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Greetings Kodiak Families,
Today, the Middle School feels like a hive of activity, yet there is also a note of collective held breath. Seminar II starts now! Bags are being packed, provisions are being parceled, and plans are being triple-checked to ensure the best possible experience for our faculty and families. Students and teachers alike are full of anticipation and expectation, and it’s an exciting time to talk with people in the Trianon. Whether heading to the desert canyons for nine days, participating in snow activities outside of Granby, learning how things fly, painting with electricity, or exploring the culture of cooking, I know they will have an amazing time. I’ll be in the Trianon every day throughout the week, providing support where needed, and am looking forward to checking in regularly on our on-campus Seminars as well as other experiences out in the field.
It’s also been very exciting to talk with Children’s School students who have been coming over to the Trianon for the Scholastic Book Fair all week. (How thrilling a magic, scented gummy bear eraser can be!) Thanks to those of you who have been helping your students track the total number of pages they’ve read thus far during March Reading Madness – keep it up! I’m constantly reminded of the progressive joy of seeing our students grow and develop their minds and imaginations. I also had the opportunity to spend time with our rising 5th graders (next year’s 6th graders) on Thursday, and am looking forward to seeing their enthusiasm for Middle School when they visit the Trianon and shadow our 7th grade ambassadors in a couple of weeks!
Upon returning from spring break, I will also be hosting an assembly for our Middle School faculty and students to discuss upcoming changes to our COVID protocols and masking requirements. During and after the assembly, we will encourage our students to be kind and supportive as some peers and adults on campus continue to mask and others do not. This is a time for understanding and positivity, and – as we make the transition – a time to remember that we care for and take care of all our partners at CSS. The recent addition of a Talk Box in the Trianon building has encouraged our 6th through 8th students to be more open about their struggles and to seek help even when they may not know where to turn. As parents, I encourage you to help your children understand that YOU are their first line of advocacy whenever they feel self-conscious, singled out, etc. Should you learn of any conflicts that create hardship for your child or another student, please inform me as soon as possible.
Middle School is all about growth and learning; it’s about opportunities to become the best version of ourselves. Together, we play a vital role in making CSS a wonderful place of belonging.
I hope everyone has a great Seminar and wonderful spring break! Please find information on additional Middle School happenings below. See you all soon.
As ever,
Ron Hamilton, M.A.Ed. Leadership
Middle School Division Director
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