Friday, March 5th, 2010
Greetings Cambridge Parents!
I apologize that it has been some time since the last Head’s Memo; thankfully, as my teaching obligations have ended and winter Parent Conferences are behind us, I can turn my attention to my normal slate of responsibilities.
First, many thanks to Melissa Kelly and all the parents who supplied, prepared, and presented a wonderful luncheon for the faculty members. The heartiness of the meal and the festive atmosphere soon had teachers arm wrestling, hula hooping, and dancing! Melissa can certainly throw a party!
Before we broke bread on this day, I shared with the faculty the importance of our work and the great impact we can have not only upon our students but so many others; like a stone tossed into a pond, our moments with our students can ripple through and touch the lives of those within and outside of our community.
In illustrating this point further, I shared with them a conversation I had with a Cambridge dad that very morning. Several days earlier, his son and classmates traveled to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. As they toured, our 4th graders impressed the docent with their behavior and knowledge to the point where they were given the “adult tour” because they were clearly ready and willing to take on so much more. Repeatedly, the docent mentioned to the chaperones and teachers about our students’ impeccable behavior, great enthusiasm, and vast knowledge.
When the trip ended and the student arrived home, he couldn’t stop talking about all he had seen; brimming with enthusiasm, he pulled up a computer image of the cathedral so he could share the experience with his parents; he enlightened his dad about the shape of the cross, the directional significance, the Latin roots, and so much more. The dad was so taken with his son’s zeal, that he sent an email to his family, friends, and colleagues describing his son’s heart and passion for learning.
This series of emails sparked a note from his mother in law who responded, “Thanks for sharing this story. It certainly shows what a special child Brayden is – I am very proud of him. It certainly seems as if Cambridge teaches them all the right things – not only academically, but manners and a consideration of others. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child could be taught this early on! What a different world we would be living in….”
I love the last line of her note, “…What a different world we would be living in…,” as it captures so much of our hopes for our students – to journey through Cambridge and to build foundations that will carry them into the world and make a difference in the people around them and the world they live in.
The present and future lives lived by our students, our children, marks our work as teachers, staff members, and administrators at Cambridge.
In closing, I’ve attached a note from a mom who has had the opportunity to work with our students outside of school; from what she has seen of our students, she felt compelled to write Laura Karey and ask about any openings for her own child: “I have had the privilege of being a leader of some of your 8th grade girls at our church youth group…they are clearly a group who has been taught to see God and love each other. They share openly, encourage one another and know God’s word better than most. There is certainly fruit coming from the time and energy you and their parents are pouring into them. Watching them grow has been a real encouragement to me. As a result, I would like to ask if you are accepting any new students into 6th grade next year….”
We are blessed to be in this community and to have the opportunities to impact not only our students but the world around them. “You are the salt of the earth…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16).
God bless,
Steven T. Song
Head of School
Some notes of importance:
A formal (and long-awaited) welcome to the Mace family who joined us right after Christmas break. Their son, Macaiah, is a wonderfully bright and inquisitive boy who entered our first grade mid-year with an easy-going, genial quality that allowed him to quickly form friendships; it seems as if Macaiah has been with us since the beginning of the year! My hope is that you will have the opportunity to welcome Jenna, Wes, Maiciah, and the other Mace children to Cambridge!
Lunch and Recess Duty: We have been very short-handed lately, and many openings need to be filled as we have entered the third trimester of school. Please check your calendars and sign up! Please respond directly to me if you are able to help!
Box Tops: Many thanks to Karyn Ott for heading up the Box Tops program this year. I’d like to offer an update to help inspire more participation in the weeks ahead. Thus far, we have raised a totally of $364 dollars with the 8th grade in the lead with 594 box tops; 1st grade follows with 509; the 3rd grade class of Mrs. Jordan has collected 384; closely behind is 6th grade with 360. Next, 285 (5th – Fountaine), 233 (7th grade); 4th with 188; 2nd with 161; and 3rd grade (Geikie) with 159. A reminder that the class with the most box tops receives an ice cream party!
School Make-up Days: As many of you may have heard or read, the Maryland State Department of Education, via the State legislature, offered five days of forgiveness for public schools. This grace, at this point, does not extend to private schools. Ron Goldblatt, president of AIMS, filed a request on behalf of all AIMS schools; unfortunately, the legislature ruled that a waiver could not be given in this way. Each school may have to send a request to Dr. Nancy Grasmick. However, Ron has asked us to hold off on our letters until he can contact the MSDE and confirm that such steps need to be taken. Until then, we are in a holding pattern. As news develops, I will certainly inform the parent community.