I left with a feeling of pride in all of the goodness that abounds. Collectively, you all have not only carried forward the spirit of The School in Rose Valley; but, you are carrying it to expanded greatness! I know the forbearers are looking down and beaming with pride and nodding their satisfaction! - Alum parent and former staff member after a recent visit
Dear Friends,
It is always heartwarming to receive positive feedback of this kind. It reflects the fact that we carefully consider the past, present and future of the school in all the decisions we make. From the founders we hold on to what is meaningful and relevant and then move forward by adding current wisdom and understandings to the mix. Our goal is to help SRV sustain its progressive mission in a purposeful, thoughtful, and consistent way as we wade into the complexities of the 21st century.
Read more.
Sustainability Spotlight
We are excited to begin our fourth major renovation project in the last six years. On June 12th, three days after the close of the 2005-06 school year, renovations to the interior and exterior of the Rawson building will begin.
Read more.
Educational Experiences
GeoMAYnia!
This past spring, during the months of April and May, preschool through sixth grade students studied geometry and measurement in a thematic study aptly named “GeoMAYnia!” During GeoMAYnia, all groups studied geometry and measurement during their regular math times as well as during Technology, Science, Woodshop, Art, and Music classes.
Read more.
Who's Who
Spotlight on the Staff: Anupama Anand,
Director of Program Development
Anupama Anand joined the SRV in 2005 as Technology teacher and Director of Program Development. This past school year, she led professional development of the staff in the area of backwards design, an innovative, progressive methodology for creating meaningful and relevant curriculum. Read more.
Quarterly Glimpse Into A Group
The Oldest Group and Main Circle enjoyed their end-of-the-year camping trips last week. Meg and her group returned to Hickory Run State Park in Mahoning County, May 31-June 2. The park boasts a boulder field, great waterfalls and a spectacular river-gorge hiking trail. Main Circlers headed out of state, to Parvin State Park in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. They hiked, went canoeing, and slept in tents the night of May 31.
For more info on what the groups are up to, click here.
What’s On The Calendar 2006-07
- June 26, First Day of Camp
- August 23, Water Ice Night for New Families
- September 7, First Day of School
- October 4, Apple Day – Save the Date!
- October 21, High Spirits – Save the Date!
- November 4, Putter Day – All Are Welcome!
Update your information for the latest announcements and mailings on all the exciting activities at SRV.
Campus Corner
We were fortunate to get two new lambs just in time for this year’s May Fair! One is a Shropshire, one a Shropshire/Dorset mix. All the children were involved in the naming process and after much deliberation and voting, they selected the names Dawn and Dusk.
In late May, children in third grade and above participated in SRV’s Track and Field Days. Events included the 50 meter dash, 50 meter hurdles, 1500 meter run, long jump, high jump, shotput and javelin. Track and Field days, begun in 1982, are a relaxed and fun time when children are encouraged to strive for their personal best performances. Rather than competing with each other, the children work against the clock and the tape measure as they attempt to beat their personal best achievements.
We are thrilled to announce that Carlye Nelson-Major, principal, was recently honored by being awarded a fellowship to study at Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center for Independent School Education this winter. Carlye was chosen from heads of school applicants from all over the country and will immerse herself in this incredible professional development opportunity next January.
First and second grade teacher, Sara Posey, will be presenting research she co-authored with Anne Renninger, Chair of the Department of Education at Swarthmore College at the 36th annual meeting of the Jean Piaget Society in Baltimore this June. The title of the presentation is, “Don’t be shy, sing, stand tall. . .stand tall means you can do it.”: Self-Efficacy and Learning in an Out-of-School Choral Training Program. For more information, go to www.piaget.org.
The computer lab is going high tech! Thanks to a special grant, SRV will be getting a state-of-the-art SMARTboard, which is an interactive whiteboard with a touch-sensitive, interactive display that connects to a computer. The computer image is digitally projected onto the big screen. Users can control computer applications directly from the display screen, write notes in digital “ink” and save their work to share later. Research findings from the U.S., the U.K., Australia and Canada indicate that interactive whiteboards benefit student engagement, learner motivation and knowledge retention. The technology has also been successful in reaching students with a variety of learning styles, including those with special needs.
From The Archives
Gardening, an important SRV tradition yesterday and today!
Students work on an outdoor planting project (see the apple trees in the background?) c. 1940s.
SRV’s Alumni News
We recently heard from many SRV grads who are now graduating from either college or high school. Below is an update as well as info on some of our older alumni. For more information about alumni and their whereabouts, go to the Alumni portion of our website. If you are an alum yourself (or know one you could pass this on to), please be sure to update your contact information with us by emailing it to development or by logging onto the Alumni Email Directory on the web site. We want to know how you’re doing, what your up to and if you have news to share. Come back and visit anytime!
Class of 1938: Judith W. M. is traveling with her husband whenever they can. They went on a safari trip last year and plan an Elder hostel to Mayan country. She credits her interest in Archaeology to SRV. They have three grandchildren; one is graduated from college, another a junior and the last just started community college.
Class of 1996: Jessie A. graduated from Tufts University. Bea B. graduated from Haverford College.
Investing in SRV’s Future
To date, alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends have contributed $128,590 towards SRV’s 2005-2006 Annual Fund Campaign. This is our most successful campaign to date – raising over $50,000 more than last year’s! Thank you to all of our dedicated donors and volunteers for your part in this success. You are making it possible for this little school to continue to provide wonderful experiences for children every day. The campaign ends on June 30th. If you have not yet had a chance to show your support of SRV’s teachers, students, educational program, Organic Garden and Learning Center, building and campus renovations, and more, please contact our Director of Resource Development, Karla, at 610-566-1088 or visit our web site to learn more: www.theschoolinrosevalley.org. before June 30th!
