Pacing Ourselves

So, the students did a full 4.5 days this week working our way up to the

big 5 day next week. Some of you might prefer to load up on carbs on

Sunday, some have been front loading the vitamins, others might simply get

a lot of sleep, I will try all three and add plenty of hydration to the

mix so as not to wither away by Friday.

This week science classes were all prepping for upcoming labs either by

reviewing safety procedures or breaking down the scientific method. It

always enjoyable to go through classes of one specific content area

throughout all of the grades to see the similarity in expectations and yet

the differences in how students are exhibiting their knowledge as they

become more and more thoughtful and articulate as they progress each year.

I was also able to enjoy a fantastic presentation by one of our Stony

Brook parents who shared with students her work as an engineer and the

work her company is doing in the world of 3D printing. I honestly had no

idea that we were already able to print food using this technology. It was

great to have her visit some classes and we appreciate the time she was

able to donate to come in

and speak with our students. Many of us have jobs that we either didn't

consider, didn't know about, or didn't even exist when we were 12-14 years

old. Part of preparing out students for their futures means to expose them

both to professional worlds outside of their daily sphere of understanding

as well as encouraging them that we also had no reference point for many

of our careers when we were their ages.

In a few weeks we will have our curriculum nights (6th grade on 9/27 w/

7th & 8th grades on 10/6) which will provide you all an opportunity to

get a small sense of the students typical day here at Stony Brook. They

are not designed as conferences and do not afford opportunities to have

individual conversations about students like the meetings we will have in

December, but remember that you can contact teachers via email at any

point throughout the year if you have specific questions about student

work or concerns about progress.

Speaking of contact, many of you have heard me say already that the 50%

rule is very helpful in maintaining strong home to school communication (

for those of you who don't know...I'll explain it at curriculum night!).

If you hear something that simply doesn't sound right or conflicts with

what we express as our priorities as educators, please reach out to us

ask. Clarity can easily get lost in translation.

Next week, the construction taking place on Farmers' Way will include

excavating into the road to establish water lines connections near the

entrances to our parking lots.

A police detail will be present and it should not have a major impact on

our traffic, but they wanted to inform us ahead of time.  I appreciate

your patience in advance and if there are any concerns please contact me

and I will relay the information to the contractors.

Please take time to read the announcements I have included below for

resources and activities for our families.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Chris

Dr. Christopher Chew

Principal

Stony Brook School

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