January School Wide News

Welcome back and Happy New Year!

I hope that you all are enjoying a relaxing and rejuvenating time with your families and friends over the holidays.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered on the Friday before vacation to help out with the holiday parties in the classrooms. I know it was a slightly rushed and chaotic day, but the energy at school was so positive and bright and I know all were relieved to get home safe and sound before the storm hit.

I know too how disappointed the children were to have Holiday Tea postponed twice, but I am happy to announce that there will be a slightly modified performance and party held here at school in the Community Room on Friday, January 9th from 2:00-3:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you there to help us usher in the New Year!

A reminder that the Mt. Sunapee Winter Sports Program for the upper school students begins January 5th. Chaperones should meet at the mountain at 9:30. Please remember to send your child with appropriate outer gear.

We have several new after school programs and it is not too late to sign up. Please see Lisa in the front office for forms.

This month we will be discussing civil rights in our school wide meetings in preparation for Martin Luther King day on January 19th. A reminder that there will be no school on that Monday. We will have a special school wide assembly on the Friday before to celebrate his life and work.

On the Sunday evening before MLK day, January 18th, local peace activist Bethany Reed will be showing the film “Fire Under the Snow” in the Community Room. This compelling documentary explores human rights and non-violent change from a non-western perspective as it witnesses the life of Tibetan Monk, Palden Gyatso, who was imprisoned and tortured for 33 years under the Chinese occupation. The film will begin at 6:00 pm and is free of charge although donations to our Pennies for Peace jar are appreciated. Due to the disturbing nature of Gyatso’s experience, the film is not recommended for young children. For more information go the website http://www.fireunderthesnow.com/.

This year the teachers and students will be planning an Eco-Fest in lieu of our usual science fair in February. In preparation for this week, all students are invited to participate in the EPA’s Earth Artists Program poster/poetry competition. Jane List will be working with students to help inspire their entries. Please see your child’s teacher for details or log on to the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/students.

Parents have already started asking about enrollment and class configurations for the fall. The board will be meeting on January 14th to finalize the budget. We will communicate to you our plans for next year at our next Upper School Parent Teacher Forum meeting on January 22nd at 3:15. As always childcare will be available.

Some parents have expressed an interest in having a toddler program here at HIS and a feasibility study for next year is presently underway. If you would be interested in sending your toddler here, or if you have thoughts about this idea please stop by to chat or speak to your child’s class ambassador.