Published for the Arts Based School Community
May 27, 2021
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert
“We can’t choose what will happen to us, but we can choose what to do with it.” - Esther Perel
We all became intimately familiar with the symbolism of The Wizard of Oz this year. An unexpected tornado struck. Our homes were flung through the air, and came crashing down in a foreign world. We encountered some unexpected beauty, and some heartbreaking tragedy. We sought ways to support one another, to find our way through. We looked inside ourselves for internal tools and gifts: courage, love, inventiveness, tenacity. The game kept changing on us. We just wanted to get back home to what was once “normal.”
The character Dorothy, when she returned to Kansas, awoke to new appreciation of her home. She had become stronger and wiser. Many teachers report that the year of teaching remotely was challenging, even brutally difficult at times, but they recognize it has improved their teaching.They’d rather be in the classroom, with all of their students present. But they grew. Parents, students, everyone persisted, and we are nearly at a breathing point. But… are we there yet?
7th and 8th grade families are still learning from home three days per week. Teachers are still making weekly plans for both remote and in-class students, still teaching simultaneously to the masked “roomies” and the computerized “zoomies.” Testing is well underway. Students and staff are still wearing masks. Performances are still being completed.
It’s disheartening to finish a triathlon, only to find that all of the applause, food stands, gift bags, and photo booths are gone, because you are the last one. For Dorothy, there was that awful moment when her balloon ride home with the Wizard departed without her. Let’s agree to exercise our persistent support for our school and our students right up through graduation day. We may be weary, but we can do this!
What did the ruby slippers represent? That you had what you needed inside of you, all along. Hang in there folks, there’s no place like home.
7th Grade opera: Brundibár
7th Grade’s virtual production of Hans Krasa’s children’s opera, Brundibár is now available for viewing. An opera. Sung by 7th Graders. Over Zoom. Miraculous! It was performed by children in Terezín concentration camp during the Holocaust. We still haven’t forgotten those children. Visit the New and Noteworthy section of our Family Portal to see the show!
ABS Yearbooks
Starting tomorrow, Friday, May 28th at drop-off, we will have a limited number of Yearbooks for sale. If you forgot to order, please stop by Mrs. Brown's desk in the 7th St. building to purchase a copy. She will be happy to accept cash or your check made out to ABS in the amount of $22.00.
PARENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Would you like to be more involved in the parent council next year? We have some great opportunities to get involved!
Technology coordinators: Can you update a website or navigate technology challenges? We are looking for multiple individuals who can help support technology-related issues.
Secretary: Attend monthly meetings and provide minutes for the website
Classroom Representative: Although we won't know about class placements for a while, you can help your teacher with communication and classroom needs as a classroom representative.
Event Coordinator: Help organize big events like Fall fest!
Curious? Interested? Please reach out to us!
Evening Parent Council Meeting - Tuesday June 1st @ 5:45
We have had requests to hold meetings at alternative times, so please join us! We invite all parents, caregivers, and learning coaches to join us for the parent meeting. We will vote on PC nominations at this meeting.
Student loaned Chromebooks, Laptops, and Calculators
All student loaned devices must be returned directly after the school year ends. Please plan to return your child's loaned device(s) to the 7th street building on Thursday, June 10, or Friday, June 11 between 12:30-3:30 PM. Email questions to [email protected]
Courtyard Construction!
Our 7th street courtyard continues with shiny ductwork in place in the ceiling, and the rooms beginning to look more and more like the spaces they will become. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has contributed to the effort thus far, making this new learning, gathering, and music-making space possible for us! If your family is able to participate in the effort, please consider making a gift to help us complete the courtyard construction by the end of the school year! If you have any questions at all, please reach out to Leah Lavin: [email protected].