October 10, 2008

Dear Parents,

We had a packed house in morning meeting earlier today. We were happy to host so many grandparents today, and I trust that they will enjoy not only the exceptional company of their grandchildren but also the bracing lessons from our teachers in morning classes. Many thanks to Melissa Padgett for putting this day together!

On September 29th, we had the great fortunate of hosting Dr. Michael Murray, a KU professor who works with the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in France/Swiss. Most of our upper school was in attendance to hear Dr. Murray speak of the work being done at CERN, as well as some light conversation about String Theory, black holes, and tearing the fabric of space. It was truly a compelling experience, and I thank Dr. Brunfeldt for making the session possible.

Please don’t forget that Spain Trip deposits are due on Monday. This will be a critical date for determining if the trip will go forth this year.

Our fall Open House occurs on Sunday from 2-4 pm. I am very grateful to students who have volunteered to tour our prospective families on Sunday. Any parents who would like to be involved in this process are definitely encouraged to attend.

As many of you know, Mrs. Asher is expecting twins very soon, and she officially left us last Friday to go on maternity leave. She will be missed in the weeks ahead, but she will be in our thoughts, and we look forward to her return in the near future. Mrs. Asher’s tutorial will be organizing a meals delivery, and if you are interested in contributing a meal to the family after the twins come home, please e-mail Judith Galas and she or a member of the tutorial will be in touch.

Following up on last Friday’s letter, Ms. Galas will be meeting at 4:30 pm Sunday after the Open House with any parents who would like to discuss the issue of text-messaging and possibly e-mail communication among students. The meeting will last no more that 45 minutes. Parents may bring students or come alone.

The students are not the only ones who can feel the negative side-effects of technology. This may be the Information Age, but I wonder what we have sacrificed to be so connected. With the various gadgets we carry around with us during the day, we are becoming far too available to everyone constantly. I-pods, cell phones, and internet technology seem to drive people increasingly out of the present and actual space at hand and into a virtual, rushed, and unfocused world. But, then, without e-mail, how could you enjoy the Friday Letter?

I hope after such a busy week—with less than satisfactory national and world news—you have the opportunity this weekend to take some time to relax with your family and to enjoy your surroundings. Enjoy the season and look after yourselves. Monday is another day.

Yours respectfully,

Dr. Schawang