Announcements 
October 20: Auction Planning Meeting 9:15am
November 2: Curriculum Night & Potluck 6:30pm
November 8: School Closed for Election Day
November 11 & 18: School Closed for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 23, 24, 25: Thanksgiving Break

Our Rooftop Playground

As each new season is upon us, we are struck by how very lucky we are to have our own rooftop playground.  How much simpler to ride the elevator and climb a flight of steps than to take a walk on crowded sidewalks to a neighborhood playground! Because the roof is right here, we have the luxury of going out every day and in all types of weather. This October we are enjoying the last warm days, snacking on the last of our garden string beans and looking forward to colder days.

In September, returning children are excited to see what has happened to the vegetables and flowers they planted last spring. Children new to the school are thrilled to see the boxes and blocks and the open spaces for running. As cold weather arrives, going to the roof becomes a very different experience.  The garden is covered up until spring.  Getting ready for the roof becomes part of the curriculum.
 
Children learn to flip on sweaters and coats.  The older children learn how to zip their own jackets and help each other.  They put on mittens and snow pants, scarves and hats with growing independence.  When spring comes every classroom will plant seeds for the garden and watch their seedlings become plants. Finally,  we shed coats and sweaters and take out the water table again. When the school year ends, it’s time for summer camp.  Out come bathing suits, sunscreen and the sprinkler. Flowers bloom and some of our crops are ready to be harvested and eaten!