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We are looking forward to a wonder year together filled with excitement and adventure. We hope that the narrative below will help facilitate more conversations with you and your child and perhaps give you a better picture as to some of what we share during our time together. "Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment." Taylor Vancil |
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Classroom Highlights
September 25, 2025
Dear Thistle Families,
What a wonderful start to our new school year! Over the past few weeks, we have welcomed new families into our community and joyfully reconnected with familiar faces. Together, we’ve been working on establishing our classroom routines, and the children have adjusted beautifully.
Each morning begins with such delight as the children greet one another out on the playground. Soon, we will also open our school’s beautiful new labyrinth as a morning arrival option. What a peaceful way to begin the day and set a mindful tone!
Transitions can be challenging, but our Thistle community is settling in with joy, enthusiasm, and perseverance. It is inspiring to see children, regardless of age, choosing work with such dedication and pride. One of the most heartwarming things to witness is how quickly they step in to help one another by offering a kind word, a gentle hand, or guidance with a new material.
This week, our Kindergarteners have especially shone. With great pride, they have been invited to sit on the “lesson stool” and share lessons with younger children. For some time now, the Kindergarteners have been looking forward to passing along skills they have worked so hard to master over the years. Their leadership and care set such a beautiful example for our community.
We also had the joy of coming together as a whole school to celebrate International Peace Day. Our community gathered in the courtyard to sing, led by Lower Elementary guide Carey Wendell, who reminded us of the daily role each of us plays in cultivating peace. She spoke beautifully about the gift of calling Northern Michigan our home and encouraged us to hold close in our thoughts those around the world who may not share such fortunate circumstances. It was a moving reminder of the power of unity and compassion.
Our Thistle classroom would not be the same without each and every child. Together, we create a space full of curiosity, kindness, and growth. I look forward to the many “firsts” your child will experience this year, the challenges they will overcome, and the meaningful connections we will build as a community.
Look for an attachment to Classroom Highlights each month as I usually put a .pdf of songs we have been singing in the classroom! Ask your child if they can sing them with you or to you!