Despite not being together and record breaking cold, our students continue to shine. May is always a tough month to maintain focus, but all reports from teachers indicate that Shaker Road School students continue to come to class, engage in their learning, positively interact with their classmates and teachers, and generally make the best of our current situation. If you have not been following SRS on social media, you should check it out. From spotlighting teacher and student daily routines to posts about weekly Blue Heron Challenges, artwork, and other community building events, SRS is thriving.
Now that we have reached May, we are preparing for the end of the year. I know many of you have questions about the fall, and we are discussing and planning considering the unknowns. Though it is difficult to make definitive plans, our goal is the same as with any year. We know the beginning of next year may look quite different than fall 2019, but with our already small class sizes and large classrooms, upgraded cleaning and sanitation equipment, and a dedicated and experienced team of faculty and staff, we are in a strong position to return to school and keep children safe. Of course, there are no guarantees as this crisis has clearly reminded us. As we learn more in the coming weeks, we will share more concrete plans with you.
In order to finish the year in a strong and positive way, we have many academic lessons and fun activities in the works. Spring at Shaker Road School is a special time. Typically this is the time of year when students would eat outside under the pavilion, attend concerts and awards ceremonies, play spring sports, participate in our annual KickBack soccer fundraiser, and of course prepare for kindergarten and eighth grade graduations. Though some of these things will not happen, we will pivot and try new things. Fortunately Mrs. Stuppard will return from maternity leave just in time to help. On Monday, please find some way to welcome her back. Perhaps your teachers and advisors can help you post messages on Team SRS.
Upcoming events and activities:
Visit to the 8th Graders –Yesterday, the 8th grade advisors, Patti, and I traveled around New Hampshire to visit every 8th grader, present them with their yearbooks, class t-shirt, and placed a graduation sign on their lawns. It was an amazing way to begin celebrating their hard work through middle school.
Scavenger Hunt Challenge – go to Team SRS to see what Paul has created to get you out of the house. Good luck and have fun.
Virtual Shaker Meeting – Our monthly Shaker Meetings have been important community building opportunities for the last two years. On Friday, May 15, 22, and 29 (and another day in June), we will be meeting via Zoom as a K-9 community. It may not be exactly the same, but it will be fun and we can be virtually together. Your teachers and advisors will send out more information next week.
Middle School Recognition and Awards – The ceremony remains on June 1 via Zoom. We may change the time to the evening, but all are encouraged to celebrate with us.
Kindergarten Graduation – This is one of Shaker’s oldest and most special events. Instead of doing a virtual graduation for our kindergarten students on June 2, we will have a parade (of sorts) on campus to celebrate as these children become FIRST GRADERS!
Eighth Grade Graduation – The eighth graders have requested a virtual graduation. This special group of students has been quite sensitive and respectful of others health and safety and are working with us to prepare Shaker’s first ever (and hopefully last) virtual graduation. We will also be profiling this great class in the coming weeks leading up to graduation.
Last week of school – Mrs. Stuppard, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Laliberte join forces to create a last week of school like no other. In addition to closing out the year in the classroom, students will have opportunities to participate in virtual schoolwide team building activities.
What about my stuff still at school?? – All families will have an opportunity during the last week of school (June 1-4) to come to school to clean out lockers, desks, and anyplace else you might have left personal items. In a couple of weeks, Mrs. Stuppard will communicate the plan.
Have a great weekend. Hopefully you can get out and participate in the Blue Heron Challenge.
Best,
Dr. Matt
Principal
