Little Quakers prepare for their first Polar Express Parade

What a semester! We are so proud of our students and staff, and we are proud to say: we were in school, in-person, every day for the first semester! There have been challenges and disappointments. Our teachers must be exhausted, and all of our support teams have put in many hours to make all of this work But along the way, there was plenty of learning. And there was JOY. 

Many things may look different, but we still see smiles. And so as we prepare for some holiday time, we want to leave you with a few glimpses into the last few weeks. 

Mrs. Silver's Clarks Creek 4th grade class has been reading the The Family Under the Bridge, and the students were inspired by their discussion of homelessness to organize a canned goods and clothing drive among their 4th grade peers. In just three days they were able to collect 127 canned goods and five items of clothing to donate to the St. Mark's Food Pantry and My Daily Walk. 

Earlier this week brought the season's first snow to Plainfield, and while our youngest students are usually pretty excited to see snow, we sometimes forget that students of all ages might share that wonder. In fact, two PHS students experienced their first snow - ever. Moving here from Venezuela and Haiti, this marked a first for them; one was quick to make his first snow angel!

Yesterday was a big day for our youngest Quakers as Little Quakers Academy celebrated Polar Express Day. Students paraded through the preschool, proudly wearing the train cars that they (perhaps with some parental assistance) created just for the occasion. A short time later, they enjoyed the video story of the classic book, “The Polar Express.” While listening to the story, they were surprised by a very special visitor when Santa Claus himself stopped by to say hello. As he explained, his sleigh is filled with toys, so he borrowed a school bus for the special visit. 

From festive sweaters to ugly sweaters, elf costumes and holiday fun, the days before Christmas Break include plenty of learning, and plenty of fun. Even our remote learners got to see their teachers dressed in their best Elf attire.

As we wrap up this first semester, we wish each of you a safe, healthy and restful holiday, and a wonderful new year.