Gray Matters, September 2023
Happy New Year!
Happy new year! We are excited to welcome children and families back to school this week. It will be wonderful to have the energy and enthusiasm of our full community back together again.
While our academic calendar has a clear beginning and end, a first and last day of school, summer months are an active period in our community. As dedicated, reflective practitioners, Capitol Hill Day School educators use the time away from the classroom in various ways to strengthen our craft. Among other projects, this summer educators engaged in work to support science instruction, the teaching of reading, and our commitment to building an inclusive community. During our late August days together, a period we have come to call JumpStart, staff spent time prepping rooms, preparing curriculum, and engaging in school-wide initiatives. A highlight of this year’s JumpStart was the day we spent with Rosetta Lee, a nationally known identity development expert.
Of course, on the operations side, the major project of this summer was the renovation of spaces in the Dent Building and the ongoing renovation project in Farren’s Stable. See below pictures of our new Dent Science room, Movement space, and Level 4 lobby, and a photo showing the footprint of the new 5th/6th floor in Farren’s. We are thrilled about how these projects will enhance our learning environment.
Dent Science Room — furniture moved in last week!
Movement Space
Level 4 Lobby
5/6 Floor in Farren's Stable
I, for one, am genuinely eager to officially launch the new year on Tuesday and super excited for our first days of school. As your family prepares for the fall, please make note of the following important community events and activities and visit the family calendar webpage for more upcoming events.
Back to School Picnic — Saturday, September 9, 1:00-4:00 pm in Garfield Park
Games, glitter tattoos, funnel cakes, a balloon artist (and more!) will all be there to make sure we kick off the school year right! Sign up here to help at the Back to School Picnic (and other events throughout the year). Our goal is to have every slot filled so we can keep the fun going all afternoon long. Please bring your own water bottle! We will have water stations for refilling.
Back to School Nights — September 27 (EC - Grade 4) and September 28 (Grades 5 - 8), 6:30 pm
Please join us for Back to School Nights on Wednesday, September 27 (EC - Grade 4) and Thursday, September 28 (Grades 5 - 8). More information forthcoming.
Grandparents & Grands Friends Day — October 6 (Noon Dismissal)
Each fall, we love to welcome grandparents and friends to visit with students, see the school and hear about what's happening this school year! Visit www.chds.org/GPD for more details and to RSVP before Friday, September 29.
Family Conferences — October 26 and October 27
These conferences provide an opportunity for families to meet with teachers to discuss children’s academic and social growth and development. More information (including how to sign up) will be available in October.
Halloween Parade — October 28, 11:15 am
Students and teachers will celebrate Halloween with our traditional parade, beginning at 11:15 am. Families are welcome to attend and are asked to spread out along the parade route.
We're looking forward to another great year of learning at growing at Capitol Hill Day School. Welcome back!
