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Honeybee Howler, 3/10/10

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Eagle News, 3/8/10

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Follow Your Passions!

Submitted by Nadine Fiedler on Fri, 03/05/2010 - 4:52pm
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By Lark P. Palma, PhD, Head of School

From the Winter 2010 Caller

Five o’clock on a South Carolina summer morning. My rounds started early, for a young girl. First I took care of my horse, Cricket—feeding, mucking, a ride on the beach, then out to pasture. Then I attended to my 35 rabbits, gathered eggs from the six red hens that scratched around the house, and released the ducks to the creek. Finally I wrangled Thistle the collie and Ginger the lamb for walks on their leashes.

Animals were my first great passion—and my parents allowed me to have them if I cared for them well and showed responsibility. I was filled with the same passion when I first played school in my room, lining up all of my stuffed animals and dolls, assigning arbitrary grades from A to F and relegating some to smart status, some not so smart. At school I watched with rapt attention how my teachers would teach us. At home I would either try to do it the same way or try to modify the techniques that didn’t work for my little class.

It was not until I became a teacher myself that I understood that, as someone with a passion for teaching, I could go beyond what’s expected and work with students to realize their own personal goals and passions. I finally saw that the very best model for teaching and learning centers on the relationship between the student and the teacher. What happens collectively as a class is important, but the one-on-one time a student and teacher have together is the most critical element.

It was a breakthrough for me when I realized that and learned—thanks to Roland Barthes, John Dewey, and others—that children are not receptacles for knowledge from adults, but teeming petri dishes of their own ideas and imaginations. How little my teachers in the fifties and sixties understood that—although teachers in Ruth Catlin and Priscilla Gabel’s schools certainly did get it.

Catlin Gabel is a school where teachers are drawn to teach, and we select them to do so, because they understand how children’s minds work, and they want to be surrounded by colleagues who feel the same.

This Caller is filled with stories of alumni and students who have pursued interests, passions, and yes, even obsessions. Graduates who fall into this category are legion, and the students and alumni represented here are just a small sample. Why would a school of this size produce so many people who lead with their passions and know themselves well enough to do that?

For one, Catlin Gabel provides an unfettered, free-ranging approach to solving problems, approaching assignments, and celebrating process over product. I learned to be a good rider because I studied my horse, paying heed to her temperament and the look in her eye, and treating her in a way that reflects that knowledge. In the same way, the students profiled here, whether involved in a sport, an academic pursuit, or an art, learn the value of deep concentration and focused attention. For example, visual artists, like the ones you’ll read about, see relationships among all disciplines, in color and in shapes, and takes those elements to create an original. But mostly, we at Catlin Gabel encourage students fully and unabashedly to follow their passions. And of course, there is the child herself, who has the gift inside. Parents, teachers, and the overarching ethos of the school only undergird those passions.

Alumnus, alumna, or current student, their uniqueness binds us all together and makes for a very, very interesting place to teach. Enjoy these stories.

 

Viola Vaughn from Sénégal to speak at Catlin Gabel on April 7

Submitted by Spencer White on Thu, 03/04/2010 - 10:18pm
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Vaughn, a CNN "Hero," is founder & director of 10,000 Girls, dedicated to the education of girls

Viola Vaughn, founder and executive director of the nonprofit 10,000 Girls (http://10000girls.org) in Kaolack, Sénégal, West Africa, will speak at Catlin Gabel on Wednesday, April 7, at 12:45 p.m. in the Middle School Commons during her tour of the United States.

Vaughn is an American with an Ed.D. from Columbia University who received a CNN “Hero” award in 2008. She is a social entrepreneur who has built 10,000 Girls from an idea to a vibrant program currently serving 2,567 girls in 10 towns and villages in rural Sénégal. She periodically tours the U.S., speaking and participating in conferences to raise awareness of her organization's success in helping West African girls succeed as students and entrepreneurs. During her time in Portland Vaughn will also speak at Portland State University.

YouTube video of Viola Vaughn #1                     YouTube video of Viola Vaughn #2

10,000 Girls has two primary programs: after-school education and skill-building, helping girls stay in school and complete their educations; and entrepreneurship, teaching a craft or trade and business basics to older girls who have already left school and need life skills to become self-reliant. The educational component provides tutoring and resources to help girls succeed in school. Older girls, who are no longer in school, learn sewing, baking, and other marketable skills, creating products such as dolls and table linens, which they sell locally and online. The girls also grow, harvest, and produce hibiscus, which they transform into tea and hope to export to the U.S. as Certified Organic. The girls in the entrepreneurial program have decided to donate nearly 50% of their earnings to the program, making 10,000 Girls entirely self-sustainable. In Sénégal – where 54% of the citizens live below poverty and 48% are unemployed  – 10,000 Girls transforms the lives of  participating girls and their families.

The dynamic Viola Vaughn, a long-time resident of Sénégal, dramatically describes the challenges and joys of running 10,000 Girls and speaks with passion about her organization's mission. She can relay fascinating stories, including how she convinced banks to open accounts for young girls, a first in Sénégal; why the girls chose to bake and sell cookies to raise money (like America's Girl Scouts); and the what poignant questions the girls pose at summer Democracy Camps in  Sénégal. 
 
In Portland, Violla Vaughn hopes to connect with individuals and organizations interested in the education of girls, as well as with businesses that might want to sell 10,000 Girls' products. She will also encourage individuals intending to volunteer for 10,000 Girls in Senegal.   
 

Honeybee Howler, 3/1/10

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Mock trial team advances to state

Submitted by Karen Katz on Sun, 02/28/2010 - 8:08pm
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Both the blue and white mock trial teams had a great day at the 2010 regional trial. The Blue Team advances to state to compete against the best teams in Oregon. This year’s case, State v. Lane, is a criminal case where the defendant, a rap artist, is charged with inciting a riot and arson.

Congratulations to Catlin Blue team members Talbot Andrews, Conor Carlton, Becky Coulterpark, Eli Coon, Nina Greenebaum, Andrew Hungate, Grace McMurchie, Kate McMurchie, Megan Stater, and Leah Thompson.

Catlin White team members include Rohisha Adke, Amanda Cahn, Rachel Caron, Audrey Davis, Layla Entrikin, Brian Farci, James Furnary, Mira Hayward, Thalia Kelly, Jackson Morawski, Grant Phillips, Charlie Shoemaker, Henry Shulevitz, Curtis Stahl, Lynne Stracovsky, Terrance Sun, Karuna Tirumala, and Michael Zhu.
 

Students lead CG response to Haiti earthquake, community raises $28,000

Submitted by Karen Katz on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 3:31pm
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The world looked on in horror when the January 12 earthquake rocked Haiti. Immediately, Catlin Gabel students of all ages got to work organizing fundraisers to help the devastated island. Alumna Caitlin Carlson ’00, communications officer for Mercy Corps, came to campus to talk to about the essential need for cash in the coming months. We set up a web page aimed at inspiring students and consolidating our community efforts. Student-led bake sales and the Lower School read-a-thon raised $28,000 for Haitian earthquake relief. Our contributions will make a difference in Haiti: $16 provides a child’s "comfort kit” that includes a blanket, sketchpad, crayons and toys, $43 buys 110 pounds of rice, and $75 equips a Port-au-Prince resident for two weeks of recovery work.

Eagle News, 3/1/10

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Eagle News, 2/23/10

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February 23, 2010

Calendar

February

25  NutureShock Book Discussion, Chapters 6 and 7, After drop-off in the Well

March

4-5  *No BS/LS Classes - Parent - Teacher Conferences

5  Viewfinder Global Film Series

13  GAMBOL

20 - 28  No School - Spring Break

29  Classes Resume

April

16  Viewfinder Global Film Series

30  Spring Parade

May

2 Spring Festival, (Beehivers lead off the festivities with a parade.)

25-26  Kindergarten Parent - Teacher Conferences (optional)

28   *No BS or LS Classes - Report writing day

31    No School - Memorial Day

*Prearranged childcare available as space permits

 View as a Webpage

 BEGINNING SCHOOL ART SHOW
FEBRUARY 22 - MARCH 29
CABELL CENTER

Heads-up!

•100 Collections are due.

•Parent conference forms are due.

•Star Words this week are "at" and "to."

•Scholastic book orders due Friday, Feb. 26
 

Dear Parents,

Day 100

We are celebrating Day 100 throughout the week! The real day 100 took place today with a special visit from Zero the Hero who will receive the famous Day 100 cake that the Eagles baked in the morning. We will also be commemorating Day 100 with special crowns, a final page for our 100 Dot book, and various activities that focus on this important number. We are now in the midst of hearing the personal stories behind each 100 collection. How did they choose their collection? Where did they do their counting? Did they count by tens or ones? Everyone receives questions and compliments from classmates. We will then use these collections during math times before we begin to turn them into sculptures.   We look with pride on these Eagles who have grown individually and as a group over the past 100 days. We are very glad to have many weeks left to spend with them. Day 100 is NOT the last day of school. It will be a fun-filled week in the classroom.
 

Good-bye Post Office

Last Friday morning the children opened all of the Valentine cards that had been mailed to them through the Eagle Post Office. What a flurry of “thank you”, “thank you” as they opened each card and realized which friend had sent it to them. They were quick to return any envelope to its rightful owner that had been mistakenly mailed to their post office box. They collected their cards and pored over them with classmates back at tables after the initial opening event. It was a very sweet conclusion to a great project!
 

Little Eagle Creek

The children are becoming reconnected to the creek that Eagles created last year. During their time in the Project Corner they are exploring the creek without water, and then with water. A “language” unique to the creek environment is being created, and then creek adventures with additional manipulative materials will be introduced. We want to observe where the interest lies, what children have similar creek interests, and how we can facilitate them back in the classroom. Stay tuned.
  
 

Parent Conferences

Have you turned in your conference form? Please take a moment to think about your important conference questions. We want to hear from you. We are completing “chats” with all the children for the second time this year. We can see the progress that everyone has made, and the exact places that need to be emphasized throughout the spring months.
 

Scholastic Book Orders

Scholastic book orders are being sent home today. Please return by Friday, February 26.
 

Friendly Reminder...

During Friday Sing, children are to sit with their own parent. If parents are unable to attend, all children sit with teachers on the inside steps of the Well. Parents, we count on you to help your child sing and encourage appropriate audience behavior. Please redirect them if it becomes necessary, and interrupt behavior that is getting in the way of them doing their best. It’s probably important that you and your child each have his/her own chair. Laps invite snuggling and this is really a singing activity.
 

First Grade Parent Orientation Meeting
(for parents of current Kindergarten students)

When:  Thursday, April 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: The first grade classroom in the Lower School

Come and meet the First Grade Team and learn about the transition from the Beginning School to the Lower School!  John Mayer, Mimi Tang and Fran Snell will talk and give an overview of first grade.

Mimi will be on leave to be with her baby (due mid-May) next fall; we are thrilled Fran, a teacher here for a number of years, will be able to teach for her. Fran knows your children as she has subbed in the Beginning School this school year! 

Have a great week,

The Kindergarten Team

 

Chinese New Year Celebration in the Barn
Tuesday, February 23

Come celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Barn on Tuesday from 3:15 to 4:15. This year's celebration is very special because a dance troupe from Beijing will come celebrate the Chinese New Year with us.   Stop by for games, rice balls, arts, crafts, and yo-yo and dance performance.

 

NutureShock Book Discussion

Dear Beehive Families,
 
Next Thursday morning, February 25, after drop-off we will be discussing two more chapters of NurtureShock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman.  By request, we will look at Chapters 6 (The Sibling Effect) and 7 (The Science of Teen Rebellion).  Please join us for a lively conversation!
 
Best,
Hannah
 
 

Bus Alert!

Catlin Gabel’s AM and PM route bus service will not run during Experiential Days, Breakaway or Winterim, Tuesday, March 16 through Friday, March 19.

 

Do you turn left into Catlin Gabel from Barnes Road? If so, read on!

It has been reported that a police officer has ticketed one of our parents for pulling into the left turn lane too early. Since many of us deal with this issue on a daily basis, we wanted to let you know that it could be a $271 mistake....

 

Model Railroad Club Open House

What has 34 wheels, generates more than 5,000 horse power, weighs 1.2 million pounds, can travel 80 miles per hour, and runs on water?

Answer: The largest steam locomotive ever built, the Alco 4-8-8-4 Big Boy.

Come see this and more than 30 other locomotives running in HO scale at the Catlin Gabel Model Railroad Club’s sixth anniversary open house. See the town lit up as well as the six- stall roundhouse. If you want to know how cool the train setup is, just ask the Beginning School Honeybees who recently visited the club.

Thursday, March 4, 3 – 6 p.m.
Friday, March 5, 3 – 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 6, 1 – 5 p.m.

Basement of the Catlin Gabel caretaker’s house at 8685 SW Barnes Rd.
Top of the hill behind the facilities building
Look for the yellow sign on the door leading to the basement.

It’s FREE, FUN and TOTALLY COOL!

 

Take Kindle for a Spin

Overnight checkout available through IT department.

The Information Technology department now has an Amazon Kindle available to families for overnight checkout to evaluate whether or not they might wish to purchase one. The IT office is located in the upper level of the Vollum Humanities Building. Please email IT@catlin.edu if you wish to reserve the Kindle.

At this time, we do not anticipate formal school adoption of the Kindle or other electronic book reader, but we would like to support families that are interested in them.
 

Learn more about Kindle features at http://www.catlin.edu/news/take-kindle-for-a-spin-courtesy-of-it-department

 

 

Gambol Auction News

Thank you Donors
Donations are closed. Thanks to the generosity of our donors we have fantastic auction items to offer. Look forward to more party and activity sign-ups than ever before, a full-bodied wine auction, and a live auction that will knock your socks off! Our catalog is going to print next week and we will preview the items on the website soon.

Registration
Tickets are selling fast and tables are filling up. Don’t miss out on the biggest party of the year. Buy your ticket here!


Organize a Table
If there is a specific group you would like to sit with at the Gambol, the auction office needs to know. Please fill out the Table Captain form and return to the auction office as soon as possible. Don’t have a group to sit with? No worries, we will make sure you have a great seat.

Volunteer Sign-up Open
Organizing a successful auction takes thoughtful preparation and dedication. Proceeds from the Gambol auction directly support our teachers and students. We rely on the generous volunteer support of our community to pull off this big party.

Please take a moment to review the volunteer opportunities that are available to help before, during, and after the Gambol event. Volunteer sign-up available here.
More information? Visit the website  or contact the auction office at gambol@catlin.edu