From Our Director

Winter was slow to arrive this year although it sure has made its beautiful presence known in January on the palouse. This month's Design Principle is Solitude and Reflection: Students and teachers need time alone to explore their own thoughts, make their own connections, and create their own ideas. They also need time to exchange their reflections with other students and with adults. January is the perfect month with its shorter days and beautiful weather to focus on this design principle. Today in our middle school community circle, students took time to practice solitude and reflection thinking and reflecting on the following question stems with peers.

• What is one thing you have learned about yourself as you have engaged in solitude and reflection?

• What is one question about yourself that you can explore using solitude and reflection this year?

As a staff, we have dedicated a lot of time to reflect on our EL practices as we engage in the EL credential renewal process. We are in the final stages of preparing for our presentation to the EL team on January 29th. We greatly appreciate the support from students and families throughout this process. Students and families have participated in filming to help tell our story for the presentation and we have 16 students participating in focus groups the day of the presentation. As I reflect on this process, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the amount of dedication and support from our Palouse Prairie community. Palouse Prairie, its students and families are truly special. The EL model brings to life a three-dimensional vision of student achievement that includes mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high quality student work. It promotes active classrooms that are alive with discovery, problem-solving, challenge and collaboration. Together our students build a better world. Our presentation will be held at school on January 29th from 1:00-4:00. Three EL staff members will join us in person, and others will join virtually. The presentation will be recorded and we will share it on the website after completion.

Construction continues on our MPR expansion project. Although I don’t have a new estimated completion date, It looks like the flooring will go in at the end of the month. When it is completed it will make a huge difference for PE, lunch, music, community circle, gallery night, back to school night, middle school dances, and so much more. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we continue on our construction journey.

In crew,

Sara Beggs