Rise and Read & Barnes' Bistro

What do baseball players and pianists have in common? In order to get better at what they do, they have to practice. Similarly, in order for anyone to become a better reader, they have to practice. We know it is important for students to have opportunities to build their love of reading by having time to practice reading books of their own choosing.

This is where Rise and Read comes in. From 9:00-9:20 every day, every student and adult at KES are reading. The atmosphere in our learning community has transformed with the implementation of this designated time. We are talking more about books. When I ask students what they are reading, they eagerly tell me about their latest read and make recommendations to me about what I should read next. Students stop me in the hall and ask me what I am reading. As a leader in our learning community, I consider this blissful.

Another highlight to the start of our school year is my interactions with students during Barnes' Bistro.  This is an annual tradition during which I invite six students at a time to have lunch with me in my office. We play soft music and dim the lights...hence the transformation into the "Bistro." It is a great opportunity for me to build relationships with students, and something they have come to look forward to each fall.

As we look toward the end of the month, the following guidelines will help you prepare for our Halloween parade scheduled for October 27. (More details will be shared closer to the date of the parade).

• Masks, excessive face paint, or other props that disguise student faces are not permitted.

• Weapons, replicas of weapons, violent themes and the like are prohibited.

• If you intend to take your student home directly after the parade, you MUST send in a note on or before Thursday, October 26.  PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  

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