This Week, from Dr. Cuthbert | March 19

Dear Stoddert Parents,

What beautiful weather for a stroll around the new school! You’ll see amazing things happening. Just a quick update on the progress of the wonderful new school would include: installing drywall in the existing building (the original Stoddert), installing brick on the gym, installing curtain-wall (glass window wall system) on the West wing (North side), starting the brick laying in the administration wing, installing mechanical, electrical and plumbing, and installing water, sanitary, and storm lines on Calvert Street. It’s going to be so… amazing.

We’ve been busy receiving “intent forms” from those who were chosen in the lottery for next year’s Pre-K classes. If you have neighbors who won a Pre-K slot, please tell them to submit their intent forms by April 1. We have long waiting lists and many neighbors are still hoping to join us. Thanks to all returning parents who returned your intent forms stating if you will remain with us for next year. At all grade levels we are fortunate to have many who, at this time, would like to join us. Stay tuned for more information on reenrolling for next year.

On Thursday night, PTA hosted a great meeting with the Stoddert Green Team making a presentation with PEPCO, an address given by the Student Council president, and the previewing of the color schemes for the new building. More information will be coming on the web site about the ideas for the natural playground proposal, the proposed garden and projects, and other news about the opportunities coming at Stoddert that were also shared.

With respect to new ideas, some of you have read or been part of meetings where we began discussions about new learning opportunities around our proposed signature initiative, “Making a World of Difference in the Global Environment.” The basic idea is that Stoddert ES next year will have a brand-new school with state-of-the-art energy systems (deep wells to tap geothermal energy). We also will have a spacious green campus with many trees and space for a large garden. We have a wonderful environment and an amazing set of students and parents. We have students and families from 26 different nations. We also have many students from our military families who have lived in multiple states and countries. This combination of people and resources offers us the opportunity to create an international perspective on our environmental and energy themes. To summarize, we hope to tailor a signature educational program around the theme of an international perspective on environmental and energy issues, with the school offering students the chance for hands-on-activities that complement the lessons they learn in reading, math, science, and social studies. Please think of ideas and people who know about all these issues.  We want to learn more to teach more!

Have you bought your brick yet? Please think of doing so to support the PTA and to be a part of the new courtyard at Stoddert ES.

–Dr. Marjorie Cuthbert