NAEYC National Conference, Atlanta.

Just returned from several days at the National Assoiation of Educators of Young Children with several CDS teachers and administrators. It was a very stimulating few days of learning, discussion, and planning for future vision and projects. We spent many hours in sessions with presenters from around the world, and enjoyed the camadrie of colleagues who teach young children and are searching for better ways to do so. Our group sought out Reggio sessions which were plentiful and varied. We also explored sessions dealing with exposing Children to nature and natural playscapes. The topic of the Common Core curriculum was also explored in relation to CDS philosophy. We also spent time exploring the exhibits to find new materials to bring back to our students. Our group came home exhausted but pumped up to make our school even better for our students, and even more committed to learning as a lifelong adventure.

A Busy Fall

This Fall has flown by. It has presented many challenges and opportunities for me personally and for our school community. While these challenges are on-going, I have faith that the outcomes will be positive and that our school will continue to be blessed. This is our 25th year as our school was established in 1987 with just 7 students. It is also our year for our 5 year Accreditation review by Advanc-Ed, which used to be called SACS. The review team will be here Dec. 5-6 right before our Silver Bells 25th year Anniversary celebration. We appreciate all of the support our school has been shown by parents and community members.

We begin again....25th Year!

School opened again this week and we began our 25th year here at Country Day.  We had a great start and know this will be our best year ever. We will reflect upon our past, appreciate the present, and envision our future.  Stay tuned to the blog for stories about the history of the school!

Love a Rainy Day

What fun the Preschool and Primary Campers had yesterday playing outside in the rain in their swimsuits! It was the classic summer moment and gave all such joy. We need to appreciate the simple pleasures with kids, and make memories whenever we can.

In the good ole summertime

During the months of June and July The Country Day School transforms into The Camp at Country Day. It is such fun to have a slower pace and the luxury of allowing kids to just Be kids. We swim at Shewood pool, have the ice cream truck complete with music come by every week, go on long hikes in our forest, wade in our creek, find bugs and rocks, and enjoy each others company. This year we are re-discovering board and card games. The Preschool is studying Water in all it's properties, as well as farm animals. Our goats, Trouble and Kidd, play with them in the play yard several times a week. Older campers go to the old Playmor Lanes to bowl and to the dollar movie weekly. There are lots of crafts and cooking, make believe play and time to just enjoy.

Another School Year Draws to a Close......

The 2011-12 school year ends next week. How fast it did fly by. Next year Country Day celebrates 25 years of enjoying educating students. We have grown from our original 7 students, but we still believe the same things about educating students and joining as partners with their parents on this amazing journey. While some things change, technology is the best example, others do not. Kids still love to play in the creek and explore the woods, teachers still are thrilled to see a child reach a new learning milestone, and parents are still our partners in this awesome process. We will enter our next 25 years with a renewed commitment to honor our beliefs into the future, and grow with our students. Have a Happy fun filled summer!

Young Thespians

Our Elementary students have a tradition of presenting class plays every Spring. After the two excellent Productions in the past two weeks, I have been pondering the growth which takes place in students as they prepare for their roles and develop confidence and poise during the many practices. On the final night their excitement is palpable. They are a team and all must give 100% to make it the best it can be. Not unlike a sports team, the plays give students opportunities for self actualization and confidence building. I am glad that these Are a part of the traditions of Country Day School.