October 2025 Newsletter

Happy October Laurel School Families!

We are off to a great start to the school year!

Each month families will receive a school newsletter that is also posted on our website! Our monthly newsletters are one of the ways we communicate school information which will include things like school events, calendar updates, current service projects and fundraisers etc.

In the beginning of each newsletter the Head of School address will feature activities and projects of different classrooms each month! This is a great way for the school to connect with families but for me, as the Head of School, to consistently connect with students and teachers!

This month I would like to share some specialist activities that I was able to observe with students in Kindergarten and Fifth Grade!

It has been beautiful weather for the beginning of the school year and Mr. Ben, our new Fitness instructor, was facilitating a parachute activity with Kindergarten students in the field. I was able to join students singing with Mr. Ben while we were walking, holding the parachute and then lifting it up to run underneath. The pure joy of giggles and laughter filled the air under the parachute, myself included! After that activity concluded, students were able to “Pop” popcorn (balls) on the parachute. While students shook the parachute, Mr. Ben dropped popcorn while students gleefully moved the parachute around to get all of the popcorn off!

Participating and observing activities like this create opportunities for me to see our curriculum in action for both students and teachers. Mr. Ben’s calm demeanor allowed him to effectively communicate directions to Kindergarteners and ultimately facilitate an activity that was not only pure fun but enhanced both their gross motor skills as well as promoted their social/emotional growth.

I want to send a shout out to the Kindergartners, Mr. Ben and Ms. Abby! Kindergarten is such a transitional year for our young students, and everyone is working together to create an environment that fosters a love of learning!

After such a fun and busy activity outside, I stepped into the calm, serene world of Fifth grade Yoga. Twinkle lights were sparkling around the edge of the room with sunlight streaming through the windows illuminating Fifth grade students who were deep breathing and in their tree poses on a yoga block.

I observed this class but also attempted my own tree pose (not on a yoga block) to which I received a thumbs up and a smile from one of the students! Ms. Erin’s ability to harness this Fifth-grade energy with such ease was amazing. After mastering their tree pose, Ms. Erin gently encouraged students to add on a secondary pose by trying to stretch their leg out, holding their toe. Each student excitedly rose to the challenge, attempting this pose. In doing so, Ms. Erin not only worked on yoga skills such as balance and muscle strength but has also created a space for stretching beyond the physical—encouraging students to grow socially and emotionally in a safe, supportive environment! A big shout out to Fifth grade, Ms. Erin and Ms. Chelsey!

As a Head of School, being able to observe and participate in both Fitness and Yoga class activities was such a privilege but also highlights our school commitment to building a positive learning environment for students, while also integrating foundational skills that will help them navigate their world.

Thank you for allowing me to share these beautiful moments with you and please look for more each month in our newsletters!

Best,

Amy

Calendar Reminders

October Events

Tuesday, October 7th - Monthly Morning Meeting 10am

We will have our first monthly morning meeting this month. Typically, they are on the first Tuesday of each month (some months differ), two classes or specialists present what they have been learning in the classroom! Families are welcome to attend for their child’s classroom presentation or any morning meeting. We will also have our fundraiser bake sale during morning meetings and in the afternoon as well (if there is anything left)! All families are welcome to contribute to the bake sale as all proceeds benefit our Annual Fund!

Class Presenters - Ms. Chelsey's 5th Grade and Ms. Kenna's 4th Grade will be sharing all about their two night adventure to Outdoor Classroom! All are welcome to come and hear about their experience. This would be especially beneficial and informative for all Third Grade families to attend!

Bake Sale

Bake Sale Fundraiser for Monthly Morning Meeting! - Families are welcome to bake items for sale and all proceeds benefits The Laurel School's Annual Fund. Please kindly remember we are a tree nut/peanut aware school and ask families to please not use any of those items in baking.

Wednesday, October 8th & Thursday October 9th - School Picture Fundraiser!

Order Forms and schedules of classes are available in the front office or on our school website. We hope to have all families participate and we will offer sibling photos as well which make great holiday gifts!

As many of you know, typically the school (Ms. Amy and Ms. Courtney) facilitate taking the photos creating a fundraiser for our school however, we are thrilled to announce a most generous offer from Jillian Rollins, a parent and professional photographer, who will be donating her time to take photos again this year!

Jillian’s amazing work is available for viewing on her website.

Thank you again to Jillian Rollins who is donating her time to support this wonderful school fundraiser!

Friday, October 10th - No Elementary Glee Club (Afterschool for K - Grade 5)

Monday, October 13th - No School Indigenous Peoples' Day

Thursday, October 23rd - Movie Night at Laurel! 5pm-7pm

We are thrilled to start these fun filled evenings again for Students! Parents enjoy the evening off! Students will have pizza, drinks, snacks, & treats in Laurel's Community Room on our BIG screen TV! The cost is $25/child. Come in PJ’s & bring snuggly blankets/pillows *Children must be ages 4+ to sign up! Please sign up by either emailing Courtney at office@laurel-school.org or stop by the front office. We will be having a double feature and watching "Muppets Haunted Mansion" and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."

Monday, October 27th - October 31st - Laurel's Spirit Week

Please see below for more details of this awesome week of celebration!

Friday, October 31st - Laurel's Spirit Parade

We will have two parade times for families to come and join in on the celebration.

More details to come!

Laurel's Spirit Week Info!

Outdoor Classroom - Nature on Wheels Program

Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

What is Outdoor Classroom?

Outdoor Classroom is an environmental education program that takes a holistic approach to learning, and not only fosters the educational growth of students, but also social and personal growth. Through this learning, students develop a sense of community, a confidence in themselves, and an appreciation for others in the school community. Outdoor Classroom is not simply just environmental education but a unique human experience.

Who participates?

For the Nature on Wheels program our Kindergarten – Grade 5 students and faculty participated all day with staff from Outdoor Classroom.

Drop Off & Pick Up Times: Friendly Reminders -

Programs	Drop Off Times	Pick Up Times
Elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 5)	8:00 am. - 8:15 a.m	3:00 - 3:15 p.m. Please wait until 3pm as classes are in session!
Pre-Kindergarten	8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	2:45 - 3:00 p.m.
Preschool	8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	2:45 - 3:00 p.m.
Toddler	8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	2:45 - 3:00 p.m.

Toddler - Pre-Kindergarten: Morning Care 7:30 am - 8:45 am
Toddler - Pre-Kindergarten: Afterschool Care 3:15 pm- 4:30 pm
Elementary (K-5): Morning Care 7:30am - 8am
Elementary - Afterschool Clubs - 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm for more details regarding clubs please click {Here} to visit our website.

Any Families that would like to sign up for any of these programs please reach out to Courtney at office@laurel-school.org.

Clothing for School

As you all know, Cape Cod weather can have all four seasons in one day! Families are welcome to bring in and leave layers of clothes, outerwear, and changes of shoes in students cubbies and or lockers.