Dear Families,

There is so much to celebrate in our classrooms right now! Each day, our students are engaged in meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen our community.

Beyond our daily classroom experiences, we are especially proud of the way our community comes together to enrich student learning. Guest speakers and community members continue to broaden our students’ perspectives and provide meaningful exposure to new ideas and experiences.

One of our recent guests, Connor Green, spent time with us in a way that left a lasting impact. Born blind and raised in China until being adopted and moving to the United States at 15, Connor shared his personal journey with honesty, warmth, and humor. During his visit to EA, he met with students in three separate half-hour sessions, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School, as well as joining the EC team on the playground, tailoring his message to each age group.

Students were able to ask thoughtful and heartfelt questions. They were curious about how he reads, how he navigates the world, what school was like for him, and what challenges and successes he has experienced. Connor answered each question openly, helping students better understand resilience, adaptability, and the power of perspective.

More than anything, his visit reminded us of the importance of empathy, perseverance, and embracing differences. It was inspiring to watch students engage so respectfully and thoughtfully, demonstrating the strong character that we work to cultivate every day.

This month, our Dance Program welcomed special guest dancer Irma B. Hofer, who worked with our kindergarten, lower elementary, and upper elementary students. Each class began with an energetic warm-up featuring a traditional Bachata from the Dominican Republic, building rhythm and coordination as students learned to move confidently to the music. From there, they transitioned into the lively Mexican Polka and explored several folk dances that required students to follow multi-step patterns, listen carefully, and collaborate as a team.

Students not only strengthened their dance skills but also deepened their understanding of cultural traditions through movement. The experience is beautifully connected to classroom learning, especially for our EC students who have been studying Central and South America. To celebrate their learning, all EC classes participated in a mini carnival celebration filled with music, dancing, and a joyful parade route that brought the rhythms and spirit of the regions to life. It was a vibrant and memorable experience for everyone involved!

We are grateful for the vibrant learning happening in our classrooms and for the community members who partner with us to expand our students’ horizons. Thank you for your continued support in making our school a place where curiosity thrives, kindness leads, and every learner is valued.

With appreciation,
Nate & Jessica