In the academic world, the start of the second semester is in many ways similar to the ringing in of a new year. It is a time for students to reflect on their successes and learn from their mistakes, and then apply that insight to the next semester. In these four years of Upper School, it is always important to emphasize that, while avoiding mistakes might be the ideal, facing the consequences of one’s mistakes and learning from them is what is going to stand our students in good stead as they continue to grow and mature. Understandably, you will want to review your daughter’s report card with her, and I suggest that she might learn the most from the process if you ask her what she could have done better and/or differently. The education that you are providing her is her education, and therefore, her responsibility. Partner with her in that growth and discovery. Likewise, partner with us at school by meeting with your daughter’s Advisor on Parent Conference Day, February 6th. If you haven’t already done so, please call Merrie Harrington, my Assistant, to set up your conference time.
Earlier in the year I wrote about the opportunity for you to hear panel presentations on various topics given by noted experts. This program is called Parent Connect and can be accessed through a link on the School’s Website. This month’s topic is Drugs and Addiction, certainly a topic that is of concern to us all . The beauty of this program is that you can view/listen to it at any time (or multiple times) anywhere, anytime. I hope that you are taking advantage of this and would greatly appreciate it if you would give your Parent Network representative some feedback on your opinion of the program for our future planning.
We have invited Jodi Poretskin, an active advocate and speaker on eating disorders, to come to school to talk with our students about body image and eating issues. Our society places enormous pressure on women, young and old, by emphasizing in multiple ways that the way they look is the key to happiness and success. I believe that every girl at every school faces eating related issues, either for herself or for her friends. I hope that you will take advantage of the opportunity to meet and hear from Ms.Poretsky at the Parent Coffee on Thursday morning, February 7th at 7:45 in the Apgar Lecture Room.
The luncheon on February 12th is hosted by the Alumnae Association for all RPCS alumnae mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and aunts and their RPCS student in all grades. It is a special time for those with family ties to connect and enjoy being together at their school. For students who do not have alumnae connections, please make sure that they brown bag their lunch that day as the Dining Hall is closed.
If you are available to join our President’s Day All School Convocation on February 14, please come! There is a short talk given by the Middle School SGA President on a President. In this age of commercialization, we seek to educate our students that President’s Day has more significance than a day-off from school and work or a major sale event.
The Ring Dinner on February 21st is for the entire 10th grade whether your daughter has purchased a school ring or not. This evening event at Jean Brune’s home is a way of recognizing that the tenth grade class is nearing the half way mark of their Upper School years. Your daughter may bring nice clothes to school and stay after school and then go to Mrs. Brune’s, or return after school, whichever is most convenient for you. Please let me know if there are transportation complications. It is a fun evening for the class to enjoy together as a whole!
~ J.F.S.