Second & Third Grade: September 14-18, 2026
Dear Second and Third Grade Families,
We hope that you all enjoyed a restful fall break! It was lovely to see our students back in school this morning. This week, the class will deepen their understanding of place value. Before the break, they compared numbers and engaged in activities such as swap shop, a trading card game in which students manipulate two digits to aim for the highest number, the lowest number, or the number closest to 50. If a student was dealt a 3 card and a 7 card, they would need to place the 7 in the 10s place to get the higher value; they could then attempt to trade their 3 for a higher value card. Students enjoyed the elements of chance, strategy, movement, and socializing while strengthening their understanding of place value.
Before the break, the whole school honored the Day of Courage by wearing autumnal colors and remembering that we can band together and face the darker time of the year with strength and bravery. In the Grades program, students participated in a ceremony in which the Third Graders were at the center. With their Second Grade classmates, other peers, and teachers looking on, Third Grade entered a dragon cave covered in kudzu to retrieve their gemstones. All students had the opportunity to look inward, reflecting on their own fears and struggles, and find their inner courage. To celebrate the day, students were treated to inventive cooperative games with high school students from Academe of the Oaks.
Class Reminders and Announcements:
Roots & Rhythm: We are excited to welcome Mari Cooper, who will lead an eight-session parent education series throughout the year. Through music, movement, and discussion, parents will explore the philosophy behind our Waldorf-inspired approach. Our first session will be held on October 3 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Participation is expected for new parents, and all parents are warmly encouraged to join.
Parent Conferences are October 8 and 9! Please sign up here to schedule a time to meet.
October 3: Roots & Rhythm with Ki Mari from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (On campus, in-person)
October 8: Half day and Parent Conferences
October 9: No school and Parent Conferences
October 10: Community Workday
October 17: Fall Festival from 3:00-6:00 pm
Warmly,
Ki Michelle
