The 4th and 5th grade classes will be attending a Young Person’s Concert Field Trip to the Kennedy Center on Monday, March 13.  The show is titled “Let’s Build an Orchestra!” featuring Philharmonia Fantastique.  It is a dynamic concerto that meets animated film.  The students follow a magical Sprite as it embarks on a musical journey through the inner workings of the orchestra—all set to live music from members of the National Symphony Orchestra.  Works by Francesco Maria Veracini, Aaron Copland, Jessie Montgomery, Keeghan Fountain, and John Williams will highlight the features of each section of the orchestra.  Our goal for this field trip is to identify the four sections of the orchestra and describe how the instruments in these sections look and sound.  We will strive to make connections between the visual projections in Philaharmonia Fantastique and the music to discover how pictures and sound work together to create understanding.  Students will leave campus at 9:00 a.m. and arrive back at school by 12 noon.

Your child is about to begin or may have already begun, a period of rapid growth called puberty. Many children wonder if they are normal as they notice themselves and their friends going through physical and emotional changes that prepare them for adulthood. By teaching children about the natural ways they are maturing, adults can promote positive attitudes that help children grow into healthy, responsible adults.

Between March 13-22, students will spend two weeks in single gender groups learning about puberty. Mr. Mayes and Mr. Severns will teach the boys; Ms. Bruns will teach the girls. Students will talk about the emotional and physical changes that accompany puberty for both sexes. Students will learn specific terms for the parts of the reproductive system as well as the basic concept of human reproduction.

Your child will be encouraged to talk with you about growing up and be encouraged to ask you questions. While teachers will answer questions in the context of the lessons, we will encourage students to talk with you, as their parents, about a number of issues of a more personal nature or questions that have varied answers based on family's perspectives.  Our hope is that your child finds these sessions helpful and a safe place to learn and grow. If you have any questions or thoughts, please contact Judy Kee.