As we wrap-up our second week of school, transitioning students, families and staff into a well- deserved long weekend, we reminisce on what we have accomplished over the past 12 days of school. A wonderfully attended Open House, the launching of an electronic Parent-Teacher Conference sign-up, and the cultivating of safe, challenging and joyous classrooms as a foundation for learning. Wow! On behalf of the Meramec faculty and staff what resonates most is a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to our Meramec Elementary School parents who’ve supported the onset of yet another new school year. A plethora of talent and resources exist broadly in our school community, and thus; your gifts and talents given thus far are sincerely appreciated. The depth of support, collaboration, and hospitality you have extended to us in support of our shared vision around what we want most for our children is truly the foundation for the makings of a strong partnership between home and school.  What an exciting school year this will be.

Moving forward into the school year, welcoming what I am sure will be an abundance of beautiful days, much like today, in which the sound of children laughing and playing are true delights to those of us who are able to observe and interact with them at play out at recess; what a pleasure it is to those who delight in communities that foster and appreciate joyous, happy, children. Children whose hopes and dreams propel us forward, deeply committed to ensuring that they are equipped to pursue their hopes and dreams, afforded by an optimal educational. Thus I, and the team here at Meramec are compelled to provide our children with a highly productive—engaging learning environment, rich with opportunities to discover, investigate and explore, as they construct those artifacts that will equip them with rich experiences that cultivate critical thinking.

As we plan for this year, reflectively it is important to note that in the field of education we realize the importance of meaningful experiences as a pathway to learning. These experiences afford our students strategies for finding and solving problems. Through vehicles such as cooperative learning, flexible grouping, and critical thinking activities we desire to actively participate and scaffold for children in a manner that fosters their development on a continuum. In the midst of these academic revelations, my role as the building administrator may, at times, take on the nuance of facilitator of learning, supervisor of learning, and even collaborative learning partner, ever changing and evolving in order to adjust to the learning experiences that necessitate a new construct for students

In addition to intellectual knowledge, we highly value those essential elements of emotional intelligence (E.Q.) that allow our students to become responsible members of society. In order to develop conscientious and capable citizens, our primary attention is given to the student, supported by the teacher, school, a balanced curriculum, and you, all in a manner that engulfs the school as a learning community that values social-emotional growth as well as that of academics. Thus, we are very excited that next week Meramec staff and students will participate in our first family groups where students meet with staff, clustered as small families with a learning activity that incorporates the Meramec 5. Additional, ongoing activities this year spearheaded by our Character Council will also provide us many venues in which to further foster character development for all.

As educators we are inspired to continue the practice of stimulating the emotional and intellectual curiosities of children as they endeavor to construct knowledge, actively engage in conversation and willingly contribute to the collaborative process that affords us all opportunities to advance our learning as a community. Do plan to join us for very important partnership days in which we collectively will dialogue about important instructional aspects relative to teaching and learning this year. Next week, in conjunction with the launching of our Math-in-Focus, we will be hosting one of three District level math parent information nights. Shortly after that, on Tuesday, September 18^th, I will host our first of the year, Parent-Principal Dialogue. Do consider attending as we begin to unpack essential data pieces relative to student performance at Meramec.  

It is very rewarding to be able to participate in the educational realm of raising children. I consider a school community to not just be a place for academic and cultural exchange, but a place for making friends, sharing ideas, and developing a respect for humanity. With a shared belief that ALL children can learn, and therefore should be given fair and equal opportunities to learn as much as possible, each child, every day. 

Very Warm Regards,  

Lisa Jackson-Terry
Meramec Elementary School Principal