Pankti's Closing Letter

June 3, 2015

 

Dear Families,

 

We have had an enriching, busy and wonderful school year! The month of May always has a frenetic, but joyful quality to it and this year was no different with culminating events like the Spring Concert, the Science Fair and the fifth grade play. Your children have worked hard and learned a lot over the course of this year and we are proud of their efforts.

 

Even as we prepare reports to mail to you and your children as they begin their summer vacation, our thoughts have begun to turn to next year. All year, we have been re-envisioning our program and working on logistics to implement our new schedule beginning in September. I remain excited about the opportunities the new schedule has afforded us to make, including a number of changes that will support and optimize learning for Middle School students at this time in their development.

 

The Quaker testimonies have always distinguished Friends Seminary and are a fundamental part of the School’s bedrock and mission. One does not have to look far in the world of educational research today to find that so many studies demonstrate the importance of helping children to develop social and emotional skills, such as understanding and managing one’s emotions and relationships, setting and achieving goals and demonstrating empathy for others. Emotional intelligence directly affects classroom performance, academic success, sense of self and sense of purpose for young people. As Aristotle also says: “ Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”.

 

Coming out of the Strategic Plan—and reflected in our schedule—is more dedicated time and opportunity for social and emotional learning through our Advisory, Health and Wellness and Service Learning programs. These groups and classes will give students the opportunity to learn not only about the care of their bodies, but also to develop a deeper understanding of their inner world and the world that ought to be by learning about topics such as mindfulness, conflict resolution, media awareness, leadership and team building at this critical time in their lives. In particular, I want to highlight next year’s new service learning course offerings. Please read more about this innovative program developed by Leitzel Schoen here.

 

In closing, please be aware of some important dates in early September for your fall calendars. All Middle School students are expected to attend school on Tuesday, September 8 for orientation activities so they can become acquainted with their new homeroom teachers and advisors and reconnect with fellow classmates. Students will receive their schedules, locker assignments and iPads that day. Orientation Day is planned to ensure a smoother start for all students on Wednesday, September 9, the first day of classes. More details on the schedule for Orientation Day will be shared in August.

 

The summer reading list and assignment from the Library is available here and will be up on the Web Board all summer. In addition, extra math practice problems will be sent home and will also be posted on the Middle School Web Board. 

 

Finally, if you have any questions about your child's report once your receive it, please feel free to call me. I will be available at school through the end of June and will be happy to address any concerns or questions about next year. I wish you all a very pleasant summer, one in which you take some time for relaxation and rejuvenation, for your family and for yourselves.

 

Sincerely,

 

Pankti Sevak

Head of Middle School