Week Twelve

This week was the semi-annual Parents Weekend which spans over the course of four days.  Parents arrived on campus Thursday afternoon just in time to view the art gallery set up in boy’s dorm.  Parents were introduced to our dinner circle and cacique rituals after the gallery.  This dinner created an opportunity for parents of the same advisory group to get to know each other.  After a delicious meal and exciting reunion, parents went to their respective houses for the night. 

Welcome to Parents Weekend!

The next day began with water polo and yoga exercise options to help us prepare for our rigorous research presentations.  The morning consisted of all of the research groups presenting their results and knowledge.  Each group did a great job, despite the nervous anticipation.  This morning was the start of the infamous chair shuffle.  The presentations were followed with parent-teacher conferences, which gave our parents an opportunity to observe the work we have done the past semester.  Students were allowed to sign-out with their parents to spend quality family time in the afternoon. After this, the students prepared for Junkanoo by creating their colorful costumes.  We were all filled with excitement throughout dinner.  The parents came back for dinner which was followed by more Junkanoo prep—getting changed into our costumes.  A select few Preston H. Albury High School students joined us for the duration of the Junkanoo celebration.  After the celebration, parents went to their houses and students got their much needed sleep. 

Research presentations

Junkanoo celebration

The next morning started with a community-wide run to High Rock.  Parents joined in by running, walking, biking, and driving to High Rock.  We cooled off by jumping in and then made our way back to campus.  Back on campus, the director’s presentation was held so that parents could gain knowledge of our community.  Advisory meetings were held shortly before lunch.  Students could then sign out to participate in school-directed activities of their own.  These activities included scuba diving, free diving, shark surgery, and kayaking.  That night was the long anticipated coffeehouse!  Acts were performed by children and parents alike.  Students performed songs, miming acts, and raps about the funk box (The Island School lost and found).  For a nice finish, Eric English performed a song that the students have all come to know and love.  The night was closed with a slideshow which included pictures taken throughout the weekend.  Students were all reminded of our limited time here, and are still trying to take advantage of what’s left. 

Sunday was an opportunity for students to spend time with their families.  Families went down island, to Lighthouse Beach, or just hung out for the day.  Having to say goodbye to their parents that evening, some students were sad, but were glad to come back to the comfort of our Island School home. 

Shoutouts

Suz:  HEY GUYS how’s CT, cold? It’s hot down here.  I really miss you all.  Christian, I can’t wait to see you in two weeks, I love you and I have a lot of stories to tell you.  Take care of Andrew!  Mom and Dad, it was so good to see you! You too Caro, I miss you!  I hope the 8’s doing OK without me, I miss you all!  I hope everything’s good back at the farm (including soccer!)! Gracie, it better be ready for me to come back!  I love you and Ken and Ray and Ally and Jo, I miss you so much too!

Fran:  Mom, Dad, Meghan and Conor: it was so great to see you guys last weekend.  I can’t believe that I will be coming home in two weeks, but cannot wait to see you.  Kara, Sara, Jordan, and Kelsey: how is school?  I hope that you are having a good Thanksgiving break, unfortunately have classes on and through Thanksgiving, but life goes on.  Best of luck with winter sports and I will be back before you (or I) can believe it.  Miss you all and see you soon!!!!!! XOXO

Frankie:  Hey everyone!  I’m having an amazing time here.  I’ll being seeing you guys within a month, I can’t wait.  Family--It was so great to see you guys at Parents Weekend, hope you had a good time.  Grandparents--Thanks for all the cards, I really appreciate it, can’t wait to see you guys at Christmas. EGR friends--Hope you’re having a great school year. I can’t wait to see everyone in December.  Until then, I hope all is well.