around A-S In & out of the classroom
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KBM Students in Seattle
Helping A New Community Member Feel Welcome By Sarah Woods
The boys and teachers in KBM found a fun and thoughtful way to welcome one of their classmates who would be joining them part way through the school year. Kindergartner George was unable to be in New York City for the start of school for family reasons, so KBM teachers Blaise Bulfair and Jesse Montero made sure that he was included from the beginning. They labeled his cubby and desk so that the boys in the class were familiar with his name and considered him a part of KBM, even though he wasn’t physically there. Ms. Bulfair and Mr. Montero also reached out to George’s
KBM in New York City
current teachers, Ms. Compton and Mr. Kesler, at the Villa Academy in Seattle, to discuss ways they could help make George feel a part of both classrooms while he was still based in Seattle. It was agreed that writing a note seemed like a good place to start. So, the boys in KBM talked about what they would like to include in this note to George’s Seattle classroom, which so happened to be called KB! They concluded that describing New York City would be interesting, with each boy listing his favorite thing to do in and around the city. (A few of these are listed on the next page.) In return, KBM received a letter and a photo of George’s class in Seattle, which they excitedly opened as a group during circle time. The letter described the city of Seattle
and what the children in George’s class did during choice time. After reading the letter, they pulled out a globe and were fascinated to see how far Seattle is from New York City. In November, upon George’s arrival at Allen-Stevenson his classmates greeted him warmly. To help George adjust after leaving his friends behind, KBM decided to once again compose a letter to George’s Seattle class. Together the boys brainstormed ideas and decided to write about how they would be spending the holidays. This letter was mailed and the boys look forward with great anticipation for receipt of the next response as they continue to strengthen this special relationship.