touch each of them, just as they touch us. Together we have created a safe, nurturing, and inspiring learning environment.

Several years ago I was trying to figure out how we could know for sure that the vision, purpose and ownership had been created. The most authentic and obvious answer was to ask the kids. During both the third and sixth grade portfolio presentations, and a plethora of other opportunities, the kids speak to what it means to be Crew; they speak of how they have been challenged and grown; they speak of what they know about themselves as learners; they speak in detail to the culture of our school and how much they value that; and they speak with pride. Our departing sixth graders speak of how much they are going to miss this special place. Each of us have stories to tell with heartfelt passion about inspiring moments with our kids. We are exceptional - this I know for sure.

Calendar

June 3 - 7th:

Monday:

* 6th grade to St. Mary's Glacier
* Discovery 2/3 & 4/5 hike

Tuesday:

*No RTI
* 4th grade hike

* Sixth Grade Closing Ceremony 6:30 p.m. (Come if you can)

Wednesday: Last Day of School for students

* All School Drum Circle led by 6th grade (Can't wait!)

* Kona Ice - consult the schedule

* Report Cards go home with students (hold report cards in office for those students who are on the list who have outstanding fees)

* Drums do not go home with returning students (you may see a few going out with those leaving and not returning which becomes confusing for kids who are staying next year)

* Closing Circle @ 3:00 p.m.

Thursday:

* Gather in library at 8:30

* Move classrooms

* Closing down your classroom and checking out

* Skip to your car

Guess who's staying at Renaissance?

That's right - our very own alligator wrestler is staying on
to be our social worker next year!
He will continue to play Texas Hold 'em
and serve cookies to kids!!!

A table full of portfolios - authentic, purposeful demonstrations of learning.

Reviewing portfolios

Impressive that the kids revised from the feedback they were provided.

Thanks for the leadership you each provided on the panel you led.

Balancing work with play :)

Some of us just had to try that Ga-Ga Ball!

Thanks Kenny for leading your Crew in creating
this new place to play! And we know how important play is for all of us!
Our entire community is loving it!