Dear Harbor Families,

On Monday, I spent the day with our third graders, celebrating the end of the Harbor program with a very special full-day experience with Calleva, a local outdoor adventure organization. Guided by skilled counselors at Calleva, we spent the day on “Adventure Island” near Riley’s Lock, playing group games like Capture the Flag (remember that one?), learning how to swim in (light) rapids, and building a fire to make s’mores. In the evening, families joined us at the Calleva Farm, where third graders and their families learned about sustainable farming  - a perfect connection to their final unit of the year, Environmental Sustainability - and enjoyed a delicious dinner made from organic ingredients from the farm itself! In our second year of this tradition, it was such a pleasure to see our graduating third graders take risks, practice perseverance, and celebrate the community they have built over their years together.  We look forward to continuing this special tradition with third grade graduating classes each year!

Tuesday’s Moving On Ceremony marks an important milestone for our graduating students. In keeping with our approach to teaching and learning, the ceremony will be led by the students, sharing memories of and reflections about their Harbor education, singing and accompanying songs, and sharing poems. And, there may just be some photo slideshows of Harbor memories, as well as baby and childhood photos of each third grader, ensuring not a dry eye in the house (at least from the parents). Students in all classes will join to support and cheer on our third graders in this momentous occasion!

We are so proud of our third graders! They are off to new adventures - and the “wider open seas” - after their small and personalized Harbor experience throughout their early childhood and early elementary years. And they are ready, thanks to their third grade teacher Jo Chang, their specials teachers, and all of the teachers they have had in previous grades, who have ensured that our graduates are confident, kind, and capable, and ready for their next adventure! They will be attending a wide range of schools, both public and independent. Keep your eyes open as you enter the parking lot next week to learn more about their next destinations! 

Finally, we look forward to seeing the entire community next Wednesday evening for our End of Year Celebration at Cabin John Park! Join us at 5:30 PM at Pavilion A for a pizza picnic and plenty of fun; there is much to celebrate as we conclude our 50th year as a school, and begin summer!

Here's to a wonderful summer for all - and all the best to our graduates (whom we know will come back to visit us often)!

Warmly,

Leah Musico
Head of School
The Harbor School