Session 2 Edition, 2017 December 14, 2017

’Tis the Season! A Note from Brent Bennett, PAC Chair 'Tis the season for...family, friends, parties, parent-teacher conferences, shopping, cookies, decorations, lights, reindeer, spruce trees, giving, sharing, baking, and laughing all the way…  Phew! It’s the most wonderful, but busy, time of year!  We know your reading time is limited, but the PAC still wanted to reach out through this intentionally shortened newsletter.  We thank you for your dedication to your child's education and to our school.  All of the work that you have put in by way of service to our school, participating in conferences, attending our annual "Give Thanks!" Open House, and last week’s Holiday Program and Cookies & Cocoa Reception is so appreciated.  Your involvement strengthens the educational experience for our entire school community. 

Thank you!  Happy Holidays!

And Have a Happy New Year!

PAC Members: Sasha Ericksen (6th year parent; Ben, Marcus, & Gabe) July Bond (6th year parent; Isa & Makai) Kjersten Bartusch (5th year parent, Anderson) Catharine Persinger (4th year parent; Shaye & Ainsley) Kalina Grabinska-Marusek (4th year parent; Zozsa) Todd Carey (3rd year parent; Kinley) Mila Neubert (2nd year parent; Alex)

Our Vision Statement: Our vision is to nurture a conscientious spirit in children, families and educators that empowers all to make a

positive impact in their community and world while leading a productive and happy life.

STMS STORY Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Newsletter

Upcoming Events

December 15 - January 2

Holiday Intersession / School Closed

January 15 (School Closed)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 2

STMS Spelling Bee, 11 am (1st - 6th gr.)

February 5

Montessori Monday, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Kids’ Night at the Museum, 5 - 7:30 pm

February 12 - 23

Winter Intersession

February 12 - 16

Camp 3: “My Biology”

Ms. Jamie & Ms. Jane

February 19 - 23

Camp 4: “Winter Fiesta”

Ms. Jamie & Ms. Claudia

March 2

Science Fair, 11 am

March 10

Spruce Tree Trivia & Tapas Event, 6 pm

Birch Hill Ski Lodge, more to come!

March 30

Geography Fair, 11 am (Lower Elem.)

April 2

Montessori Monday, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Kids’ Night at the Museum, 5 - 7:30 pm

April 20

Clean Up Day / Earth Day Celebration

Session 2 Edition, 2017 December 14, 2017

Cultural Exposure at Spruce Tree -By Mrs. Sabrina Binkley, Head of School

In celebration of the holiday season, students at Spruce Tree embrace the world around them,

learning about celebrations of peace, through traditions old and new from around the globe, religious and not, from stories and songs to doing crafts and projects representative of the holiday spirit. As a part of our vision to empower all to make a positive impact in our community and world, we believe in exposure as a means to develop tolerance and compassion for all people. It’s important that children learn about their place in the world, both geographically and culturally. As a secular school, we welcome all religions and none, and present holiday lessons in an educational and neutral way. This time of year, we present lessons on Christmas, Hanukah, and Kwanzaa; in the fall, students learned about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Day of the Dead and celebrated Halloween. This spring we’ll present lessons on Easter and Passover, and then Ramadan in the summer. We invite you to assist with the planning of these lessons and the coordinating of crafts or activities - sharing family traditions is a wonderful way to develop connections beyond the academic aspects of our journey together. “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education,” said Maria Montessori. The path to world peace begins with education for the young child. The classroom is a microcosm of society at large. When children learn to be at peace with one another in the classroom, they can later be at peace - or at least be inspired to hope - that they can be at peace as adults. Gandhi agreed with Maria and said, “If we are to create peace in our world, we must begin with our children.” May peace be with you this holiday season and in the New Year ahead.

Our Vision Statement: Our vision is to nurture a conscientious spirit in children, families and educators that empowers all to make a

positive impact in their community and world while leading a productive and happy life.

New Spruce Tree Merchandise!

Just in time for the holidays… Kids T-shirts 2 for $30 or $20 ea

Hoodies for Moms, Dads, Friends and Family $50

Adult T-shirts black or grey $25 Adult Fleece Jacket black $40

Ladies Zip Hoodies pink, teal $40 Water Bottles stainless $20

Knit Winter Hats $10

Beyond the Classroom

STMS Sockeye Rock Climbing Club Tuesday/Thursday 4 - 5 pm Transportation by STMS Pick up at Ascension Climbing Gym Ages 5-12 479-TREE to register; $110 / session

STMS Sockeye Swim Club Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday 345 - 430 pm Transportation by STMS; pick up at Alaska Club 479-TREE to register; $190 all ages

STMS Ski Club Friday afternoons at Birch Hill, 4 - 5 pm Transportation by STMS; pick up at Birch Hill 479-TREE to register; free, parent-led/volunteer