Calvert's Got Talent

Calvert faculty members are continually looking for additional ways to showcase our students' many talents and abilities. Two examples of new events this year are the Sixth Age play in May and today's inaugural Tenth Age Performing Arts Exposition. The Tenth Age show was a huge success, as 33 members of the class chose to participate! Students displayed an amazing array of talents, including dancing, singing solo and in a group, and playing the piano, drums, and guitar. Mozart, Taylor Swift, Star Wars theme music, Miley Cyrus, Bach, and the Beatles...you name it, we heard it today! We believe strongly that overall communication skills are critically important, and performing in front of a few hundred people certainly enhances confidence, public speaking, and "stage presence." Kudos and thanks to Mrs. Holt and Mrs. Elliott for their time, organizational efforts, and coaching. The "artists" had a wonderful time, as did the family members and students in attendance.

It's About the Students' Work

For over a century, Calvert has emphasized high-quality, corrected student work at all grade levels. A representative sample of that work is then sent home at regular intervals, either monthly or quarterly depending on the grade level. We believe that student work is more important than anything found in a textbook. Yesterday, I sat down with a 6th Age homeroom and reviewed their "Pizza Box Portfolios," and today, I sat down with some 5th Graders and looked at their portfolios. Although the contents of the portfolios were quite different, there was a similar enthusiasm for learning and a common pride in a job well-done. Being able to review students' work each month in a one-on-one setting is one of the most important--and rewarding--parts of my job.

March (Reading!) Madness

Most of the talk regarding March Madness on the airwaves and on television has to do with the fact that only one number one seed--Duke--made it to the Final Four. Butler?! However, at Calvert, the March Madness is March READING Madness. Under the expert, passionate eye of Lower School Librarian Tina Thomas, students in the Lower School are reading feverishly all month long in a friendly competition to promote reading in each grade level and throughout the entire Lower School. This month, in addition to my regular diet of educational articles, I have read Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink and Seven Secrets of the Savvy School Leader by Robert Evans. I just started NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. There are only three days left in March; join the Madness at Calvert and read, read, read!

Back in Action!

We returned to school yesterday after a week of spring break. Although it was rainy and some students--and teachers!--were still a bit groggy because of the time change a week earlier, we had a very good first day back. We now have a stretch of ten consecutive five-day weeks, which is wonderful from an instructional standpoint. I cannot remember a longer stretch of five-day weeks in the past few years. The continuity is very beneficial. After the ten weeks, we have Memorial Day weekend and then our final week of classes and ceremonies. It is amazing to think that just a few weeks ago, there was (lots of) snow on the ground, and now it is beautiful and sunny!

What a Day!

It has been quite a 24 hours here on campus. Last night, a standing room only crowd in the Lower School auditorium watched the 8th Annual Middle School Talent Show. The performers were terrific--singing, dancing, and playing instruments. It was quite a show. This morning, the Middle School held a carnival to raise money for Haitian relief efforts. Activities included face painting, limbo dancing, sack toss, a tent-assembling race, and a homemade bracelet sale. At the same time across campus, the 7th and 8th Age girls performed in their annual Dance Assembly. Under the watchful eye of teacher Jane Sewell, the girls did a wonderful job, much to the delight of their parents, grandparents, and siblings. Now, after an evening and morning of frenetic activity, the campus is quiet. We resume classes again on Monday, March 22. Please enjoy the pictures below.

8th Grade Art Show at Evergreen

As reported in my February 28 post, 8th graders art students have their "Acrylic Paintings on Canvas" on display at The Evergreen on West Coldspring Lane. Yesterday afternoon, parents, students, and teachers gathered at The Evergreen for a celebration. The paintings look terrific! The subject matter of cups and mugs fits perfectly with the decor and amidst the smell of fresh coffee and baked goods. One customer asked Mrs. Kamp if the paintings were for sale! Please enjoy the pictures belows, and please stop by and see them in person!

Yes, I Wore Pajamas Today!

In celebration of "P" week in Pilot Class, today was Pajama and Pancake Day! The Pilot Class teachers, as well as Dr. Trusty and I, wore our PJs at school. They were so comfy it was difficult to change back into my normal attire for the afternoon. However, given that I had to attend the Board of Trustees meeting after school, I think it was a good idea that I put my blazer and tie back on! The students also enjoyed pancakes that were served hot from the griddle set up right in the classroom.

Student Paintings at The Evergreen

Although the calendar now says "March," we are bound to have continued chilly weather. Why not warm up with a cup of coffee and a delicious muffin at The Evergreen at 501 W. Coldspring Lane? While you are there, you can relax and enjoy "Acrylic Paintings on Canvas" by Calvert 8th grade art students. The paintings will be on display through March 26, so you have plenty of time to swing by The Evergreen and see some terrific student artwork.

As a follow up to my last post, the remainder of International Week proved to be a big success last week. After French Day, students enjoyed Chinese, Arabic, Latin, and Spanish language, food, and culture.