August 27, 2021 Newsletter

The "First Six Weeks of School"

Did you know that Peabody uses Responsive Classroom as an approach to build community in the classroom? We understand that there is a strong connection between academic success and social/emotional competencies. You may hear some of our teachers referring to the "First Six Weeks of School" as a critical time for establishing a positive climate for the rest of the year.

"The early weeks of each new school year offer teachers distinct opportunities and challenges. It is during this time—when expectations and routines are established, rules generated, and goals articulated—that the foundation is laid for a productive and cooperative year of learning. As teachers, we work hard to convey, from the very first day of school, the important message that we will do high-quality work in our classrooms. We also work to convey the message that we will do this high-quality work in an atmosphere of support and collaboration. But this atmosphere does not just appear by our decree. It must be carefully constructed upon many small, but critical, building blocks, and the first six weeks of school is the time to do it.*) For more information on Responsive Classroom, talk to your child's teacher, or please refer to their website.

*from responsiveclassroom.org

Community Connections

We would like to welcome Eric Anderson as our new Community Connections Coordinator. Eric brings to Peabody a well-established record of inspiring students, empowering teachers, and building community in schools. After earning his master's degree at Columbia University in cognitive biopsychology and certification in conservation biology Eric served for several years as the director of after-school learning centers for a progressive housing authority before directing programs for a state-wide environmental non-profit in New Jersey. In 2005, Eric transitioned into independent school education, where he taught biology and environmental science in Princeton, NJ before moving to Charlottesville and beginning a tenure of six years in school leadership.

The benefits of schools with a cohesive sense of community are myriad, and those benefits multiply when the school connects outwardly to and with the community around it. Eric's work this year will focus on facilitating collaborations among teachers; building bridges between Peabody families, our fabulous teachers, and your child(ren)'s education; and supporting opportunities to learn in and contribute to the broader community in which we live. To that end, we invite all Peabody parents to complete this short questionnaire to share possible ways that you might enjoy participating in and contributing to the Peabody experience this school year. Thank you!

Welcome!

We would like to welcome Kasha Viets-Wood and Mykel Paige to Peabody School!

Kasha will be the afterschool PreK teacher and was formerly in this position two years ago. Kasha earned her BA in Early Childhood Education from Guilford College. She has worked in many capacities from teaching in daycares and preschools to church programs, special needs, to private care. For the last 12 years, she has been a nanny for several local families. Kasha also worked at Charlottesville Catholic School, as an aftercare assistant with kindergarten to 8th graders. The PreK team is excited to have her back!

Mykel will be our new teaching assistant/afterschool teacher alongside Ms.Geneva. Mykel earned a B.A. in communication from Kaplan University and an Associate Degree from Ashworth College. Mykel has experience working with children in a variety of settings and is also a personal chef and cooking instructor.

Arrival and Dismissal

In order to allow our students to safely enter and exit the building while practicing safe social distancing, we will be using a staggered arrival schedule, including three separate entrance locations: the main front door, the Batten door, and the side door in the small side parking lot.

We ask that you please drop off and pick up your children off during your assigned window and at your assigned door(s). We appreciate your cooperation in working together to keep our students safe!

Arrival/Dismissal Schedule

After School Program

Peabody School operates a state-licensed After School Program Monday through Friday (when school is open), to accommodate Peabody parents’ need for after-school care for their children. Aftercare is $18 a day. After School runs from 3:25-5:30 PM.

Homework Club (Grades 5-8 only)

Homework Club will begin on Monday and runs Monday-Thursday thereafter. Homework club is $12.00 a day. Homework Club starts at 3:30 and ends at 4:15 PM.

Please note that due to COVID-19 protocols, we will need to limit the number of students who attend both programs. Sign-ups are available for both programs at the links below. Also, if your Grade 5-8 student needs to attend both HW club and after-school, you need to sign them up for both programs.

Homework Club Sign-Up

K-8 Afterschool Sign-Up

PreK Afterschool Sign-Up

Afterschool Program Handbook

Yay Lunch Ordering Now Open!

Say Yay! We’re excited to welcome back our lunchtime partner: Yay Lunch, where parents can order healthier versions of foods kids love. All meals are local, made fresh every morning + delivered directly to the school. Now with a new website and easy-to-choose Lunch Calendar where you can schedule lunches for the next week or the entire semester. New customers: Sign up today and get 50% off your first week with promo code SAYYAY. For all returning customers, don’t forget to update your child’s luncher profile with their current grade and teacher!

Click here for more information!

Parent Information Center

2021-22 School Year

Charlottesville Pack 36 Cub Scout Kick-Off

Homework Club Sign-Up

K-8 Afterschool Sign-Up

PreK Afterschool Sign-Up

Arrival/Dismissal Schedule

2021-22 Academic Calendar

First Week Fun!

Peabody Calendar

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