Hold the phone

Driving to school this morning, I made sure that I had my cell phone.  The weather was particularly icky and well, it seemed prudent to make sure that I had a reliable means of communication in case of a traffic mishap.  But, if I am honest, I am always checking to see if I have my cell phone—and not just because the school could need me or for safety, but because the phone is vastly important as I go about my day.  I feel weird if I don't have it it with me.

Let's Do Lunch

By this time, most of us have fallen into a comfortable routine at school with the kids.  We've got the rhythm of drop-off, pick-up, homework, extracurriculars, etc.   But it's always good to mix it up and if you've got kids in Lower School, now is the perfect time to do lunch bunch.  

There is lots to be said about the school lunch experience, but as the person in our household who is responsible for feeding everyone, I always appreciate it when someone actually wants to feed ME.  I do not cast stones at anyone who is willing to cook—ever.  

The first time I came to do lunch bunch, I was blown away by the quality of the food—this was not the chipped beef of my own school lunch reminiscence—suffice it to say, our children are not suffering when it comes to mealtime options.  They may make questionable choices...such as two jelly sandwiches, chocolate milk and plain noodles all in the same meal...but that is a whole separate discussion.  

Lower School lunch bunch is a unique phenomenon, because it is likely that our children still might want to see us during the course of their school day (probably something we can't hope for come Middle School) and even better yet, may still want to have conversations with us (something I know we can't hope for in Middle School).  You get to hear all the scoop and get to know your kids' classmates while simultaneously opening milk cartons and reminding them to EAT; occasionally you even get some face time with their teachers, which can be extremely valuable.  

A few notes of caution, however. 

 I would highly recommend NOT coming on taco day (unless you have easy access to a Hazmat suit) or "breakfast for lunch" day (a recent account suggested that there might be a more restrained use of syrup if it was doled out intravenously).  

There will be a shocking amount of food wasted; feel free to wax poetic about starving children—go for the gusto—but it seems to have little or no impact whatsoever.  

Don't get too comfortable, because you'll let a few kids go to bars, take a few bites and you're done.  Lunch is quick, quick, quick.  So, although conversation is kinda the point of this exercise, don't talk too much, because they do need to eat!  

Signing up to do lunch bunch is easy.  Here is the scheduler and here is the link to the menu (beware: taco day is tomorrow!) and lunch times are as follows:

PK:  Lunch is from 12:00-12:30 (arrive at 11:55)
K, 1, or 2:  Lunch is from 11:25-11:50 (arrive 11:20)
3 and 4:  Lunch is from 11:00-11:25 (arrive 10:55)

Happy lunching! 

Bully Pulpit

Bullying is unfortunately a hot news topic these days.  Just recently, I read a horrifying account out of Canada—a 15 year-old girl had committed suicide five weeks after posting a video on YouTube which chronicled her misery as a victim of bullying.   Her video has been now been viewed more than 3.5 million times and is causing a whole nation to re-think official policies and anti-bullying laws.  

The Antidote to a Bad CA Day?

So... you were running late and held up carpool so the kids could finish breakfast in the car, your kid got busted for a dress code infraction and you've got boy/girl drama and sass from your "tween"ager in spades.  It's a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad CA day.

What to do? Word has it from parents, administrators and teachers alike that the best antidote for Viking angst can be found in the rooms of Pre-K.  And as a Pre-K parent thrice over, I can attest to the magic.  

I know that many folks don't feel preschool merits the tuition or the process that gaining entrance into CA requires;  however, I would happily wager that no other program in the city is as well- thought out, organized and meaningful as the one that we have at Academy.  

What do animal rights, UFC and Pokemon have in common?

Wait for it....yep, they are all clubs that our Upper School students can partake in, per their personal range of interests.  Wild, huh?  Want to know more about the club activities available for our kids?  

Come to the PACA General Meeting this Wednesday, October 10th at 8am in the Dining Hall!  

Smells Like Teen Drama

Thanks to Upper School parents Cathy Falkenberg and Parker MacDonell for this post!

A few words about the Homecoming dance:  Saturday, October 13 will bring the Upper School students together for the first of three dances this year. Homecoming dance…how long has it been since you attended one of these?  You probably can’t remember who you had as a date or what happened afterwards, though you likely do remember the feelings of anticipation and anxiety that swirl around in the minds of teenagers as these types of events approach.  It’s a good time to talk to your Upper School student and go over the ground rules that your family has established for these types of events.