NOVEMBER 2004 NEWSLETTER

8th Annual SWS Jazz Gala Auction Roars Out of the Gate!

by Coco Provance

We are delighted to announce that this year's auction's is off to a great start.  Not only do we have two super Pre-K co-chairs–Essence Newhoff (Natalia) and Olivia Parker (Elijah), who bring plenty of enthusiasm as well as lots of professional experience to this year's team–but the Swints (Riley) have offered to donate the catering from Hard Times Café! 

We've arranged to use the spectacular St. Mark's nave and have set a date.  Mark your calendars if you haven't yet–April 16, 2005 from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

This year we'd really like to expand our attendance, so we'd love to hear your ideas about ways to improve ticket sales, especially to non-SWS-parents such as neighbors and friends.  Thanks to all those who have already stepped forward to volunteer and with new ideas and to everyone for your help!

Correction to October Newsletter:

Marla McLean’s seed exploration project was also a Kindergarten, not just at Pre-K, activity.

Playground Construction Through the Eyes of Room 9

Compiled from Ms. Susan’s material

As you have undoubtedly noticed, the playground surface is under construction. According to Peabody administrative staff, the plan is to put down child-friendly surfacing and to repair the drain, eliminating the potential for flooding. The original completion date has already passed; one future estimated date for completion was next summer.

As often happens at SWS, the playground upheaval led to a learning adventure for the children of Room 9. 

"We watched and talked about the work, the machines and the huge piles of dirt.  Then we sat down to draw our observations.  We will continue to chart the progress of the playground and explore our theories surrounding the work," explained Ms. Susan, Pre-K teacher.

Excavator at work on the Peabody playground.

Andrew Ashton’s picture and words, "The tractor was digging to make a new playground.  They're making a new playground [surface] for the children," told the rest of the story.

Art Update

The work of our artist-in-residence, Marla McLean, can be seen at "Artomatic," DC’s exciting, unpredictable, and untamed arts happening at 800 Third St., NE (the old Children’s Museum) from November 12 – December 5. Marla’s art is located on the 2nd floor ("U St., 4C"). For more information, see www.artomatic.org

You can also check out Marla’s art at her Web site, www.marlamclean.com

SWS music teacher Rachel Cross’s CD, Dream Land, is available at the House of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park, MD or see www.rachelcross.com for more information, including her upcoming live performance schedule.

Room 11’s Presidential Election

Compiled from Mrs. Ricks’ material

This month, the kindergarten classes held presidential elections, with Room 11 voting also on a class initiative: whether to have a short or long rest time.

As Cai Pavetti explains, there was a check-in procedure for teachers and students: "We had to check their cards to see if they were a Democrat or a Republican. Then they had to write their name on the paper where their name was. Then I gave them a paper that had their party, a Democrat or a Republican and told them to go get their ballot from the other people." Additionally, ballots requested US citizenship information!

Slate distributor Starr Guy (with Sam Mader) directs voter Fiona O’Donnell to the booth.

Security was tight at the ballot box, provided by Ben Dewhurst. "I was the booth worker, and I was looking out to make sure no one was looking at the ballots. I didn’t see anyone trying to look at them, but I had to give out lots of instructions."

Voter Khadijah Nixon models her "I voted" sticker and ballot.

Mrs. Ricks validates the count with Harry Warren, Khadijah Nixon, and Evan Cole.

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After casting their votes, students proudly put on their "I voted" stickers. And the winning results? "I was happy about John Kerry and happy about keeping a short rest time," said Roman Hudgins.

Dates to Remember

November
17 — Parent Meeting & Workshop
23 — Thanksgiving Potluck — All Classes
25 & 26 — No School - Happy Thanksgiving!

December
6 — No School — Parent/Teacher Conf.
17 — Early Dismissal 12:15 p.m. — Staff Dev.
24 — Jan. 3 Winter Break

Coming Up in December’s Newsletter . . .

• Meet our New Classroom Assistants
• Family Thanksgiving Potluck

About the SWS Newsletter

The SWS Newsletter is published on the 15th of every month on the school Web site: www.swspeabody.org.

Paper copies are available in the SWS office.

Please contact Beth Dewhurst 202.396.2266 with any newsletter ideas, text, photos, comments or corrections.

Please specify the class(es) and full names of students in photos or text.

The newsletter is complied or written by SWS staff and / or parent volunteer(s).