Dear Students,

We are moving to a new school! How exciting is that! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us but I want to take this moment to reflect on our time together this year. Just like our little chicks that grew a bit every day, I remember you as an eager student, ready to learn every lesson and seize every opportunity to grow! 

What highlights come to your mind when you think of the year 2023-2024? 

I wonder if it was your first day at school. September feels so distant now. Do you remember meeting your friends after the summer break or were you scared to be in a new classroom? Soon you were immersed in new lessons in the classroom. You liked the outdoor lessons at Institute Park. Often, you stopped to look at the cattails. Sometimes you gathered leaves or chased the milkweed seeds flying in the air. I remember the sketches from your nature walks. How it touched your hearts and minds, opening doors to scientific discoveries and exploration in art! Do glance through your sketchbook every now and then to revisit those moments. 

Every morning, I visited your classroom and found you engaged in lessons with your teachers. You asked so many questions! Then you rolled out your mat and got to work - math, grammar, skyscrapers, maps, experiments, squaring chains, robust words, checkerboard, science, essays, research and more! Oh boy! You accomplished a lot! How do you feel about your work when you go through your portfolio?

During the year, you had many adventures with your friends. As I worked in my office, I could hear your squeals of joy when your robot worked in the technology class. The heated debates from the Capstone class were enlightening as you discussed and argued important issues with your friends from India who joined you every week from across the world. I heard you when you came back from a great time at recess. I enjoyed playing with you in the gym and at Institute Park. Some days were better than others. Sometimes, those adventures led you to my office. I liked listening to you. You told me you wanted to be the best version of yourself. Stay the course. It’s easy to get off track but you know what is right. Just do it! 

The work and your time with friends has made an impact on you. Just like our little chick that grew a bit every day in the egg until it was ready to hatch and pop out into the world, so have you changed over the past year. You cracked out of your shell and took that first breath of air, and then there was no stopping you! What has changed since September? Write down three words that describe your growth:

1. _______________
2. _______________
3. _______________

Today, when I pass you in the hallways, I am amazed at how much you have grown since September. Some of you are even taller than me! Some of you have made great strides in your academics. Congratulations! But what impresses me the most is that you have become a confident, capable and kind person. You stop to greet our visitors when they come for tours. You help your schoolmates during practices for the Night of the Arts. You set the tables for Spring Tea and arrange flowers for special events. Your love for each other makes the world a better place and I am so proud of you!

We are moving to the new school in the first week of July. Stop by to lend a helping hand or simply to say hello! 

Have a wonderful summer. 

With love,

Mrs. Rupali Sharma