Weekly News 11-10-2023

There is so much happening around Nantucket Lighthouse School over the next month, and I wanted to take this opportunity to personally invite you to attend the many events that are available for families.

I know it can be a challenge getting out in the evening when you have young children, but there are many benefits to doing so. The events below offer opportunities to learn, celebrate with the school community, share in the excitement of students’ work, and experience the peace and joy that the holidays and our handwork curriculum bring. We hope you will join us for the opportunities below:

· Thursday, November 9: Parent Craft Night, 5:30-7:30p.m. at Nantucket Lighthouse School. Thank you to the parents who were able to attend last week’s craft night. We are grateful for your participation. If you were not able to attend last week’s craft night, we ask that one parent from each family attends tonight’s event. It is a fun way to get to know members of the community and to experience firsthand the benefits of Nantucket Lighthouse School’s handwork curriculum.

· Thursday, November 16: Nantucket Lighthouse School’s Educational Speaker Series, 6:00p.m. Please join us for a discussion on Growing Resilient Children with Maria Fahrner and Dr. Sarah Shulman. This event is co-hosted by the Montessori Children’s House of Nantucket, and it is funded by a grant from the Community Foundation for Nantucket’s Remain Nantucket Fund.

· Friday, November 17: Video Release Party at the Hayloft at Bartlett’s Farm, 7:00p.m. Please join us for light bites, beverages, and the preview of Nantucket’s Lighthouse School’s must-see Yellow Productions video. Please remember to RSVP.

· Tuesday, November 21: Grandparents and Special are invited to join students in their classrooms for a visit and handwork project. Please RSVP to your student’s classroom teacher.

o Kinderclass and Grade 1, 9:00-9:40

o Small School and Grade 2, 9:50-10:30

o Grades 3-5, 10:40-11:20

· December 2: Please join us for this year’s Yuletide Fair, 10:00-2:00 at the White Elephant Ballroom. We hope you are able to enjoy the Fair with your family, and volunteer for a shift at the event.

· December 8: Winter Celebration at White Heron Theatre, 5:00p.m. for Small School and Kinderclass & 6:00 for Grades 1-5. We will share more details as we get closer to the event.

We look forward to seeing you at these wonderful commmunity events.

Enjoy the long weekend.

Emily

Happy, Thoughtful Kids Grown Here

Parenting in our busy world can feel like quite the juggling act of responsibilities. When the school year began, I found myself swept up in household chores the moment I got home, leaving me feeling unintentionally disconnected from my children.

For the last month, I have been making it a practice to “Hit the Floor for 15.” Instead of getting started on dinner or returning a missed call, I set down my purse with my phone inside and give my kids 15 minutes of my undivided attention.

Setting aside 15 minutes to focus solely on your child creates an open space for meaningful conversation. Children are more likely to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns when they know we are fully present and listening. I also find that after this quality time, my children are less likely to act out to grab my attention.

The simple practice of taking time to “Hit the Floor for 15” is an impactful way to foster connection and support your child’s emotional well-being.

Warm regards,

Julia