It was a pleasure to welcome the children back to school after the Winter Break. They were happy to see one another and eager to get back in action at school. The winter months are a great time to dig deeper into learning and the teachers are ready to channel the students’ considerable energy in productive endeavors. We will also provide ways to help students to develop more self-awareness of their growing strengths and accomplishments in the weeks to come.
Here is a quick update about happenings in the lower school:

Student Progress Reports
Lower school teachers are currently engrossed in the thoughtful process of writing progress reports about their students. At PDS we report four times each year, twice in conferences and twice in written form. The written report from classroom teachers consists of a summary of the curriculum, goals within each area of concentration and feedback in the form of brief descriptors and a narrative which elaborates on a student’s engagement in learning. The specialist’s reports include a summary of the curriculum and a checklist that describes a student’s progress.  We expect to e-mail the reports to you on or around January 30.

Lower School Winter Concert
On Wednesday, January 21 at 9am students in grades pre-k-5 will perform in the James Earl Jones Theater. This performance will take the place of our weekly assembly. The children are eager to share the music they have been learning. They will perform songs which they helped select from various genres such as Folk, Renaissance, Rock and Roll and Pop.

The dress code is casual and informal. Bill asks that you have your child wear solid colors so that there is some visual uniformity.  Feel free to video tape or photograph your child during the show. Please refrain from flash photography.  If you are unable to attend, the school will be streaming it live at www.ustream.tv/channel/pds-tv. The show should run about 45 minutes. We hope you will join us!

Winter Weather Reminder
We have had some true winter weather this month and stayed in side during recess a few times when the temperatures were very low and the wind was howling. In general, though, we go outdoors every day. Please be sure your child has appropriate outdoor clothing (hat, mittens, snowpants and boots) at school for protection against the elements and to allow participation in the full range of winter fun.