Finding Our Own Special Recipe of Perfection
I often binge-watch the show, “The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes” on Netflix. I find it amazing the ways in which people interpret what it means to be “home.” Some people desire windows that frame the landscape from the inside while others want to live where the outside comes in. Some people want a large bedroom with lots of light while others prefer the most intimate of spaces with room for a mattress that folds into the wall. Each family has a different definition of perfection for themselves.
The show makes me think about learning environments for children. It doesn’t take much money to help a student find their own perfection, but it does take time and care. When I walk around the school, my heart is warmed to see students working in small groups or independently in chairs, on a sofa, or on the carpet, making themselves comfortable in what works perfectly for them. On nice days, classes might do their work on the outdoor stage or sitting on the grass by the field. Some teachers create personal spaces for particular students that might look like a tent in the corner or a fort under the desk. Students sit in the hallway to work where the air feels different and the energy shifts. It’s beautiful to see a school that allows each child to find their perfection as often as possible.
And, I’m left wondering, in what ways do we allow ourselves to find our perfection? How do we take our regular mimetic actions and make them dynamic and personal? Do we have a special cushion on the seat in our car? Do we slow down to watch the cream overtake our coffee for just that moment after we pour it in before stirring? Do we sit arm-in-arm with our loved ones to simply hear about their day before moving into the logistics of the evening? On this 21st week of school, I challenge each of us to find our personal definition of perfection and joy. Have a great week!
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Enrollment Open House–POSTPONED
Due to the likelihood of a weather event tomorrow (Tuesday afternoon/early evening) we are postponing tomorrow’s open house and rescheduling it for Tuesday, February 5 at 6:30 PM. Please spread the word!
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Intent to Return Forms for Academic Year 2019-2020
Two weeks ago, every CNH family was sent an email with an attached link to our yearly Intent to Return form. It is very important that all families in grades K-7 indicate if their child/ren will be returning next school year so that we know how many seats will have at the time of our lottery.
If you haven’t already done so, please go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sI27kb-Awmi8-SZYcoA9XxHVakD3akiOQrrQNFk3dhA/edit to complete and submit the Intent to Return form. One form per student please. Deadline: TODAY! January 28. Thank you to everyone who replied so quickly!
I will be reaching out to everyone who has not submitted an Intent to Return today. If you don’t hear from me, I have yours!
~Stephanie~
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MICA Art Club Grades 5-8
The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) offers an after-school Art Club for students Grades 5-8 on Thursdays after school. Teaching the class will be professor Vanessa Lopez and a group of Art Education Interns, in their final semester of coursework before student teaching. Join this art class for lots of 1:1 attention to help you develop new perspectives on artmaking!
Students will be walked to the front lobby of the school at 4:45 pm to be picked up. If you would like your child to have a free dinner, you may walk them to the cafe for dinner between 4:45-5:15.
Here is the link to the flyer and permission form. Paper copies will be sent home with interested students as well as will be available in the front lobby of the school.
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Clay Club for Middle School
Ms. Cohen will be hosting a clay club starting in February for interested Middle School students on Mondays after school. Here is the link to the Cly Club permission slip. Paper copies will be sent home with interested students as well as will be available in the front lobby of the school.
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Interested in Leading an After-School Club?
Parents and CNH Community members are invited to lead an after-school club. Hosting a club will fulfill your family’s participation hours for the entire year (even if you simply find and support someone leading the club). Please contact Dr. Shyla at srao@cityneighborshamilton.org for more information.
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Sibling/Staff Enrollment, 2019-2020
If you are interested in enrolling a sibling or if you are a staff member who wishes to enroll your child, you must complete and submit an application by January 28, 2019. You can download an application from our website: www.cityneighborshamilton.org or hard copies are available in the office.
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City Neighbors–Time for Action!
This is a very important time of the year. This is a time when our voices can make a difference for education in Baltimore. And, City Neighbors has always had one of the strongest voices in the city!
Join us at the Rally for Education Funding on March 11
Sign up Here: https://goo.gl/forms/HoZuDHKuru3Qk5d13
First, we are fighting alongside all of our colleagues and friends in Baltimore City to convince the Governor and the Legislature to put a significant down payment on increases to education funding that will be suggested by the Kirwan Commission, the Commission working to determine how to create a world class education here in Maryland. This down payment would mean significant more funding for all schools in Baltimore.
There will be a massive rally in Annapolis on March 11th, and we need at least 50 people from our schools to help create the 10,000+ people sending a strong message to our political leaders that night.
Support Public Charter School Facility Funding Bill
Last week, Governor Hogan introduced a bill that would provide charter schools facility funding. Currently, charter schools do not have automatic access to facilities funding, help pay for the debt service of Baltimore City school buildings, and then have to pay for our facilities maintenance and upgrades. This bill would fix that – and could mean almost one million dollars in additional funding to our City Neighbors schools. Funds that rightfully belong to our students.
We will be asking you to:
- Write letters to our Baltimore delegation to ask them to support this bill.
- Come down to Annapolis one evening in late February for a “Lobby Night”.
- Attend a hearing in Annapolis to show support for this bill.
Stay tuned for more information from your Advocacy Team. Let’s get into action!