February 2014 Community Comment

Community Comment

Inside Literature & Reading Summer Camp Centennial Weekend and more!

February 2014

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In This Issue

Headlines: Faculty

Literature and Reading Literature at Community School Community Camps A Parents’ Guide

On the Cover: SKers with a 100-piece structure on 100s Day Facing Page: 2nd graders peforming at the Biography assembly

Community Comment

Head of School Matthew A. Gould, Ph.D.

The parent newsletter of

Editor

Community School

Contributors

900 Lay Road St. Louis, MO 63124 (314) 991-0005 (314) 991-1512 Fax www.communityschool.com

Laura Falk Matthew Gould Jennifer Lin-Osborn Mark Palmer Heidi Pieroni

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Centennial Weekend 2 Full Days of Celebration Speakers on Campus Wotka & Circle of Learning Advancing Community 100 Reasons Head Search Update The Latest News Focus on Faculty News & Notes New History Book The Latest Edition

2013-2014 Board of Trustees John Stroup, President Kerrigan Kaplan, Vice President Jim Cooper, Treasurer Holly James ’81, Secretary Brandon Boyd John Daniel Nancy Diemer ’77 Jim Koman Matt LaMartina David Lemkemeier ’82 John Lochhead

Derek Mays Avani Nayak Pam Owens Julie Ralph Nick Tompras Asma Usmani Nina Wuestling Tracey Rupinski, CPA President Rob Armstrong ’84, Alumni Board President

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Headlines

Community School Faculty

about children. Equally important and impressive, they work exceptionally well as a team. The faculty culture at Community School is positive, collaborative, and supportive. I am most proud of this team culture because it creates a powerfully positive experience for children.

As our community knows, this will be my tenth and final year as head of Community School. A parent recently asked me, “Matthew, over the course of your tenure at Community, what are you most proud of?” While there are several accomplishments that make me proud – building projects that included the Leadership Wing and Centennial Arts Center, raising almost $4 million new dollars for our endowment, enhancing diversity and inclusivity in the School – the answer to me is crystal clear: I am most proud of the caliber of the Community School faculty and the positive faculty culture that exists at our school. Our Community School teachers are simply outstanding. They are passionate about teaching, they are experts in elementary education and child development, and they care deeply

But what makes an exceptional Community School teacher? Upon reflecting on the unique qualities of the talented faculty, there are several areas that set Community School teachers apart.

First, the teachers maintain a learning environment in which various learning styles are honored. Teachers at Community are flexible and responsive to each child’s pace and development.

They encourage, allow, and inspire students to be open to new experiences and to transcend the limitations of the commonplace. Community School teachers proactively plan and carry out varied approaches to content, process, and product in anticipation of and in response to student differences in readiness, interest, and learning needs. They recognize that all children are individuals and work to enhance each child’s uniqueness. Community

School seeks to create a setting which allows a child to develop to his fullest intellectual, emotional, social, creative, spiritual, and physical capacity.

Second, Community School teachers maintain a learning environment in which the personal experience of each child is honored and in which students learn to view issues from multiple perspectives. Not only does Community have a beautifully diverse student body, the School embraces that diversity. Diversity enriches the academic environment and is of paramount importance in preparing the students for life in an increasingly complex society. Individual differences are respected, welcomed, and valued. Providing students with the opportunity to learn to respect, interact and cooperate with others who are different than themselves will give them resources to be fully contributing members of any community.

Third, teachers at Community School set clear expectations and maintain productive classroom environments. Discipline at Community is cultural. Teachers set high expectations for the children, and the children rise to the challenge. Over and over again, I am struck by Community students’ polite and respectful behavior.

And, what is particularly heart-warming

“I am most proud of this team culture because it creates a powerfully positive experience for children.”

is that our high expectations for student behavior translate to life outside the school walls. A teacher recently recounted a story that occurred during a third and fourth grade ice skating field trip: “Four mothers, not from Community School, with about six young children 4 or 5 years old were having ice skating lessons at one end of the rink. As the Community children were leaving, they approached me and said, ‘What school are you from? Your children are so well behaved!’” I was, to say the least, happy and proud.

Fourth, Community School teachers maintain an environment in which collaboration is encouraged. Over and over, we ask children to work together to solve complex problems. Cooperative learning is one of the hallmarks of the Community School experience. Working together helps prepare the students not only for secondary school and college, but for the world of work. Students at Community work cooperatively in every subject and in every grade. Never has there been a time in our history where interpersonal skills, negotiation, and teamwork have been so important. Community teachers support this cooperative learning by coaching, supporting, and arranging classroom environments that put children at the center of the learning process.

Fifth, Community School teachers are passionate about children and about their subject of expertise. Currently, four teachers have taught at the school for over thirty years, and nineteen more have taught here for over fifteen years. This kind of dedication and loyalty to an elementary school is certainly rare and it helps support Community School’s preeminent standing here in St. Louis as well as throughout the country.

Why do Community School teachers stay here so long? Simply, they love the children, and they love the School! Undoubtedly, students feel this and respond by consistently striving for excellence.

inventions, diversity, character education, technology, and various curricular areas.

For their efforts, I am most grateful.

The fact that alums return to Community School, year after year, to see their teachers speaks volumes about the impact the faculty has on our children, not only today but throughout their lives. This year, in honor of our Centennial, we have officially welcomed over 100 alumni back to Community School. Each has remarked what a powerful difference a Community School teacher has made in their lives.

On April 5, as part of our Centennial Homecoming, we will invite dozens of Sixth, teachers at Community are deeply committed to expanding their former and present teachers, as well as our beloved alumni, back to campus for a knowledge. Teachers here are fortunate reception. It will be a time when we honor to have a generous professional developCarole Lemen for the many lives she has ment budget that they utilize to pursue advanced degrees and to attend educational touched here at Community. It will also workshops and conferences throughout the be a time when we recognize the many teachers – past and present – who have country. Currently, 51% of our teachers have advanced degrees. Professionally, Com- devoted their lives to the care of children.

They are truly heroes and deserve our munity teachers are also active on a local, thanks. regional, and national basis where they attend and lead conferences.

And, finally, our faculty contributes to the non-academic lives of students. By teaching after school classes, chaperoning field trips, or simply eating family-style lunch with the children, teachers here know their students, not just as learners, but as well-rounded human beings. In addition, our faculty deeply supports the School by serving on numerous committees on such topics as

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Literature & Reading Growing a love of literature at Community School.

The study of literature has the capacity to change lives. First, it sharpens the mind; it provides an exploration of culture and beliefs; and it dispenses insight into history, knowledge, and the complexity of the human heart. Yet books are not all means, they can be ends in themselves – that most reliable of resources.

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.

–Charles W. Eliot No matter what path our children pursue as they grow into adults, a love of reading will be crucial to their success. Community School is thus charged with a great responsibility. Children, ages three through twelve, are introduced to literature, taught to read and think critically, and encouraged to develop independent reading habits.

Reading in the Little Building This process begins well before our children are ready to sound out their

first words. In nursery, students are not only read aloud to consistently, but they also become authors of their own class books, such as Nursery, Nursery, What Do You See? By the end of the year they are able to check out books from our various libraries and take those books home. Our youngest students proudly take on this responsibility, carefully selecting books and tucking them safely away in their backpacks to share with their families.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

–Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

To capture the attention of an emerging reader, one must engage the imagination and excite the mind. So who better to study in Junior Kindergarten the prolific Dr. Seuss, whose playful and inventive language delights both child and adult?

They are colorful and fun and often silly, but these books also develop pre-reading skills through the repetition of simple words and the use of rhymes.

JKW teacher Darla Ellsworth said, “Rhyming is a reading foundation skill.

It helps children understand rhythmic patterns and recognize letter patterns. We are enjoying many rhyming games and activities in the classroom right now based on Dr. Seuss’ books, including writing our own rhymes and rhyming book.”

Character Development Oh, the places you’ll go! Through Dr. Seuss and other age-appropriate authors, teachers are using literature to expose students to diversity, world citizenship and strength of character.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

–Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Themes of character development, diversity and student engagement are central in the selection of books throughout each grade. Third graders read The Hundred Dresses, by Eleanor Estes, a touching novel focusing on social justice. Students are taught empathy as they read about Wanda Petronski, a poor girl with a “funny” name who is bullied by her classmates. One of the bullies, Maddie, comes to realize that she is “never going to stand by and say nothing again.”

Teaching Literature The books become especially important with the guidance of our skilled Community teachers. The literature studied in the classroom is chosen at a child’s instructional level or perhaps just a slight stretch above his or her individual reading level to develop those reading muscles.

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No matter the grade level, inference and higher level thinking skills are engaged to develop executive function. Kids start thinking in new ways. Teachers do this

by Heidi Pieroni by asking the big, sometimes frustrating questions—the questions with an ambiguous twist.

Students are asked Why? more than What?, When? or How?—causing them to dig deep for meaning, motivation and mystery. They must support their responses in discussion and writing based on nuances from the book rather than simple recitation.

Teachers challenge and guide their students in the classroom and allow them to pursue their individual interests and to enjoy reading for the sake of reading in the selection of their outside titles. The comprehensive classroom libraries, thanks to the book show, enable students to explore all genres and subjects.

Crossing Curriculum Divides And of course, the literature taught at Community never stands in isolation.

Fourth grade teacher Mike Pieroni labored over finding the ideal book for his students this year: something that not only challenges his students and develops character, but also that accurately depicts Native American life.

“Children of the Longhouse, by Joseph Bruchac, was perfect for starting out the year in literature and social studies. My literature group was able to really connect to the central characters, who were right around their age. The story was told from the perspective of both male and female characters, and my students loved that the Native Americans shared a particular interest of theirs – lacrosse!”

In fifth grade, nonfiction biographies about Ben Franklin and George Washington are read while studying the Founding Fathers. In

sixth grade, The Golden Goblet, by Eloise Jarvis McGraw regularly accompanies the ancient civilizations unit, and books such as Jayhawker by Patricia Beatty and Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt make the Civil War come to life.

“Reflecting back on the literature I’ve read at Community, I can say we have read some outstanding books,” commented one sixth grader. “I have especially enjoyed the books that tie into other subjects, for example, The Golden Goblet.”

And when the perfect book doesn’t exist… well, why not write one? Marty Hoessle did just that for her third graders. Under Three Flags is one of the very few St. Louis history books for young readers.

Maureen Kavanaugh, a life-long resident of and professional tour guide to the city of St. Louis, Missouri, described Under Three Flags after meeting some of Community’s students: “It explores St. Louis history from the Ice Age to the Louisiana Purchase in a detailed, dramatic and highly personal way, immersing young readers in the past

and inviting them to imagine themselves back in different eras, among different peoples.”

Community strives to educate the whole person: mind, body and soul. What better way to create empathetic and responsible citizens of the world than by introducing them to the past, present, future and imagined worlds held within the pages of books?

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man’s mind can get both provocation and privacy.

–Edward P. Morgan

Facing page: JKers enjoying a Dr. Seuss book; Above: Fourth graders reading Pedro’s Journal; Below: Sixth grade literature group discussing Across Five Aprils.

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Community Camps

Arts, academics, and more await campers this summer!

Blowing bubbles; savoring a popsicle while sitting on a beach towel in the sun; creating an imaginary city out of found objects with paint covered hands; singing songs with fellow campers who will soon become good friends; exploring new stories and voices; and sometimes, unintentionally discovering a bit about who you are and what you are capable of—this is a taste of summer camp at Community School.

Open to children ages 3 to 13 years old, Community’s engaging summer camps continue the school’s mission of nurturing the gifts of mind, body, and spirit. All camps are staffed by experienced Community School faculty who let the wonder of learning and summer unfold in a safe and fun environment. Camp groupings are small with an 8:1 student/ teacher ratio.

Play Camp, June 9 to July 18, ages 3 to 5 years old, 9:00 a.m. to noon Children build, splash, play, and create their way through six one-week sessions of

Play Camp. Campers enjoy weekly themes such as Friendly Fish, We Dig Dinosaurs, and Fruity Fun. Activities include crafts, Play-Doh, circle time, outside water play, pretend play, and more. A young student who attended this camp last summer enthusiastically comments, “I love playing outside in my swimsuit and getting messy!

Play Camp at Community is fun because it is warm outside all the time and we have tons of fun doing outside stuff!” Morning snacks are provided including the much beloved popsicles.

For incoming Community students, Play Camp is a great introduction to the school.

Play Camp director, Sandra Cirrito, says, “Play Camp helps young children feel like they already know the school when they arrive on the first day of the academic year.” Parent Lisa Hall agrees as she recalls how during a Community camp last summer, her daughter “talked every day about new kids she met who in turn became some of her best friends in the new school year.”

by Jennifer Lin-Osborn NEW! Musical Theatre: The Wizard of Oz, June 16 to June 27, 2nd through 6th grades, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Extended Day available) Everyone is off to see the Wizard!

Participants in this exciting musical theatre camp experience auditions, rehearsing lines, blocking, music, choreography, and behind the scenes jobs such as costume and set design. See the campers perform The Wizard of Oz on June 27 at 2:00 p.m.—the first musical theater production in the school’s brand-new Centennial Arts Center. Dynamic and talented Community teachers, Caroline Zarinelli, Jenn Haney, and Lori Marusic lead this camp. Lunch and snacks are provided.

NEW! Take Two: Chess Camp and Mad Science Mad Inventors, July 21 to July 25, K through 6th grades “Take Two” features two separate half-day camps that encourage children to practice strategy, planning, determination, and creativity. You may sign your child up for one or both half day camps.

Chess Camp teaches children of all levels the fundamentals of chess, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Gabriel Boyd, of the award winning En Passant Chess Club, leads the camp. Mr. Boyd also teaches the popular chess mini-classes at Community.

The Mad Science Mad Inventors camp, 12:30

to 3:30 pm, gives youth a series of challenges which must be overcome by using basic materials like rocks and paper, simple machines, and tips from famous inventors. Campers can construct inventive contraptions such as catapults, forts, an egg drop design, a dancing robot, and a light saber.

If your child attends one of these camps, please send a snack. If your child attends both camps, please send a lunch (nonrefrigerated) and two snacks.

Band Camp, August 11 to August 15, 5 and 6th grades, Various start times, 55minute class Led by Community School band teacher, Rob Duss, Band Camp is open to beginning and second year (intermediate) band students who play flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion instruments. Beginning students learn skills needed to start playing their instruments, including assembly and care, sound production, and music reading. Intermediate students meet in a full band setting and work on techniques, ensemble playing, music reading, listening skills, intonation, and much more.

Students furnish their own instruments and accessories. th

FUNdamentals, July 28 to August 8, JK through 6th grades, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Extended Day available) “FUNdamentals is a perfect way to brush up after a rusty summer,” shares parent Karinn Granger. Parent Jackie Albrecht adds that the camp helps “your child become accustomed to how the new school year is going to feel. It takes time to get back in the swing of things with schedules and FUNdamentals gives your child a head start on that.”

Customized for each age group, this two week camp offers academics, sports,

cooking, art, and recess. Younger children become familiar with school routines, listening, organizational skills, math, reading, and writing. Older students practice critical thinking skills while reading fiction and non-fiction, develop their math knowledge through interactive games, time management, and study skills. All the FUNdamentals campers get to know classmates better and make new friends. Lunch and snacks are provided.

Parents, children, and teachers really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and variety of activities of FUNdamentals. Parent Lauren Pronger notes that her “kids love seeing their classmates and their teachers over the summer” and like the opportunity to “feel comfortable and familiar with campus.”

Stephanie Summerlin is an art teacher at FUNdamentals. One of her favorite memories from last summer was “having the room filled with the kids creating and most of them being very focused and involved in their work.” She fondly recalls that “they were really using up all the supplies!”

Karen Larson, a FUNdamentals teacher, likes to “incorporate a lot of creative and collaborative projects into each day.” She places students in small groups and gives them “opportunities to problem

solve and play with new ideas.”

FUNdamentals teacher Megan Futhey says, “It is summer camp fun to the students, but I know that they are leaving with real knowledge which better prepares them to start their school year. Students learn while having fun, creating, acting, and playing. It is truly joyful learning.”

Have your child be a part of this joyful learning experience at Community this summer. For more information about Community’s summer camps, visit the camp page on our website. The registration deadline is May 15, 2014.

Centennial Weekend Two special days with something for everyone!

Community School has been celebrating its Centennial all year long with our amazing alumni visits and wonderful student life displays in the Discovery Center.

The culmination of this celebration will occur the weekend of April 4-5, with events on and off campus.

Birthday party On Friday, April 4 the students will participate in the biggest “birthday party” they’ve ever been to! First up, in the morning, there will be pony rides for the students in the little building - a nice throwback to when Community had animals on campus.

Afterwards, all the students will gather in the Community Center for the unveiling of the new mural, created by parent and tile artist Nikki Lemkemeier. The students will be thrilled to see all the bricks they created for the piece.

Following that, each class will present their contribution for the Time Capsule that will go into the Centennial Arts Center. After

a picnic lunch, everyone will get to enjoy Community’s gigantic birthday cake!

In the afternoon, the older grades (1st - 6th) will be taken via trolley to Community’s original campus on DeMun, now home to Wilson School.

Many of our older alumni still have fond memories of taking the streetcar to and from Community.

Finally, students will be helping plant a “Centennial Garden” to beautify campus and memorialize this special year.

Homecoming There are two big events the following day.

From 10:00 a.m. until noon will be the Community Homecoming, taking place here at school. Alumni, faculty and parents will have a chance to reconnect with each other. Tours of the new not-quitefinished Centennial Arts Center will be available, as well as tours of the rest of campus for those who haven’t seen the changes in recent years. At 10:30 there will be a reception honoring past and current faculty, with special recognition of Carole Lemen, retiring this year after 41 years at Community.

Gala Grown-ups, put on your tie or your cocktail dress for the Centennial Gala downtown at the Four Seasons! Beginning with a 5:00 p.m. champagne reception for sponsors, patrons and faculty,

the event officially kicks off at 5:30 with cocktail hour.

There will be an amazing silent auction held via smart phone this year - with trips, wine, one-of-a-kind experiences and more!

Attendees will enjoy an incredible dinner while listening to speakers representing three different generations of Community School students - Sally Lemkemeier ’07, Steve Maritz ’70, and Dr. William Danforth ’38.

And what would a Community School event be without a performance? After dinner, current students and alumni will treat the audience to a special Centennial production.

Finally, dance the night away to the tunes of Motown Review! This event will be one for the ages.

Left: Trolley driver “Red” Carroll standing in front of the trolley than ran to Community School; Above: Students riding Patches the pony

Speakers on Campus Mark your calendars now for these two upcoming events!

Community School has two upcoming speakers that shouldn’t be missed!

The first is alum Dr. Andrea Sincoff Corn ’66, who is our featured author for the Wotka Book Talk. Dr. Corn co-authored the book Raising Your Game: Over 100 Professional Athletes Help You Guide Your Girls and Boys through Sports, which prompts parents to “consider what really matters when it comes to their kids and sports.”

The book combines advice from professionals across the athletic spectrum with time‐tested family and sports psychology concepts.

Next up is our annual Circle of Learning Speaker Series with noted author and expert in the field of learning disabilities Rick Lavoie.

Mr. Lavoie’s topic for the evening will be “Tales from the Road.” The field of learning disabilities has undergone significant changes over the past ten years. Trends, research and legislation have occurred which impact the lives of children with learning disabilities and those who teach and parent them. As a teacher, administrator, consultant and national speaker, Rick Lavoie has witnessed these developments from a unique vantage point.

By presenting anecdotes from his years as a national speaker, Rick will discuss the “state of the field” and its impact upon some of the thousands of people that he has met during his travels. This address provides valuable insights into the problems, challenges and issues in special education today.

Rick served as an administrator of residential programs for children with special needs since 1972. He holds three

Dr. Corn is a licensed psychologist with a private practice focusing on child, family and sports psychotherapy. Her book may be purchased through the Advancement Office or through Barnes and Noble.

The Wotka Book Talk will be held March 5 from 1:30 to 3:00 in the Discovery Center. Typically, it’s a parent and faculty discussion of a book and its Please let us know if you’re interested in themes. We’re very pleased that Dr. Corn attending or buying her book at: will be joining us for the discussion! rsvp@communityschool.com.

degrees in Special Education and has served as an adjunct professor or visiting lecturer at numerous universities. The experiences at residential school have provided Rick with a “living laboratory” in which he developed and refineed his methods and philosophies related to the educa­tion of adolescents with special needs.

Rick’s books The Motivation Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning on the Tuned Out Child and It’s So Much Work to be Your Friend: Helping the Child with Learning Disabilities find Social Success will be available for purchase at the event. A book signing will follow the presentation.

Circle of Learning will be held this year on Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Center. If you’d like to join us, let us know at rsvp@communityschool.com.

The event is free and open to the public.

Advancing Community 100 Reasons!

The excitement of our Centennial year has infused all aspects of school life, with our alumni visits, plans for Centennial Weekend, and the teachers incorporating elements of our history into their curriculum.

Community is abuzz with 100ness! This enthusiasm is true of our advancement efforts as well, especially Annual Giving.

Our wonderful committee of parent volunteers has spent many hours reaching out to others in behalf of the School to encourage participation in Annual Giving. The response thus far has been wonderful. We are more than 94% of the way to our goal and participation from everyone involved with Community is strong. But we want to reach our goal before our Centennial Weekend, so we can say we have 100% in our 100th year!

by Mark Palmer visit our website and make your gift today.

With so many wonderful reasons to support Community School – teachers, students, facilities, history, and mission – your gift truly makes a difference in the life of every student. You are part of what has made Community the best elementary school for 100 years!

To those who have given, we say Thank You! If you haven’t made your Annual Giving gift yet, now’s your chance. Please

Head Search Gaining Momentum Over the last several months, the search for the new Head of School has made steady progress. The Search Committee has been formed, comprised of eight members of the Board of Trustees. The school hosted a campus visit with our consultants from Educators’ Collaborative. During this visit, the consultants met with parents, faculty

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and staff to better understand the unique culture of Community School and the qualifications sought in a Head of School.

Finally, more than a hundred parents, faculty and alumni responded to an online survey, giving additional information about the School’s strengths, future opportunities, and ideal leader. Thanks to all for the terrific response!

In the months ahead the search will move into high gear as Educators’ Collaborative actively identifies and interviews candidates to present to the Search Committee in mid August. For more detailed understanding of the search process, view the search schedule.

Focus on Faculty Congratulations to Jessica Hendricks (2N) & her husband Jason on the (slightly early) arrival of Jon Philip Hendricks!

More baby congratulations go out to Jered Gruszka (2N) and his wife Angela on the arrival of Rosanna Gruszka!

Faculty attending conferences recently include Megan Futhey (3S) “Teaching Self-Aware Minds: Using Brain Science to Boost Social and Emotional Skills;” Christine Bugnitz (P.E.) and Nancy Schmer (P.E.) attended ISACS Exceptional Teacher Institute; Marty Hoessle (3N) attended “An Effective Classroom Manage-

ment: Building and Managing Student Social Skills.” Head of School Matthew Gould presented at two conferences recently: “Beginning Visiting Team Leader Training” at the ISACS Heads Conference and “Elementary Schools by the Numbers” at CASE/NAIS.

New History Book In addition to the Centennial events coming up in April, and the ongoing alumni visits and student life displays, another exciting project has been taking place behind the scenes.

have done an outstanding job on this book. To order, simply contact the Advancement Office at 314-991-0005.

Each copy is $30.

Everyone received copies of the little blue school history books when they entered the school. These first two editions have been invaluable in helping track the first ninety years of the school. In honor of the Centennial, it seemed appropriate to create the latest edition.

The newest book Cherishing Childhood: The First 100 Years of Community School will be available by Centennial weekend. This is a 100+ page, fullcolor, coffee-table sized book, completely rewritten with new details and a broader context.

Local writer Dave Lange (no, not our Art teacher) and publisher Reedy Press

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Senior Kindergarteners celebrating Chinese New Year with a special lunch in their classrooms.