Sarah Schecter, Head of Lower School

December 13, 2024

Dear Lower School Parents, 

Earlier this week, I was walking down the fourth grade hall late one afternoon. A first grade student was walking several steps ahead of me, unaware that I was watching her.  She carefully blew a kiss to each elf she passed in the hall (there are about 40 elves, one for each fourth grader). It made me smile to see her give each one some heartfelt affection. After she passed all of the elves, her unbridled enthusiasm was released in a hop and a skip. It was a great way to end the day. Witnessing the joy of a first grader is a great way to end the day.

If you get a chance to visit campus next week, be sure to check out all of the beautiful artwork in the FAPH (as well as checking out the Lost and Found tables by the office). You will be certain to see cheerful and festive art from some of your favorite young artists. Also, the Polar Express is steaming down the fourth grade hall full of familiar faces. It is the most wonderful time of the year!

Holiday Treasures was a big success. The array of thoughtful gifts, the helpers assisting each child find perfect presents, the careful gift wrapping and tagging, all the things that help create a wonderful shopping experience and more importantly an opportunity for our children to put others first. Thank you to OPC and all of the volunteers that made this happen for our community!

Let Grow continues to keep our students busy doing good things and growing independence. This week we had students helping neighbors or family members, rake, help with laundry, and decorate for Christmas. December homework can be turned in after Winter Break, if you need more time.

Next week we have a full slate of special dress days and our class parties on Wednesday. See the graphic below for more information. Owls’ Nest is available for students until 5:45 p.m.; sign up online using this form. It will be an exciting week!

Warm regards,

Sarah Schecter
Head of Lower School