A Note from Principal Tony Byers
By my estimate, Jodie and I have spent almost seven hundred days greeting students at the front door of Graham and Parks. Our primary goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere for students and families. But that’s not the only reason we stand outside the door for at least 40 minutes everyday in all weather. It takes students something like 10 seconds to get from their bus, car, or around the corner to the front door, and in those brief moments, as students make the transition from home to school, they’re often vulnerable. But I don’t mean vulnerable in the sense that they’re at risk or especially sensitive, although some are. It’s more like they’re momentarily open and easier to read, both individually and collectivity. How a child enters school can tell you a lot about where they’re coming from and how they’re about to experience their day. Read more >>

Friends of G&P Update 
Happy spring — finally! Thanks to all who have given to our annual fund. If you haven’t it’s not too late! Your support of Friends of G&P right now, before the school year ends, gives all students access to expeditions, field trips, and specialists, like the poet, photographer, and author Charles R. Smith Jr. who helped students find their expressive voice. (See below for more on Charles R. Smith Jr.)

Friends will be selling G&P gear – including all-new T-shirt colors, aprons, and onesies – the week of May 7th at drop-off and pick-up. You can pay for items (or make an additional donation to the annual fund) by accept credit card.

It’s a busy time of year: the last months of school are when many teachers use their Friends allocation to pay for field trips. It’s also our last chance to raise money. Please also mark Thursday, June 14th on your calendar for our Bertucci’s fundraiser. The Alewife location will return up to 25% of in-store or pick-up orders to Friends of G&P. Because of your support, the expeditions that help all students apply their learning are enduring traditions at our wonderful school!

Our last meeting of the year will be on Friday, June 1st. If you are curious about Friends please come! We welcome any and all, including those who feel they can’t sign on for a year-long commitment but who want to help support our school by volunteering for one or two events.


                                      
Two Great Assemblies 
By Jodie Darnell, School Operations Manager

March Dance Assembly
This year's annual dance assembly was rockin'! For the first time, our students in the Special Start classroom performed for the entire school and did an amazing job. Kindergarten and 1st graders showcased Funga Alafia, a Nigerian dance. The 2nd grade performed the Cupid Shuffle while the 3rd grade sashayed their way through a line dance. The 4th graders love dancing so much, they couldn't decide what to perform so they did a bit of a mash up. If you have a 4th grader, ask about it! The final act of the assembly was the 5th grade showing off the ballroom dancing skills they've worked hard on as part of a P.E unit.

April Poetry Assembly
April is an exciting time to be at G&P for all of you poetry fans and the assembly was no exception! Cambridge poet, Jean Dany Joachim, paid us a visit to read some of his poetry and answer questions about growing up in Haiti and moving to the U.S. Kathy Greeley, our literacy coach, recited "Casey at the Bat" by Ernest Lawrence Thayer while other staff members acted it out.



Library News 
We were very excited to have author/poet/photographer/ fitness trainer Charles R. Smith, Jr. visit our school on April 25th. He did two presentations in which he shared his own story, recited poetry, and reminded students about the importance of pushing yourself when things are challenging: "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable." He also showed younger students his amazing handstand skills! The consensus of opinion was that he was pretty awesome. Thanks so much to the Friends of G&P for a generous grant which helped pay for Mr. Smith's visit.

Looking ahead, we are about a month away from our annual BOOK FAIR! If you are new to our school, the book fair is a pop-up children's bookstore that will be in the school lobby June 4th-8th. It is both a fundraiser for the library and a super-fun way to get students excited about summer reading. The book fair is also a BIG project which needs a lot of volunteer support. If you love books and you can spare a few hours that week, we need you! Watch for more detailed information coming soon.

What's Happening in Physical Education? 
–Kindergartners are finishing their practice using manipulatives and are learning how to volley and strike. Soon we will begin practicing jump rope!
–First and Second graders are continuing to practice cooperation while working on volleying and striking. Next we will practice jump rope!
–Third graders are practicing different strategies for games with offense and defense in cooperative settings. Soon we will learn about orienteering and obstacle courses!
–Fourth graders are in the middle of learning how to swim! We have also begun learning about biking, bike safety, and bike mechanics!
–Fifth graders have recently begun learning about bikes, bike safety, bike mechanics, and nutrition.

What's Happening in Art?
All G&P art classes are preparing for the Art Show on May 23rd! Some students are busy finishing artwork and others are working on signs to notify families about the big event. This year the show will be installed and organized entirely by students, teachers, and paraprofessionals from our school. Classes from JK-5th grade have volunteered to help set up the show, run the snack table, and take photographs. G&P is getting ready for a fantastic community celebration of the art! We hope to see you there!



The Art Show is Coming! Help Needed!
Over the past few year, snacks and refreshments have been generously donated by Graham and Parks families for the Art Show and we’d would love to continue this tradition! Snacks such as cheese, crackers, cookies, veggies, and fruit and drinks such as water, seltzer, and juice would be wonderful. We will provide the plates, napkins and cups. Please email Melissa Mihos (JK/K Teacher) at [email protected] if you would like to contribute. You can also sign-up at the following link:

Art Show Snack Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/2I7fzRv

We are also looking for volunteers to help set up and clean up the snack area. We are anticipating quite a large turnout and can't do this without your help!

Congratulations to G&P Grade 3 and 4 Teacher Karen Engels on Receiving the Baraba Capron Award for Excellence in Elementary Teaching! 
This award is presented annually in the field of social studies at the elementary level. Karen was recognized for “incorporating innovative and effective instructional strategies and techniques, and fostering a spirit of inquiry and a spirit of democratic beliefs and values. Her professional involvement in activities such as workshops, curriculum development, committees, and other association or activities ranks among the very best.” The award was presented at the Mass Council Awards of Excellence in Teaching Social Studies and Annual Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 9th at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Norwood, MA. Congratulations Karen! We are so grateful for your passion and hard work at G&P. For more about Karen, see below!



Poetry Night 
In spite of torrential downpours, a good crowd turned out for the 4th Annual G&P Poetry Night. Students and their families participated in six different workshops writing and illustrating poetry. Hear more >>



Staff Spotlight 
Get to know Debra Gadson-Holiday and Karen Engels with this handy Q&A! Read on >>



Maker Night was a Blast!
G&P’s second annual Maker Night, held on Wednesday, March 28, was a blast! A huge group of families, students, teachers and volunteers came together for an evening of creating, building, designing, and fun. The Egg Drop Challenge and the Toothpick and Marshmallow towers were big hits. We had very few “egg disasters” due to some very well designed containers which allowed the raw eggs to survive a drop from the second floor!

Special thanks to the Friends of Graham & Parks for the funding for pizza, to the wonderful teacher volunteers, and to the CRLS student volunteers that brought their technology expertise to help out for the evening. And finally, HUGE thank you to Jen Lavalle, our Instructional Technology Specialist, and Claire Dahill, our Math Coach, for coordinating the evening. Fun was had by all.

In Our District & Community 
There's so much going on across our Cambridge community in the coming weeks! Learn more >>