Dear Families:

Wow, what an exciting and busy time of year!

Before I elaborate, reminder: please complete the Parent Survey by next Thursday, May 24! Your child will be eligible to win a lottery prize if you click here to complete and submit the survey.  

Since we last spoke, eight Del Mar students competed in this year’s Margie Burke Speech Tournament with three getting awards: Kira Beck (Dramatic Interpretation), Sara Hubbard (Impromptu Speaking), and Katherine Cullen (Persuasive Speaking).

Del Mar had 95 medal winners at our recent Marin County Track and Field meet, with many more qualifying for the finals and many, many more participating in the regional meet.

This year’s trips to Yosemite and Ashland were a success, with student participants enjoying outdoor learning and fun.

We had three assemblies. Afro-Haitian Dance and Capoiera for 6/7th grade students and Michael Pritchard speaking with 8^th grade students on being advocates for themselves and others and their responsibility for creating a culture of care.

Michael Pritchard is a nationally renowned speaker whose messages are worth sharing with all:

• Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “It is not our enemies that hurt us the most. It is our friends that stand in idle witness.”
• “Don’t volunteer to be a victim.”
• Most students are witness to inappropriate language and conduct that unfortunately has become a cultural norm.  Creating a counter-culture of empathy and respect is hard work that requires courage, going out of one’s way, and taking a stand.

Eighth grade parents: ask your child more about the assembly;  I encourage you all to share and discuss these quotes and ideas with your child - these are big juicy topics that should lead to interesting conversation, challenge their common sense thinking and challenge them to be their best selves who can make a positive difference at school.

I invite you to the following upcoming events:

• Viewing of Misrepresentation tomorrow, Thursday in our school gym
• Parent education meeting with Drs. Allan and Alan on the transition to and from 8^th grade (Thursday, May 24 @ 8:30am in the Information Media Center)
• Spring Band, Steel Band Concert, and Guitar Concerts (May 30, 31, June 6)

Last but not least, congratulations to Jeff Brain, this year’s Golden Bell Award recipient from Del Mar!