The classrooms are ready, the teachers are ready...are you and your children ready? We hope so! As we near opening day, I want to thank you again for entrusting us with caring for your wonderful children. The Harbor School engages in Responsive Classroom practices, a social curriculum designed to construct a learning environment where high-quality work ensues through collaboration, cooperation, and support of one another. The first six weeks of school are the most crucial for building this level of understanding and practice.

Pursuant to Responsive Classroom and the five anchors on which our community is built (independence, caring, love, respect, and creativity), the teachers aim to create an optimal learning environment. They will start each day with a peaceful morning meeting, which includes greeting each other, hearing about the exciting day ahead, and a "mindful minute" to center and prepare our minds and bodies.

Teachers, students, and parents are all part of the equation for encouraging mindfulness. To that end, please have your child at school on time (or a little early!). Junior Kindergarten through 2nd Grade begins at 8:45; Preschool begins at 9:00. The teachers will close their doors at those times to keep out distractions and noise, promoting focus for morning work and the morning meeting. Of course, we welcome parents to walk children into school. We know the beginning of a new school year causes both excitement and a little anxiety, for both children and parents! However, we respectfully request that you grant your children the opportunity for growing independence - and invite you say a quick good-bye and enjoy a cup of coffee in our conference room! What a great chance to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and start the day with a cup of Joe! We will have coffee set up in the conference room through the month of September.

Enjoy your long weekend and get ready to "Take Flight" next week at Harbor!