e-Newsletter: October 2007

IN THIS ISSUE
Appreciations and Gratitude
Musical Musings and Other Alliterations
Full Value at PSCS
October - What's Happening

APPRECIATIONS AND GRATITUDE
Most large group meetings at PSCS end with time for people to share appreciations. The idea for this came many years ago as a way to generate positive energy at school. Since then, research has been done that shows how people who are grateful about specific things, who can easily recall positive moments rather than evoking disappointments and betrayals, tend to be more satisfied about the present. A lot of this work has been done by a man named Martin Seligman, Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center.

Seligman has developed a method for people wanting to raise awareness about the gratitude they feel. He suggests you remember a person who did something nice for you but you never completely or properly thanked. Write a letter to this person explaining in detailed terms why you feel grateful to them. Visit them in person and read your letter aloud. He says the action is incredibly powerful, often evoking tears. He calls these “gratitude visits.”

We got to thinking about this recently because PSCS director Andy Smallman received three separate emails, one from an alumnus and two from parents of alumni, right about the time school started. Each came unsolicited and carried strong appreciation for the school. And to share the gratitude, to spread the appreciation further, we offer them to you:

“I am in the middle of packing up all my stuff, moving to New York this weekend. On Monday I start a new job at Google. As I was packing, I ran across the 2005-2006 PSCS Annual Report. It was nice to see that. I especially enjoyed seeing the bit on alumni in the back. I just wanted to say thank you. Thanks for putting that out. And thanks for everything you have done with PSCS.”

“Best wishes for a wonderful new school year at PSCS. And heartfelt thanks again for the helpful influence that you and the school have been in my children’s lives. What a privilege it has been to have the local option of such a rare and wonderful school. Thanks again for all your wisdom and support.”

MUSICAL MUSINGS AND OTHER ALLITERATIONS
Ever heard of Luther Mayonnaise and the Miracle Whips? This is just one name suggested by students for the new student band forming at PSCS. New staff members Liana and Scobie knew on the first day they met that they'd be offering some kind of co-facilitated music experience project this fall. The only question was: who would show up and what kind of band would it make? The group started off on the schedule board under the very staid moniker: "Music Ensemble with Scobie and Liana.” It wasn't until after the first meeting that Scobie and Liana realized just what they were looking at: a well-staffed rhythm section, incipient power horn section, plus lead and backup vocals. More than anything, it seemed like a soul band just waiting to be polished up into a powerful musical force. Ever since, Josie's thumping bass line for their first tune is being kindly tolerated downstairs as they work in secrecy up in 211 towards a presentable version of a classic soul chestnut. More music, and perhaps other fascinating band names are soon to come.

FULL VALUE AT PSCS
A big part of a PSCS education involves students learning to honor their commitments and promises, behave respectfully and with consideration for others, and participate fully as members of the school community. To provide the guidance and structure necessary for students to learn these things, we have something called the Full Value Community Contract.

The concept of a full value contract is to define and agree upon acceptable behavior among those involved in a community. During the first week of school the staff facilitated a workshop in which this work was done. Upon agreement of the document, students and staff signed it in a ceremony fitting PSCS (see photo). Staff member Scobie mounted the text on a beautiful piece of wood. Three times during the school year the principles and the specifics of the contract will be reviewed, enabling the group to consider how well it is being honored and to consider changes to it.

If you are interested in learning more, or want the text of the contract emailed to you, please contact the school.

OCTOBER– WHAT'S HAPPENING

BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, 10/9, 7pm.

VISITATION DAYS
It is difficult to understand PSCS without coming to school and observing our activities and student life. Seeing the school in action can make the difference between having a basic appreciation of our philosophy and the aha! of really "getting" how it works. There are two opportunities to visit PSCS this month, 10/10 and 10/24. For more information visit: http://www.pscs.org/admission/visiting.htm.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FAIR
Andy will be representing PSCS at the ParentMap Independent School Fair on Wednesday, 10/10, from 5:30-8:30pm at the Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue. Learn more at http://www.parentmap.com/content/view/728/292/. If you care to hang out for part of the time with Andy and share what you love about PSCS with prospective families and others, we'd love to see you!

PARENT MEETING
Thursday, 10/11, 7-9pm in Room 211.

NO SCHOOL - STAFF IN-SERVICE DAY
Friday, 10/12.

PSAT/MNSQT
PSCS is providing interested students the opportunity to have the experience of taking a standardized test by offering the PSAT/MNSQT on Wednesday, 10/17, 9 to noon. We stress, this is provided simply as an opportunity and is not intended as a statement of value, either pro or con, about this or any other standardized test.

FALL POTLUCK
The first potluck for this year is slated for Sunday, 10/21, from 5-8pm. The school is currently scouting locations so if you have a space you are willing to donate please let us know.

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