Periodically throughout the school year, Lesley Ellis’ head of school Deanne Benson informally shares her thoughts and insights about the Lesley Ellis experience and educational trends and topics. Check this space frequently for her latest blog.
2022 – 2023 Notebook
We’re Getting Close!
MaryAnn Thompson Architects designed our current school building. They specialize in school building projects, and we and Schools for Children have relished our work together. Over the last several weeks MaryAnn and her team have met with our advisory board and parents as together we continue to plan our new library and performing arts center. (She is meeting tomorrow with faculty.) We’ve been fundraising for a while now, meeting with our parents and planning with them, as well as our Schools for Children board. The good news is we are getting close! It is likely the project will be chunked into two parts, beginning with our library.
School library programs staffed by expert school librarians (like our own brilliant Margaret Muirhead!) foster critical thinking and provide students with the skills they need to analyze, form, and communicate ideas in compelling ways. Today’s students will compete for jobs in a global economy. It’s imperative that our students be good readers and lifelong learners who gather, evaluate, and use information to create new knowledge. That’s the Lesley Ellis way. If you haven’t had that coffee with Ellen and me yet stay tuned! We need everyone pulling together to make our plans a reality.
Got the Fever?!
Yesterday was the official first day of spring. So it’s only fitting that it’s baaaaack! Spring Fever 2023! Let’s usher in a new season with some fun! Spring Fever Week at Lesley Ellis begins next week. As many of you know, this has become a tradition at Lesley Ellis inspiring creativity and generating a lot of smiles and laughter throughout the week. Dress up in something that represents the theme of the day and earn a raffle ticket or two or more! Parent participation is highly encouraged (and earns an extra raffle ticket:)! Raffle tickets will be drawn at the end of the week; winners may choose their own adventure. Choose from a trip to Water Country or Coco Key Water Park or Six Flags New England or Canobie Lake Park or Story Land or Edaville USA!!
Here’s the plan.
Monday is Pajama Day!
It’s Monday morning. We’ll ease into the week and get cozy. Flannel nightshirt? Robes! We want to see em’! Wear your favorite pajamas and slippers:)
Tuesday is Hats! Hats! Hats!
Wear your most special, favorite, or super silly hat! Top hat, polar bear hat, Red Sox hat, straw hat, green hat, blue hat, wool cap, ski cap, sun hat, bucket hat, flat cap, beret, sombrero, hard hat, golf hat, fedora, party hat, panama hat… you’ve got em’! And we want to see em’!
Wednesday is School Pride!
Wear your LES school colors. If you’ve been at LES for a while, you probably have quite the collection of school gear. Pick your favorite and wear it proudly!
If your parent comes in wearing LES colors you get double the raffle tickets.
Thursday is Mismatch!
Mismatched outfits. Wait a minute…. those shoes don’t match! A sombrero with ballet slippers and snow boots with a bow tie!? Socks for gloves?? Top hat and jeans! Time to get mixed up.
Friday is Corny Joke Day!
Bring your favorite joke and be ready to tell it whenever someone asks. If a parent brings a corny joke you get DOUBLE tickets.
Tickets, tickets, come get your tickets!
Ready Set …. Go!
March 14, 2023
Celebrating All The Time
The actual celebration of Women’s History Month grew out of a 1978 week long celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society organized by the school district of Sonoma, California. Presentations were given at dozens of schools, hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa.
As we move closer to spring, with more warmth and sunlight, consider how you might not just recognize women’s history, but instead find ways to support women. What do you need to learn about yourself, your workplace, your community to truly disrupt sexism? How can you support and stand with women who have different identities than you?
At Lesley Ellis our antibias curriculum demands that we question the stereotypes that get in our way not just during a particular month but all the time. And yet these month long celebrations remind us to think deeply and specifically. So thanks Sonoma. We’re all a little more aware as a result of your work.
Here are a few great women authors who will make us think more deeply this month and every month—
Deanne’s Notebook Archives
The following pieces appeared in Deanne’s Notebook beginning in 2018.
Performers and Puzzlers
School Sports
As winter winds down … No, really it is, I promise (despite the snow today!). I saw a garden center with a big colorful sign. It said “22 days til spring! Get your crocus bulbs now!”
- Accepting
- Caring
- Respect
- Inclusive
Bedtime Stories
February 14, 2023
A Lesley Ellis Education: A Strong Foundation
February 7, 2023
Robust academics. Many schools highlight this aspect of their school and deliver on it. Lesley Ellis is no exception. Academic preparation at the elementary and middle school levels is an important piece of preparing students for success. It’s vital that our students learn how to study, take notes, ask questions, and be inquisitive, active learners.
Academics is just one pillar of a strong educational experience. We believe in the value of students having a deep understanding of themselves and others, and that they are actively involved in their own learning processes. From preschool through graduation, each Lesley Ellis student is guided and assessed on specific qualities such as confidence, motivation, problem solving, responsibility, effort and work habits, appreciation for diversity, and teamwork. Opportunities to work with others and reflect on their interactions enables students to appreciate others’ perspectives and points of view, which ultimately results in a level of understanding and empathy beyond their years.
Our inclusion of the arts is another pillar of the Lesley Ellis experience. Reading, writing, and computing are essential but so are celebrating creativity and learning to appreciate beauty. We give equal weight to music, drawing, sculpting, acting and poetry. The breadth and depth of experience at Lesley Ellis creates the foundation of a meaningful life.
Finally, our antibias curriculum is what truly sets us apart. It is the compass that guides our community and is infused throughout students’ experiences. At every grade level students learn about themselves and those around them; they learn to understand and respect differences; and they practice behavior that demonstrates an appreciation for all perspectives, including academic, racial, body, gender, and socio economic diversity. Our anti-bias curriculum provides a thoughtful and safe framework for considering the effects of bias, stereotypes, and labels in our culture and on each other.
All of these elements make up the colorful tapestry that is Lesley Ellis. Year after year our students impress us with their ability to critically problem solve, confidently present in front of an audience, and move through their Lesley Ellis years with compassion and empathy. This isn’t an accident or luck. It’s a direct reflection of our partnership with you and our shared commitment as educators to engaging, joyful childhoods.
Inspiration
January 31, 2023
I keep a folder at my desk called inspiration. Whenever I hear or see something that moves me I note it and stick it in the folder. Last week was a busy week so this morning I pulled out the folder to get me started on this letter. I opened the folder … and it was empty. I turned it upside down and around to see if anything might fall out. Alas on this day it was inspiration-less. That seemed like a good metaphor for this chilly January day that seemed to mirror the bleak news this past week.
Movin on Up!
January 24, 2023
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Antibias Open House
January 10, 2023
Welcome Back!
January 4, 2022
Snow Days!
December 13, 2022
Snow. Day. These are probably the most popular words in a student’s vocabulary. Most of us remember from our own childhoods the magic of those surprise days off. The surprise can be unwelcome one for parents juggling work meetings and other job obligations. When I call a snow day it is based on local weather and road conditions and whether or not it’s safe for our families and faculty to commute, which includes both walking and driving.
- Sometimes no matter how excited our children are about the snow it can be hard to get them outside for more than five minutes. A winter scavenger hunt can solve it. The thrill of the hunt will motivate them.
- Dig out those beach toys! Shovels and buckets are perfect for small snow people living inside their snow castles. And big kids can get into the act with snow messages. Whether political or personal these are always a fun thing to create in the snow.
- Temperature too cold? Grab some blankets, pillows, and chairs and construct your own fort inside. Perfect for snuggling in with a good book and a snack.
- Bubble baths are a terrific way to entertain and contain little ones on days stuck inside. Whip up a batch of bath paint and let their inner artist out. Mix kid-friendly soap and cornstarch (2:1) in a large bowl. Portion out into smaller bowls and add food dye and stir. Grab some paint brushes and let your kid’s inner artist come out while also getting them clean!
- And my favorite! Make a batch of delicious vanilla “snow” cream with two ingredients and a big bowl of freshly-fallen snow. Fill a large bowl with about 10-12 cups of snow. Spoon a little vanilla or maple syrup onto the snow then drizzle a 10 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk over top. Mix (a wooden spoon works well) until combined. Add more snow if necessary until you get your desired consistency.
Holidays
November 29, 2022
New York City and New Hampshire, Here we Come!
November 22, 2022
Giving Thanks
November 15
Antisemitism
November 8, 2022
In recent weeks, after public comments by media personalities, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) tracked a 75% spike in antisemitic incidents in the U.S., including assaults, vandalism, harassment and hate speech. A lot of the messaging of what works to combat these threats is that we’ve got to show up. We have to become allies. We have to speak up for others.
Touching The Future
Ski Club
Back On !!!
Check-in Conferences
September 21, 2022
This week we have begun meeting with real experts about our students. These experts know our students’ learning styles. They understand deeply what motivates them and what makes them feel anxious or worried. We have found experts who know the kids’ favorite foods, what they dream about, and what their first ever favorite toy was. Lesley Ellis has found the best experts in the whole world. Who are these brilliant, highly trained, insightful, intuitive people? You! Our parents, of course.
You know your child better than anyone. We intend to get to know them, too, as they grow and change during their Lesley Ellis journey. Later we will report to you about what we are learning and the strategies we are using to teach your children. But no one knows them better than you do. We are deeply grateful for the time you are giving us as we start this journey together. You are your child’s loving advocate and our partner. We look forward to hearing all of the insights and wisdom you have about your child as we embark on check-in conferences. Your thoughts and perspectives will inform our planning and our teaching.
Lesley Ellis --- An Open Door Culture
September 13, 2022
The halls are alive with the happy sounds of children and it is about time! A school is not a school until there are backpacks and new sneakers, laughter and learning, singing and shouting, even running and yes, love filling the space. It’s just not the same without your wonderful children and all of you. It’s been terrific to see everyone in the building this year. As you know there have been a few changes to how we come in but make no mistake We Want You In!
Parents are our partners and we love having you in the school. Anytime. The changes are simple. We don’t have door codes anymore. This came as the result of our safety and security review that we conducted this summer with the Arlington police department. To enter the school for any reason at any time you must use the front door (Winter Street) and be buzzed in. If you do stop by during non-arrival or pickup times, please check in at the main office, say hello, and grab a visitor sticker. (Clubhouse pickup – no sticker needed.) Your child’s safety is our first priority. But a close second is our school/family partnership. I know some of you who have been coming inside for many years might have a favorite door. And maybe it isn’t the front door. You might also think that you can just run in on someone else’s buzz. After all we do know you.
But no. These simple precautions done the same way every single time by every single person will make our school more secure. Which is a priority for us and I’m sure for you as well.
So come on in! We want you inside with us again seeing and loving the school after such a long break. I know I can trust that all of you will follow our new entrance procedures.
See you at school ….
Deanne
School Year Resolutions
New Year’s Eve may get all of the attention. It has the ball drop in Times Square and all the parties and glitter. But for many of us teachers, parents, and kids the start of school is the REAL new year. There is just something about getting a brand new notebook, all those new pens and sharpened pencils that puts us in the new year frame of mind. So why not kick it off with school year resolutions? In much the same way that resolutions help us shape our year with plans and goals in January, school resolutions can help you and your student make this the best school year ever.
Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Read Aloud. How about a reading commitment? Being read to is a different intellectual activity than reading. This is good for kids whether they are three or thirteen. In a study by the Child Mind Institute 87% of older kids nine to fifteen who are read to even only once a week consistently rate themselves as happier and more content than kids who report never being read to.
Homework. Just the word sends chills down the spines of parents who have learned on Sunday night that there is a project due on Monday that includes something like building a flying buttress. This year how about a commitment to making homework fun? Homework gets its own space in your house. In that space there is cheering artwork that your family has made and favorite snacks that you only get in the Homework Corner. Bills get paid and history reports all get written in the Homework Corner. Celebrating homework and making it a regular part of your family life can change how you and your students see it.
Highs and Lows. This is an engaging dinner activity with kids. At supper everyone in the family tells their highs and lows from the day. In this gentle way you will learn where your child feels successful and where there may be challenges. Saying your own out loud may even help you pinpoint patterns too.
What are your family’s school year resolutions? Together, let’s make this a great school year.
Imagine
Have you heard all the buzz about our new performance center and library Things. Are. Happening. A team of faculty and I have been working with our architects, and we are hip deep in the process of getting architectural drawings, as well as raising the money we will need to build. We were thrilled when we moved from the Gibbs Building to our bigger permanent home here on Winter Street. We loved the big sunny classrooms and the opportunities for a makerspace and science lab. The only things we missed were our theater and the wonderful library space we had. But we will soon be missing them no more.
We have been meeting with parents and lining up the pledges and gifts from our generous community that will make all of this possible, not just for our current students but for all the ones that come after. Soon you may get a call to have coffee so we can tell you all about the new programming coming your family’s way and also think together about our hopes and dreams. This is how we make them come true, and like all of you … I can’t wait!
Going Once Going Twice
April 5, 2022
Have you seen those cheery little crocuses popping up all over? They are like little purple smiles and not a minute too soon either. Crocuses are certainly harbingers of spring. But that‘s not all they are. They are also a sure sign that it’s Lesley Ellis auction time!
The Annual Lesley Ellis Auction is the Do Not Miss! event of the year. We’re still virtual but that does not stop the fun. There are the annual tussles over classroom items and whose child will be Head for a day. Bring your drinks and snacks, we’ll provide music and fun!
But the real reason we come together is because of our community. Lesley Ellis is a family and families support one another. Did you know that nearly a quarter of our families receive some level of financial assistance? Making it possible for as many families to attend our school has always been a priority. The generosity expressed on auction night supports our financial assistance program and is foundational to helping us maintain our supportive and inclusive learning community.
So join us this Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. online for a fun-filled night for the whole family as we raise money for a good cause. The motto of our financial assistance program is No Lion Left Behind. Because … well you know why. We’re Lesley Ellis. We can do this!
See you Saturday,
Deanne
Home Stretch
April 26, 2022
After Lesley Ellis
March 29, 2022
Choosing the right school always feels important, and it can feel scary too. At Lesley Ellis we help all of our 8th graders transition to the secondary school that is the best for them. How do we do that? We have toured and interviewed every school in the Boston metro area and, of course, we know our students intimately. There is no such thing as the best school if it isn’t right for your child. Some of the top schools are very traditional and that’s a different experience from the progressive, hands-on approach students at Lesley Ellis have experienced. Some schools have beautiful diversity and equity programs. Some have excellent sports teams and extra-curricular opportunities. It’s all about fit. Many of our families rank what is most important to them in terms of academics, geography, cost, diversity, sports, extracurricular activities, and size. We work worth our families and students to determine what would be the best fit. It’s a wonderful opportunity for learning and growth. This year our students’ acceptances and/or schools they are attending include Arlington High School; Cambridge Rindge and Latin; Concord Academy; Beaver Country Day School, Buckingham, Brown & Nichols; Commonwealth School; Cambridge School of Weston; Chapel Hill Chauncy Hall; and Lexington High School.
The most important thing to remember as your own child begins to get ready for next steps is that there is no single perfect answer. There are many good choices, and Lesley Ellis students report that they feel prepared and ready to begin their secondary school careers.
Let’s give a big cheer for this year’s graduates. I can’t wait to see what you all do next!
Superheroes
March 22, 2022
When I was a child Superman and Batgirl were our superheroes. When you were young, it may have been Wonder Woman or the Incredible Hulk. But today’s superheroes are living among us. They wear lab coats instead of capes and carry gene editing tools instead of lasers. But make no mistake, the scientists who enabled the use of messenger RNA in the development of the COVID-19 vaccines changed the world. Their eureka moments saved countless lives, and their brilliant research holds enormous promise for future vaccines and therapeutics of all kinds. They are in fact real life superheroes with actual superpowers.
In 2020 when the pandemic was sweeping the world and killing millions of people, all the world’s best scientists began to work around the clock to solve the problem. Never in the history of medicine had an effective vaccine been developed in just a year, but we had all our best players out on the ice taking shots and science quite literally saved the world.
And in case we ever doubted it… science is cool.
Now the scientists of tomorrow, right here at Lesley Ellis, have kicked off our annual Lesley Ellis Science and Engineering Fair. The experiments have concluded, the builds completed, data has been analyzed, and the presentation boards are wrapped up. The fifth and sixth grade fairs were Friday and Monday, respectively, and the seventh and eighth grade fair is today and tomorrow. All of the projects will be on full display for parents and the rest of the school on April 5th.
Getting Gritty
March 15, 2022
At this time of year students and teachers both begin to “feel the burn.” It’s the end of winter, not quite freezing and not quite warm. Spring seems close but only in fits and starts. Long-term projects are coming due and the academic pace quickens as teachers and students work to meet year end goals. This is when we need to call on our grit. Talent and skill count for a lot, but important successes rarely happen quickly or easily. We succeed because we seize the challenge, we face frustration and failure, yet we don’t quit. When we hit the wall we pick ourselves up; we try again and again.
Talking to Our Kids About Ukraine
March 8, 2022
Our world has entered another hard phase. This time it isn’t a global pandemic but war in Ukraine. Inevitably the news comes on when our children are around, and they can’t help but notice and ask questions. If war is a hard topic for adults to process, it is even harder for kids. At Lesly Ellis students, even our youngest, learn how to manage conflict and settle differences respectfully and peaceably. They surely wonder why adults can’t seem to do the same. Our job is to help them process what is happening and to make sure they feel safe.
Safety is the first priority with young children. When your young child asks you about the war it is important to be brief and clear. State your values and explain that they are safe. Child psychologist Harold Koplewicz at Child Mind Institute suggest something like, “There is a war and people are fighting over the right to be a country. War is never the answer but it is far away and we are safe. We can help by donating to families in Ukraine.” Koplewics reminds parents that It is also important to keep the door open. “You want to tell them that when they have more feelings or questions to let you know so you can talk it through. When opens the door wider than if. “
With older children parents might want to initiate the conversation. “What do you know about the war in Ukraine?” might be a place to start. Then you will have an opportunity to correct misconceptions and to talk about finding reliable news and information. It’s also a great time to start a dialog about your family’s values. “This is why politics are so important and why it always matters to vote” might be a message you want your child to have. “Our family can help families in Ukraine” might be another.
This war is upsetting to everyone including our kids. Let’s all make sure they know the adults in their lives are trusted sources of information, and that we will keep them safe. This is yet another hard thing. But at Lesley Ellis we have a strong encouraging community where we can all go for support. I feel very lucky to have all of you …
The Halls Are Alive....
March 1, 2022
If Julie Andrews were a teacher those unforgettable lyrics would surely have been…“The halls are alive with the sound of music …” And in that spirit I’m happy to announce that after two years, it’s finally happened. Live performances at Lesley Ellis School are back. Tonight, tomorrow evening and Thursday evening, our fifth grade, sixth grade, and seventh and eighth graders respectively will perform live once more! Seating is limited to two family members per student (live streaming will be available, see below), but We. Are. Back!
This is a huge step for our school. At Lesley Ellis performing arts is a critical component of our pedagogy. Our performing arts program provides an expansive collection of experiences before a variety of audiences, with a continuous focus on helping each child gain confidence important in all areas of life. Students in various grade levels spend time singing, drumming, playing instruments of their own, composing music, dancing, choreographing, storytelling, acting … the list goes on.
Success is measured not merely by the mastery of specific skills, but, more importantly, by the confidence and growth each child experiences. The arts offer each child an opportunity for individual expression. Performance offers students a unique platform for expressing their knowledge of other, more academic subjects, in creative ways. The exploration, curiosity, and confidence gained through the arts has a direct correlation on academic success as well. Because the arts address multiple intelligences, they provide a gateway for students to enter academic areas that they may have otherwise found difficult. Drumming and math are friendly cousins. Acting makes history come alive. Our arts curriculum is treated with the same rigor as our academic program.
We are thrilled to be performing once again.
And we can’t wait to welcome you to our halls once again.
Antibias Open House
February 1, 2022
Calling ALL Families!!!!!
Everyone in our community – every student, teacher, and family is invited to create a project at home that expresses the themes of our foundational anti-bias environment here at Lesley Ellis.
Your family might write and record an anti-bias song. Perhaps there’s an engineer at home just itching to help make a really cool diorama. All of our Lesley Ellis artists could get out their paints, pastels, chalk or crayons and make a picture illustrating what anti-bias means to them. Any comic book illustrators want to make us a comic? Poets? How about a poem? Writers? You might want to write an essay or a short story. Lesley Ellis scientists could organize a social experiment with a survey and post the results at the open house. The possibilities are endless. But we need everybody!
Students will come home with an orange card this week. On it please print the unique title of your project and the names of the project contributors. List moms, dads, sisters, brothers, friends, Lesley Ellis students, teachers, etc. List everyone who worked on the project. We will post those cards next to each project. Projects are due at school on Wednesday February 9. Student ambassadors and faculty and staff will set up the show after school on Friday, February 11.
Then what?
Come one. Come all. We can’t wait to see your projects and come together in person to celebrate the warm, diverse community that is Lesley Ellis.
Caring Community Amidst the Pandemic
January 4, 2022
I had originally hoped to keep this space free of pandemic news. I figure we all get plenty of that everywhere else. But this morning as reports of positive cases at schools across our region are popping up all over my email I feel compelled to talk a little bit about the latest news, even though we had only one positive pool yesterday. (We have had 7 positive cases the past two weeks, which equals the number of positive cases we had between September and December 17.) At Lesley Ellis, community is often cited as one of the reasons families choose to come to our school. It is that community we will depend on in the coming weeks to keep our children, their parents, and their grandparents as safe as possible.
Back in June we all felt like this pandemic was ending. There was a kind of euphoria as we toasted in cafes and reunited with friends. “We’re on the other side,” was something I heard and most likely something I said back then.
And yet here we are.
Dr Michael Siegle an epidemiologist and researcher at Tufts is warning that Omicron could be disastrous for our community and our “already packed hospitals.” Morale is low among health care workers who are facing yet another season of COVID. “A dashboard tracking hospital capacity across the country shows Massachusetts is on an “unsustainable” path as COVID-19 cases spike to record-breaking levels.”
Lesley Ellis needs to do its part. The health of our families and staff is our number one priority. We will get vaccinated, test, mask, and social distance. We have tools we didn’t have even a year ago to mitigate the risk in our community.
One thing you can do which will help immensely is to refrain from congregant settings with your children for the month of January. Many scientists predict that this variant will subside toward the end of the month. Please avoid activities such as indoor birthday parties, sleep overs, and all indoor multi-family gatherings. We’d hoped that the vaccines would permit us to return to normalcy. But this Omicron variant is hyper contagious and our littles cannot yet be vaccinated. Further, the vaccine breakthrough rates are much higher with this variant and while that may not mean anything more than cold-like symptoms for most of us, we don’t know what it could mean to the person we infect. So let’s do our part. Health care workers need our help in slowing the infection rate of the virus.
Let Your Light Shine
Despite the long, dark days we are all currently experiencing (both literally and perhaps even metaphorically…) we will be moving back toward the light. December 21 is the winter solstice, marking the longest night and shortest day of the year, as well as the official beginning of winter. Winter solstice happens when the earth’s axis tilts the furthest away from the sun, giving less than twelve hours of daylight to all locations north of the equator.
Although it’s the day of greatest darkness, the solstice is a time of great hope for the sun’s rebirth, as we start to move towards the summer solstice once again. We get more sun every day from December 22 through late June. For centuries, the winter solstice has been marked with festivals and feasts by people around the world and this year, led by Jeanette Keller, Lesley Ellis will join with our own celebration. Please join us at school on Tuesday, December 21, at 4:30pm. We will have storytelling with Big Joe, hot cocoa, activities and lots and lots of light. Bring your lights and lanterns of any kind as Lesley Ellis celebrates winter solstice 2021.
I don’t know if the return of the light has ever felt more relevant. Take a minute today to think about how much more you know about yourself on this solstice than you did a year ago. What you have learned that you can do. How much more you know about our shared responsibility to each other. Celebrate how far you have come individually and how much we have accomplished collectively. I hope you can come on Tuesday!
Deanne
Why We Give
By now you have all gotten our Annual Giving letter. I wanted to take a moment to tell you why I think this is so important. I often say that Lesley Ellis is like a family. Our students are challenged, tended, and nurtured. They have a close learning cohort where they are known and appreciated. So, when you make your gift, please take a moment to think about what you are feeling most thankful for … hopefully Lesley Ellis is at the top of that list. You and your child are always at the top of ours.
Your gift strengthens this community. It supports our faculty and students, our academic, art, and athletic programs, and our extracurriculars.
The Lesley Ellis community is an intentional one, created by all of us. Together we support and nurture, bond and celebrate, cultivate and care.
Thank you for your generosity and support. Every sized gift makes a difference.
Deanne
Gratitude
November 23, 2021
This time of year many of us turn to family traditions. For some families it might be a big holiday with lots of extended family back at the table. They might spend hours reading cookbooks for new recipes to try. Others might have a few friends or immediate family only. For others it might be take out and a movie marathon. Game nights sometimes make it onto the list. Whatever your tradition I hope everyone has lots of fun, calm, and some sweet spots to savor over the coming days.
Robust Enrichment & Rigorous Academics
November 16, 2021
Last week anyone visiting classrooms would have seen students exploring linear equations on one end of the building and reading Moon Over Manifest (Vanderpool) on the other. Math and literature. Two of the things we think of first when we think about why education matters. And you would have seen one history class prepping for an essay to write this week on why ancient Sumaria actually was a civilization. If you went downstairs you would have heard the sounds of the wind ensemble coming out of the music room and pounding near makerspace. You would have seen three and four year olds playing with manipulatives and building their own mathematics foundation through play. That’s the beginning. Seeing the span of what happens at Lesley Ellis throughout the grades is quite an experience.
At Lesley Ellis we instill curiosity, mastery, and independence. We encourage passionate expertise, confident self-expression, academic stamina, grounded core values, and supportive exploration. Our small class sizes enable our teachers to know all students as individuals, including the ways they learn best. While mastering class content and pursuing potential interests, students become more creative, passionate, well-rounded, self-motivated, ethical, and insightful. As they bump into unexpected challenges and take risks in science class or on the stage, Lesley Ellis students build tenacity and resilience. They become confident leaders and contributors both inside and outside of the classroom.
It’s no wonder that our students’ academic achievements match or exceed those of any school in the Boston metro area. Lots of schools say they have rigorous academics. Lesley Ellis means it.
Lunch With Deanne
Do you have a favorite day of the week? Maybe it’s related to a family activity or date night. Or maybe, like me, yours is related to a favorite part of your job. Here’s mine. About once a week I get to read to one of our early childhood classrooms. Can I just say … it is always my favorite part of every week. No matter what else is happening, for 15 minutes I get to do silly voices and read about bears living their best furry lives. In front of me are a group of small happy faces waiting to hear what happened to Little Bear. These kids know the secret of life. They live in the moment. They don’t care that the car needs an oil change, or that there is a big pile of paperwork waiting for my attention. They just hear “storytime,” find their spot, and show up with a sense of happy expectation.
Every time I leave storytime I have a renewed commitment to paying attention to what is happening right now and to holding an expectation of goodness. I wonder, too, how I can inject more activities like this into my week that are energizing and such a happy boost. This week I finally figured it out — “Lunch With Deanne.” Over the next several weeks I’ll be taking turns in our elementary and middle school classroom having a pizza lunch with all of our new students. It’s a great opportunity to get to know our new students better (and for them to get to know me), answer questions, and share stories.
Last week I started with our new kindergartners. I brought along a puppet just in case our conversation lagged. I needn’t have worried. We chatted nonstop, and I learned about frogs and special peanut butter. This cinches it. I have the best job in the world! And I’m looking forward to meeting with and learning all about the rest of the new students that are now part of our Lesley Ellis family.