Tuesday, Nov. 13: Grandparents Social Event, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 15: Family Reading Night, 4-6 p.m. (Sign up here)

Friday, Nov. 16: The Little Mermaid Musical, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 17: The Little Mermaid Musical, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 20: Grandparents and Special Friends Day (Sign up here)

Tuesday, Nov. 20: Middle and Upper School Admissions Tour, 9-10:30 a.m. (RSVP here) 

Wednesday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 25: NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break  

Monday, Nov. 26: Robert Eisner Scholarship application deadline

Saturday, Dec. 1: Robert Eisner Scholarship examination

Tuesday, Dec. 4: Admissions Morning, 8:30-10 a.m. (RSVP here) 

Friday, Dec. 7: Roycemore's Hour of Code Celebration, 3:15-4:30 p.m. (RSVP here) 

Wednesdays, Jan. 9-Mar. 13 (10 weeks): Littlest Griffins Parent & Tot Time 9:30-10:45 a.m. (Register here)

MS Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Nov. 14 @ Baker (201 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette), 4 p.m. (Leave 3:15 p.m., Return 5:30 p.m.)

MS Boys Basketball: Thursday, Nov. 15 @ Solomon Schechter (3210 Dundee Rd., Northbrook), 4 p.m. (Leave 2:45 p.m., Return 5:45 p.m.)

MS Girls Basketball: Friday, Nov. 16 @ Lycee Francais (1929 W. Wilson, Chicago), 4:45 p.m. (Leave 3:45 p.m., Return 6:30 p.m.)

By Adrianne Finley Odell

Fred Rogers. Freddie Mercury. Over the weekend I saw movies on back-to-back days that depicted their lives and livelihood. Fred Rogers, of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood fame, and Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer for the band Queen, lead exceedingly different lives. One was one of the most flamboyant individuals of his time. The other couldn’t have been further from such a description. He was exceedingly, almost painfully sweet and “normal.” One lived a wild, off-the-charts life full of partying and play. The other lived a very clean, pious life and had even planned to pursue seminary at one time.

As I reflected about these two storied individuals, I realized that although they seemed very different, our two “Freds” had much in common:

·           They each had a strong passion for what they believed in

·           They stood up to those in power for what they believed in

·           They were both songwriters and singers

·           They were willing to accept criticism about their work because they felt that what they did was so important

·           Love was a driving motivation for them

·           They were both artists in many ways

·           They were often misunderstood

·           They believed in love and family

In a time where an overriding emphasis seems to be placed on how much we disagree or how different we are, perhaps we can instead focus on what we have in common. From that place of appreciation, or love, we can build in space to seek to understand—to value each other no matter how different we are. I believe that if we spent more time doing just that, we would be surprised at what we can accomplish. As the character who played Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody said, “We’re family. We believe in each other. That’s everything.” Freddie Mercury’s band members had training as physicists and electrical engineers while Freddie had been an airline baggage handler before joining the band. They were very different from each other. Music brought them together. Mr. Rogers often spoke of themes of difference and embracing each other. A scene in Won’t You Be My Neighbor shows Fred Rogers inviting his local police officer, an African American man, to sit beside him while they cooled their feet in a child’s wade pool together. This was during a time, mind you, where there were segregated swimming pools for black and white Americans. In a beautiful way, Fred Rogers broke the color barrier and spread a message of love and acceptance to children across America. He embraced everyone as his neighbor, regardless of what they looked like or where they came from.

At Roycemore, our students and families come from many different backgrounds and experiences, and we come together at our school with a shared commitment to children, providing them with an extraordinary education and making the world (their world) a better place. We all share this passion. We believe in love.

“Love isn't a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.”

—Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember

Roycemore World Language Students—led by our Sarah Bixby, World Languages and Sustainability faculty member—enjoyed a cultural experience as part of thei World Languages Field Trip on Friday, Nov. 9. Our students jumped into West African Dancing and Drumming, followed by a feast at Peppercorns! 

Our Middle School Cooking Club whipped up delicious food!

Recently, our Upper School Algebra II students visited Evanston Subaru in Skokie as part of a car buying project. After creating a personal budget, the students visited the dealership to look and pick out cars to buy. On November 6, an Evanston Subaru in Skokie salesman came to Roycemore to "negotiate" the purchase of the car with each group.

As part of our ongoing collaboration throughout the year, our children use technology to enhance their learning, and not just for technology sake! Our 3rd graders recently created Adobe Spark videos on the three branches of government.

In our collaboration with Adobe, every student and teacher was given a copy of the Adobe Suite, and we are most definitely using it!!!

Basketball season is upon us, and it's not too late to join the team! Practices have started this week, meeting mornings before school. See the calendar for more details and be sure to check in with Coach Jones! Roycemore has a no cut policy for athletics, and all are welcome. If you want to play, we want to have you! Stop by the gym before 8:15 a.m. and join!

Last month, Stephen Hagerty, Mayor, City of Evanston, invited talented young artists to submit their designs for his annual holiday card. From more than 60 creative entries, Roycemore’s very own Ariana Bretones and Grace Lawlor were two of the four finalists! Mayor Hagerty has invited everyone to purchase cards send to family, friends, and loved ones.

Click here to see and purchase cards from all the finalists. Click here for Ariana’s creation and here for Grace’s creation. Proceeds will benefit the Holiday Food, Book, and Toy Drive.

Grandparents’ Social Event

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6-7:30 p.m.

2113 Greenleaf St. #8, Evanston 

*RSVP required and registration has closed. 

Steve Jackson, grandfather to Rory and Mason Jackson, invites you to a Roycemore School Grandparents' Social of great conversation and Wine & Hors D'oeuvres! Come meet other grandparents, socialize, and discover how you can be involved with your Grandchild(ren)'s school! 

Thursday, Nov. 15, 4-6 p.m.

The Illinois State Museum and the Roycemore Library are partnering to bring you a wonderful evening of reading with your family on Thursday Nov. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. This evening of reading is designed to offer families the opportunity to explore the Roycemore Library, picking out books from the collection and reading together as a family. All families are welcome to this open house-style event. View the flyer.

Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16 and 17, 7 p.m.

Roycemore's MPR

The Upper School fall musical is upon us! Please join us this coming weekend on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16 and 17, to see our Upper and Middle School student production of Disney's The Little Mermaid. The cast and crew have worked so hard on the show, and we hope to see everyone there! The show begins at 7:00 p.m. in the MPR, and ALL families and students are welcome—there is no cost, and reservations are not needed. Come on out and support our Griffin performers!

Tuesday, Nov. 20, 8:30–11:00 a.m.

All are welcome, whether your student is just entering pre-kindergarten or getting ready to graduate! The morning will include delicious treats and coffee, musical performances featuring all grades, and special time in the classroom just for you!

Register here.

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 9-10:30 a.m. (RSVP here) 

Join us for this group-style tour led by our Director of Admissions! Current LS and MS families are encouraged to come to learn about the next division their children will enter. Both prospective and current parents will have the opportunity to tour the school, observe briefly in classrooms and ask questions about Roycemore School's programs and culture! RSVP required. 

Friday, Dec. 7, 3:15-4:30 p.m.

To celebrate Computer Science Education Week, December 3 to 9, we will be offering coding activities school-wide in class all week, culminating in an Hour of Code Celebration for students, families, faculty and staff in the Multipurpose Room. The hour of code is a global effort to introduce computer programming to millions of people. RSVP & read more here.

Questions? Contact Beth Shutters at 847-866-6055 or [email protected].

Littlest Griffins

Parent & Tot Time at Roycemore

Registration is NOW open (and is open to the community!)—space is limited. Register here. 

Wednesdays, Jan. 9-March 13 (10 weeks), 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Our parent and tot 75-minute classes provide a wonderful opportunity for Mom or Dad or another caregiver and their pre-school child, age 16 months+, to have interactive fun together with other children their age!

Abby Ludwig, our beloved early childhood teacher and Early Childhood Teaching and Development professional, will be leading this class. Many of you will remember Abby taught both Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten at Roycemore for six years before retiring to be a mommy to her twin sons. Abby is thrilled to be returning to Roycemore!  

During these enriched program classes, expect engaging activities designed to promote social, physical and intellectual growth through the use of art, music, and gross motor play. A snack will be provided by the school.

Details:

Wednesdays, Jan. 9-Mar. 13 (10 weeks)

9:30-10:45 a.m.

1 day: $50 10 weeks: $250

All classes are held at Roycemore School in our early childhood wing. A greeter will be at the Roycemore School entrance to help you to your classroom.

Questions? Call Melinda at 847-866-6055 or [email protected].

Free Community Yoga at Roycemore School

Thursdays, 5-6 p.m.

We are thrilled to partner with Phoenix Yoga Project to offer free yoga classes every Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Founded by Roycemore alumnus and trustee, Scott Kinsloe, Phoenix Yoga Project offers free yoga to bring people together. Spread the word that everyone is welcome to join our community for this weekly class!

Roycemore believes that finding one’s eventual best-fit college is a process of discovery and self-awareness. We are here to help you navigate the application process!

Our Recommended Timeline for the College Application Process is designed for all Upper School Griffins. Download and consult this resource, bookmark Coordinator of College Counseling Stacia Campbell’s blog, and reach out to with any questions! Seven colleges will be coming to meet our juniors and seniors in person.

Admissions Mornings

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 8:30–10 a.m.

Volunteers needed for Admissions Mornings! There is only one more Admissions Morning left this year, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 8:30–10 a.m., and we want to make it count. During these mornings, prospective parents join us for coffee, visit classes, and speak with administrators, faculty, current students, and parents. If you are interested in becoming an Admissions Ambassador, contact Director of Admissions Amanda Avery at [email protected].

Be a proud Griffin and visit our online store for spirit wear!

Northwestern University encourages community members to take part in community and diversity and inclusion events so that we may increase our cultural competency and understanding. NU is a vibrant place with numerous ways for everyone in the community to learn and participate. So don't be shy—embrace your neighbor and show up in the community! Visit the Upcoming Events to increase your cultural competency and support your professional development.

Want more? Visit the November Monthly Calendar for details on concerts, lectures, and athletic events—there is always something going on.

The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.

New Trier High School/Northfield, Cornog Auditorium (7 Happ Rd., Northfield)

Details:

“Self-Driven: Why a Sense of Control is So Important for Children and Teens”

By William Stixrud, Ph.D., and Ned Johnson 

Dr. Stixrud is a clinical neuropsychologist and founder of The Stixrud Group, a lifespan neuropsychology practice, is an adjunct faculty member of the Children's National Medical Center, and is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Pedicatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine.

Mr. Johnson is an author, speaker, and founder of PrepMatters, an educational company.

*This event is free and open to the public and will be taped. Suitable for youth 12+. View flyer.

The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting Up a Generation for Failure

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 7 p.m.

New Trier High School/Northfield Campus, Cornog Auditorium (7 Happ Rd., Northfield)

Details:

Greg Lukianoff

President and CEO, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), and author, Unlearning Liberty and Freedom from Speech. Co-author (with Jonathan Haidt) of the New York Times bestseller The Coddling of the American Mind.

*This event is free and open to the public and will be taped. Suitable for youth 12+.

Know Thyself: Using Your Uniqueness to Create Success

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.

Evanston Township High School Auditorium (1600 Dodge Ave.)

Details:

Karamo Brown

Culture expert on the Emmy-winning Netflix show Queer Eye. Co-author, Queer Eye: Love Yourself, Love Your Life. Co-founder, 6in10.org and recipient of the 2018 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award.

*This event is free and open to the public and will not be taped. Suitable for youth 12+. 

Need more information? INFO: familyactionnetwork.net

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