Newsletter: February 12, 2010
February 12, 2010
Dear Pilgrim School families, First Church members, and Friends close and far,
Not surprisingly, my Pilgrim School re-entry has been a busy time! I am grateful for our strong Pilgrim team, which kept the school in tip-top shape while I wrote papers ranging from educational philosophy to the perennial question: “What is the correct amount of homework?” while at Columbia.
The week began with Pilgrim’s Winter Olympics, as our sixteen Colonies had fun competing against each other. The Colonies also made flags and had our portraits taken. I look forward to having them all framed and hung. Our Colonies have proven an immediate hit! A parent told me a story about her son being nervous before a concert he performed in at Coburn School of Music. From across the room, he saw a senior who was in his Colony, and was so excited he ran over to talk and got over his fears. This “inter-generational” time really benefits all of our students.
On Tuesday, students enjoyed organically grown local kiwis from the Tasty Treats Team. They will be back in two weeks, with another new fruit or vegetable for our community to try. The first fruit this year was a pomelo, which I had never before heard of. Last week, walking past the open-air markets of New York City with a fellow student, he pointed to a pile of pomelos asking, “What are these?” He was so impressed that I knew the answer, and even more impressed when he heard about our great program. Thanks to the Team, and to TAPPS for the funding.
On Wednesday we held two successful Visiting Authors Programs, one in Elementary, and the other for Secondary. Author Arden Moore brought two of her dogs and one of her cats, and spoke to our students in Kindergarten through third grade about how to care for animals. She is an engaging author and the children absolutely adored her as she taught them the “A, B, Cs” of approaching a strange dog. Her books are in the library, available to be checked out!
That afternoon we hosted three poets (William Archila, Andrea Scarpino and Jeffrey Schultz), who read their work to a packed audience in Amanda Scott, and spoke about how politics affects their work. The students were engaged in the poets’ stories about how they approach their work. I want to once again thank our literary patron, Jan Steeper, for her support. Charlotte Innes, our poet-in-residence, deserves enormous thanks for her steadfast work in creating and maintaining this quality program for Secondary students. Marjorie Clifton and Mary Lou Malphus have been creating the Elementary program with great success, as well. Thank you all!
Tomorrow night, please join Pilgrim parents Reno Wilson, Jerry Beckman, Kennedy Dixon, Mordecai Afflalo and Lisa Elliott as they pour their signature cocktails and offer up delicious munchies at a “Rent Party” to raise funds for Black History Month. There is a suggested donation of $20, and if you bring in an auction item for “Diamonds Are Forever,” you will receive a $5 discount! For more information on the Rent Party (which is from 6 to 10 pm), please contact Coco Wilson at cfausone@mac.com.
The “Diamonds Are Forever” team is getting very excited about the March 13 event. Pilgrim School is going Vegas, and may never be the same again! A poker tournament (Texas Hold ‘Em) will be part of the fun, along with a jazz band, international cuisine from Italy to India, and some auction wonderful items, such as:
o A diamond necklace from Sonya Ooten on Larchmont;
o Four tickets to the Black-Eyed Peas at Staples Center on March 29;
o A case of wine from the Napa vineyards of the Corley family;
o Tickets to “South Pacific” at the Ahmanson and dinner at
McCormick & Schmick’s;
o Go deep-sea diving with parent Barry Gleiberman. We’re chartering a boat!
o Gorgeous black pearl necklace (8 mm beads) with mother-of-pearl clasp.
Look for your invitation in the mail in the coming days, but watch out – there is a TOP SECRET element inside to help you get ready for a fun party!
Monday is President’s Day, and there is no school. All are invited on Wednesday to the TAPPS meeting at 8 a.m. in the Barnum Room.
Wednesday is also the next Dads Club meeting at the Jonathan Club, a single malt whisky tasting. The room is almost full, so if you are interested in being part of the group, let us know at rsvp@pilgrim-school.org.
Having dads involved in their children’s education is so important. In fact, it is one of President Obama’s issues. And getting the dads together to just be guys … well, that’s important, too. Trust me ladies, you probably don’t want to be around when there’s a big group of guys!
Since November, the Dads Club has raised approximately $40,000 for the Elementary and Middle School Science Center. Dads are giving from their own pockets, asking their parents for donations to the Center, and reaching out to their business contacts for donations. For example, Fernando Alberto does a lot of business with Forever 21, and they made a very nice donation to the Center. It takes a Pilgrim “village” and can-do spirit to continue to enhance our school.
Moms, I know you are on the front lines with your families, careers and volunteer work here at Pilgrim. We are planning a Moms Club with its own set of very special events – so stay tuned!
Have a wonderful weekend.
With best wishes,
Mark A. Brooks
Head of School
PS: Mrs. McDugald is looking for morning traffic volunteers. We would like to have two sets of helpers at drop-off so the line doesn’t back up. Please let her know if you are available. It’s a great way to meet other Pilgrim families!
LATE-BREAKING NEWS! Just in from Coach Sarafian: our soccer and boys basketball teams are both in the playoffs! We will know about the girls basketball team on Sunday. Go Patriots! Great work!
DATES TO REMEMBER
Saturday, February 13
“Rent Party” – party for a cause! Contact Coco Wilson for details.
Monday, February 15
President’s Day: No school.
Wednesday, February 17
8 am: TAPPS meeting, come one, come all!
Monday, February 22
All School Chapel
Multicultural Potluck Luncheon
Tuesday, February 23
Tasty Tuesday!
Friday, February 26
Re-enrollment contracts due
ATHLETICS SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 18, 2010:
Basketball @ First Lutheran (Venice)
Directions: 10 Frwy/ W to the 405 Frwy/ S to the 90 Frwy(W/Marina Frwy/ to Lincoln Blvd/ R to the school.
Game Time: 3:30pm
Return Time: 6:15pm
Tuesday, February 19, 2010:
Basketball @ Summit View West
12101 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles
Directions: 10 Frwy/ W to the 405 Frwy/ S to Washington Blvd. continue straight to Sawtelle Blvd/ R to W. Washington Blvd / L to the school
Game Time: 4:00 pm
Return Time: 6:15pm
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 (makeup game from 2/8)
Basketball vs. Hollywood Schoolhouse, home game
Game Time: 4:00pm (Note: This is a makeup date from 2/8.)
Thursday, March 4, 2010:
Basketball vs. Summit View West, home game
Game Time: 4:00pm
Tuesday, February 16:
Boys Varsity Soccer First Round CIF Playoffs
Location and Time: TBA
Wednesday, February 17:
Boys Varsity Basketball First Round CIF Playoffs
Location and time: TBA
3:30pm: Middle School Boys Basketball @ Pilibos
Thursday, February 18:
Girls Varsity Basketball First Round CIF Playoffs:
Location and Time: TBA
3:30: Hollywood/Wilshire Elementary Basketball game
at First Lutheran in Venice
Friday, February 19:
4 pm: Hollywood/Wilshire Elementary Basketball game
at Summit View West in Los Angeles.
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
March 13, 2010
Look in your mailbox, and remember: It’s TOP SECRET!
DADS CLUB UPDATE
Dads, there are only a few spots left for the single-malt whisky tasting next Wednesday. If you plan to attend, please let us know at rsvp@pilgrim-school.org.
And Moms, more on your club soon!
SECONDARY NEWS
The middle school enjoyed an evening of dancing and mingling with friends at the Mardi Gras Dance held at Pilgrim School last Friday. The Student Council would like to acknowledge Karen Goddy, Karen Hilaire, CC Lemann, Lori Jones , Georgia Kacandes, Jeannie Park and Tammy Wang for donating, food, fruit juices and drinks and beautiful Mardi Gras decor (CC Lemann). The students had a fabulous time and look forward to next year's dance that is sure to be a smash!
As part of the African American Film Festival, Secondary students watched "The Great Debaters" this week during lunch. Next week we are showing "Four Little Girls," which is about the church bombing in Birmingham in 1963.
The African American History essay contest is due on Friday, February 19, as well as their poster projects (for extra credit in history) for the African American History Museum. First Prize winners in the essay contest will earn $100 in cold cash, Second Prize earns $75, and Third prize earns $50. Parents can download information at web.me.com/jon.kidder/Site/Essay_and_Poster_Contest.html
LIBRARY CORNER
A new addition to the Secondary Library is Mare’s War by Tanita Davis. It tells of two teens who learn the meaning of true strength when they take a car trip with their grandmother Mare. She tells them about growing up black in the South in the 1940s and about her experience in an African-American regiment in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II.
The next Pilgrim Book Club meeting is March 10, 2010 at 7 p.m, where we will discuss the very popular novel The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson.
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Mrs. Lang writes:
On Thursday, the fifth grade went on a special field trip to the Griffith Observatory. The Griffith Observatory opens its doors especially for fifth graders each year. The students got to see how a meteor is made, watch a planetarium show, and explore other exhibits in the museum. They also enjoyed their picnic before heading back to school. Now they are even more excited about Astrocamp!
ELEMENTARY ART NEWS
Miss Alexy reports:
Love is in the air and in the hallways!
Come check out the fun valentines the 4th graders made. They are on display outside of the front office alongside some very colorful landscapes the 5th graders made.
The "Pilgrim Art Gallery" is up and running at the Silverlake Library. Go check out the show! The art looks great alongside all the new, shiny books! The library is located at the corner of Glendale Blvd. and Silverlake Blvd. in Silverlake.
WOW! The 2nd graders have finished the plaster phase of their puppets, and are ready to start painting them. We are working on the plot lines for the two puppet shows and let me tell you.......the plot is really thickening!
Speaking of puppets, if you have never been to the legendary Bob Baker Marionette Theater, I recommend it with all my heart. Bob Baker has run this theater for over 50 years. He is still there every weekend with his handcrafted marionettes. We don't know how long this cultural treasure will remain a part of Los Angeles, so go and see a puppet show and take a step back in time before DVDs, computer games, and cable TV entertained us. His marionettes are truly works of art.
http://www.bobbakermarionettes.com/
PARENT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
From parent Carmine Salvucci:
Friends,
I hope you will join us for the next presentation in our Children’s Bureau Leadership Speaker Series featuring Robin Sax. She is a very powerful speaker, renowned for her expertise on the topic of how to protect you and your family from Internet dangers.
Just click on the invitation below to make your reservation, and feel free to forward this along to friends. I hope to see you there!
Many thanks.
