There is no better interruption in my day at school than when les etudients knock on my door with something to show me.  How can I not drop whatever I am doing (an email, a meeting, a phone call) and welcome them in? Look at them bursting in through my door, these eager sixth graders from Monsieur Saunoi's French class. They're making the rounds, reading their assignments to various adults throughout the school - week one of school!  M. Saunoi has them do this because they generally ratchet up the level a bit when they have to present to someone other than him.

But for me, it's just fun. A  nice break from the day.  See?

How can you not smile when you see these happy faces, showing off their work for some unseen audience - you, dear readers?  Each in turn is reading me a list of what they like - "J'aime les frites" - and don't like - "Je n'aime pas les insectes."  Complete with accompanying artwork.  "J'aime ecouter les etudiants," I respond, using four of the 12 French words I remember from years ago.

Sometime later, same day, I have the bug and need another break from the administrative routine.  I hop in my car and drive to Lake Elmo Park Reserve to catch up with the fourth grade.  I arrive in time to tell them all how important this day is for them and for the school.  It's the annual day-long conflict manager's retreat.

They are now our newest group of young leaders, ready to serve during Lower School recess.  Ms. Woodruff, Ms. Greeley, Mr. Clear, Ms. Stacy and Ms. Kalmoe are guiding them through the process of learning how to help younger students resolve conflicts that arise between them.

Note how dedicated Ms. Greeley and Ms. Woodruff are to creating cohesion among these young leaders.

Fourth grade boys stepping up.

All this, and it's  just the first week of school....

 - Mike Downs

(Click here to read Ms. Greeley's fuller account and see pictures of the fourth grade field trip.)