Dear Husky Community,
It’s an eventful and meaningful time for our community and our country in the weeks ahead. In this age of uncertainty, we continue to do our best to provide support and routine, while at the same time acknowledging the difficulties we are all facing. With up to 25% of our students now allowed to be on campus at any given time, we have expanded the numbers of high-need students in our classrooms. We are also bringing back other students willing and interested members of athletic teams including both boys and girls basketball, football, and cheerleading for now. In addition, performing arts and theater tech students who feel comfortable and are willing to abide by the DoH protocols will also be returning for rehearsals and prep work. Students who may like to practice mindfulness and mindfulness-based-activities will have this opportunity as well. In the weeks ahead, we will be looking for further opportunities for other interested students to connect on campus for activities as well as academic and personal support.
This week, we had an in-service for our faculty and staff to revisit some strategies for facilitating difficult discussions within the classroom. We discussed, as a community, the shared values and support with which we plan to approach this upcoming week of the presidential election, a time that will no doubt have an emotional impact regardless of political origin. Faculty and staff engaged in collaborative efforts regarding how to respond to concerns in order to best support civil discourse from a lens of equity and inclusion for all. At the same time, our emphasis has been on supporting faculty through large and small group gatherings so they are able to in turn provide students with what they need.
Recent NAIS research in independent schools found that schools that used their underlying mission and beliefs to support difficult conversations achieved the most success. In every class and advisory group, we address frequently our “Guidelines for Inclusive Communications” which establish this foundation. As students come through our gates, they pass “Sound Character,” one of our four pillars. Lastly, our Diversity Mission Statement contains the pledge that “students feel respected, safe, and accepted in expressing who they are.” With these established understandings, conversations in the week ahead will be respectful, inclusive, and supportive.
Thanks in advance for your diligence and engagement, as we continue to support each other during these unique and significant times.
Appreciatively,
David
Pictured Above: Mr. Flamini uses one of his favorite vinyl records to discuss the importance of inquiry-based learning at the Middle Years Programme (MYP) Parent Information Session. Mr. Flamini and Ms. Beshke explained the benefits of MYP to 6th and 7th grade families, highlighting how implementation will take place with RHP students from grades 6-10 over time.
If you would like to watch the recording of the information session, you may do so by clicking the button below.
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We will be meeting as an entire school via Zoom on Monday, November 2 at 8:00 AM. A link to the Zoom meeting can be accessed below and a reminder e-mail will be sent that morning to all students. Please note, these meetings will use a different Zoom link each week.
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Husky Turkey Trot 5K
November 21 - November 28
Join in the fun as we host our First Annual Husky Turkey Trot – Virtual 5K Fun Run/Walk over Thanksgiving Break! It's the perfect time for you and yours to get involved in some healthy outdoor fun and fundraising. We hope to have the participation of the whole Husky community, so get your team together and your tailfeathers moving! The beauty of a virtual 5K is that friends and family will be able to participate from their own neighborhood, gym, track, or treadmill, either independently or as part of a team.
Register for the race by November 13, and be entered to win a pair of AirPods! Prizes for individuals and teams! Proceeds will support all three schools’ essential technology, learning tools, and program supplies.
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Home Language Survey - Due 10/30: Under Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, limited-English proficient (LEP) students (otherwise known as English Learners), attending private schools are provided an opportunity to receive supplemental services to assist them in the acquisition of English. In order to identify potential English Learners and determine the services needed, the attached Home Language Survey (HLS) must be completed for each student and returned to the school by October 30. This form can be accessed by clicking the "Announcements and Events Details" button below.
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Picture Day and Picture Orders - 11/7: Picture day will take place on Saturday, November 7 using a drive thru style system. Additionally, families may order pictures from picture day online or by dropping off a form when they attend picture day. For more information and links to ordering, click the "Announcements and Events Details" button at the bottom of this section.
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Purchase your 2020-2021 Yearbook and Yearbook Ads: The time has come to order your yearbook! This year students will not automatically get a yearbook at the end of the year. The book must be ordered through our printer’s website. We are being offered an early bird special of $90 per book if you order now. But this special will only last until December 20 so make sure you order today. Please click the "Announcements and Events Details" button at the bottom of this section to access more information and to order your yearbook.
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Grandparents' and Friends' Day - 11/6: Grandparents' and Friends' Day is just around the corner! If you have guests joining us for the day, you as well as your guests will be receiving an email from the Schools on Monday, November 2, with Zoom links and information about the day. We’ve shared the information with you, so that you are able to help in answering any questions your guests may have about their visit. We are hoping that together we will be able to make our first ever, virtual Grandparents’ and Friends’ Day run smoothly for all involved!! Should you have any questions, please email Krista Maire at KMaire@rollinghillsprep.org
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Middle Years Programme (MYP) Parent Information Session - Recording: A recording of the parent information session can be accessed by clicking the button below. Due to interactions with parents captured on video, we cannot share this video publicly on our website and it will only be featured in the next two Friday Letters.
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Rylie Akahiji
"One thing I have learned as a basketball player is “get comfortable being uncomfortable”. Throughout this year, we have learned to adapt to being comfortable despite all the circumstances going on in our world. This quote goes to show that we will be prepared to handle anything life throws at us."
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Word-of-mouth referrals are a significant component to admissions for independent schools and we deeply appreciate any referrals provided by our community. We will be offering several admission-oriented "Discover Days" and virtual tours in the coming months and we would greatly appreciate it if you passed the word along within your network of family and friends. The above image can be copied and shared privately, on social media, or any other capacity you deem appropriate. Additionally, interested families may also view or RSVP for the available Discover Day and tour dates by accessing the web address below:
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Rolling Hills Prep and Renaissance Schools proudly partner with South Bay Families Connected, an organization dedicated to providing meaningful social-emotional wellness resources for parents and students. Additionally, our schools have a dedicated Families Connected page for our communities that can be accessed by clicking the button below. |
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Rolling Hills Preparatory and Renaissance School | RollingHillsPrep.org | RenaissanceSAS.org |
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