Fall Letter to Parents from Karen
10/21/2019
Karen Brandt, Director of Upper School
Dear Upper School Parents,
Fall has finally arrived, and there is so much going on in the Upper School that I am excited to share with you!
In an ongoing effort to connect the Group rooms to the outside world, the Upper School has been quite busy engaging in field trips.
The XIIIs began the year by spending the day at Photoville in Brooklyn. Photoville is a powerful photography exhibit that is displayed in large shipping containers. The XIIIs were able to make connections in the social and political realm to their social studies curriculum. Additionally, I had the privilege of accompanying the XIIIs to Washington, DC this year. While we were in DC, we were fortunate to be able to spend the better part of the day in the African American Museum once again making connections to the rich curriculum in the XIIIs.
Witnessing the first XII’s dismissal with the IVs was truly inspirational. The XIIs were very well prepared, having first observed the IVs in their Group rooms, as well as meeting with Leore (our Upper School Psychologist), who spoke with the XIIs about the social emotional development of IVs. In 1969, Harriette Cuffaro (a teacher at C&C from 1954-1968) wrote her Masters thesis on the XIIs/IVs program. What she wrote 50 years ago still rings true today. “At a time when identity begins to be shaken, when self-image is uncertain, and the pull forward is almost cancelled for the yearning for time past, the spontaneous admiration and acceptance which the younger child gives naturally and unqualifiedly has a bolstering, sustaining effect.” In addition to their work with the IVs, the XIIs have also begun their collaboration with Daisy’s Pantry at the Church of the Village. The XIIs were busy on trips, visiting MoMath, the “Breathe with Me” exhibit in Central Park about climate change, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The XIs went on their annual trip to the Center for Book Arts to support their learning the intricacies of the printing press. The XIs made their research journals, which they will use for the rest of the year. They also had the opportunity to see other old printing presses, comparing them to C&C’s. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the XIs viewed Islamic art and paper, as well as Chinese calligraphy. Students also visited the Bowne & Co. Stationers. This fully functioning print shop has several different kinds of presses, and the XIs were able to churn out two prints to take home. This trip was just the tip of the printing iceberg, and their experiences helped the students to connect the artistry and utility of their Job. Paper and moving type connects the XIs in their daily work, they have begun working on their winter cards project. Please stay tuned for when they go on sale!
As always, please reach out with any questions or stop by to introduce yourself.
Warm regards,
Karen
Director of Upper School
P.S., If you haven’t done so already, please consider subscribing to the River Yard Report, C&C’s XIIIs-run school newspaper. It’s a great way to support our students and get to know what’s going on at School.