Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

As we approach the last day before our holiday break, it is time to find time to enjoy the people and things we have in life.  The holidays are more than just presents, but in my eyes time to spend with my family.  I have to admit I think I am going to to a lot of relaxing during this break, too.

The students are so excited for the holidays and you can definitely feel that in the air as I walk through the school.  I really do love this time of year in an elementary school (minus the full moon this week, too, though.)

We all have holiday traditions, each a little different, but so meaningful to each family.  I look forward to the time off and seeing family and friends.  Twinkling lights, Xmas trees, decorations, gatherings, are just a few of my favorite things this time of year.

Over the last couple of weeks a lot has been happening here at MLS.  Last Friday, the K-2 grade students participated in the Health Fair.  There were many stations that they rotated through.  My favorite was the ball drums.  I had a blast at that station!

Second graders had the opportunity to see a hand-made hover craft.  Some of them even got to ride it.  It was very neat. (see picture below)

There have been holiday parties, PE dance-offs, and many projects this week.  You can't walk down the hall without seeing some cool piece of artwork or creation.  I love it!!!

When we return in 2 weeks we will welcome in 2014.  Wow where has the year gone?

I hope that everyone has a wonderful break.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families!!

Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Robertson

K-2 Health Fair - Ball Drums

Kindergarten Gingerbread House and People

2nd Graders riding a "Hover Craft"

2nd Grade Totem Pole - so cool!!

                       

Dashing December ...

Dashing through the snow...oh wait we haven't had any of that yet!!

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break!  I hope that everyone enjoyed the time off to relax and spend time with family.

December is upon us and we are up and running fast.  There are about 2 weeks (and 2 days) of school until our holiday break.  The children are bustling and there are a lot of activities going on in the upcoming days.  

This week, the 4th graders performed for the school and their parents their musical, "Yo Leonardo!"  It was fabulous.  Congrats to the students for a job well done and to Mr. White our music teacher for another great production.

Kindergarteners went on a field trip to Ashlawn and had a great time on Thursday. Third graders went to visit the UVA Lawn on Monday and also had a wonderful time learning about the history of that area.

This week as I have been going into classrooms, I have seen students creating many products and using a variety of strategies to solve problems.  The creativity they are using is absolutely amazing!  I am so very proud of each and every student!!!

We had a special treat this week.  The wonderful MLS PTO gifted all teachers and staff with either a box of oranges or grapefruit. What a great treat for all!!  Thank you so much for thinking of everyone.  It was also nice that it was purchased in support of the Western Albemarle High School Band (another Albemarle school that most of MLS students eventually attend.)

Please remember the importance of making sure your child(ren) are dropped off on time every day for school.  Students should be in their classrooms by 7:55 am when the bell rings.  It is difficult for children to start their day off when they are missing the start of the day with their classmates.  We thank you for your help with this.  Also, when scheduling appointments please try to make them after the school day so that your child does not need to leave early (I know this is sometimes hard due to schedules.)
Have a wonderful week!  

Warmest Regards,

Mrs. Robertson

Be Thankful

With the Thanksgiving break just completed and the holiday season upon us, I would like for everyone to think about all of the things/people/etc. that they are grateful for.  We sometimes forget to take the time to step back and remember everything that we have in our lives - big or small.  Tell your loved ones what they mean to you and as the holiday approaches, please be thankful.

Today I am thankful for a variety of things.  

At school, I am thankful for: the children, the staff of MLES, the parents, and the love of learning and teaching that occurs at our school.  The laughs and stories from the children make me smile each and every day.
At home I am thankful for my husband, my parents, brother, friends, dog, the roof over our heads, my health and happiness in life, and all the opportunities that I have been given in life.  It is definitely not something to be taken for granted.

There are so many people in this world who don't have much and in times when I am feeling ungrateful I try to remember what I have and how I need to be thoughtful and thankful.

To round out this post here are a few pictures of the happenings going on. Enjoy
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Robertson

3rd grade Students in Mrs. Robinson's Class created projects on Greece, Rome, and Mali

         

 5th grade Musical Performance of "Really Rosie"

November is upon us

Hard to believe we are already in the month of November.  Before you know it, it will be the winter holiday break.  The weather started to get cold this week, but now temperatures have risen again.

There is a lot going on at Meriwether Lewis.  Students in K, 1, and 3 went on a field trip this week to watch a play called "Stuart Little" at the Paramount Theater.   I heard they all really enjoyed the play.

Monday was Veteran's Day and throughout this week many classes have had visitors come in to talk about veterans.  It has been wonderful to have military personnel, past and present, be able to speak to our children.

We even had Congressman Hurt visit us this week to congratulate our school on our Blue Ribbon Award.  You can see a clip of this on nbc29.

5th Grade math students in Ms. Geraty's class testing their paper airplane designs

We have one more full week and 2 days of school before Thanksgiving break.  I know that I am looking forward to traveling to Pennsylvania to spend time with my family.  Enjoy this weekend with your family.

Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Robertson

Wellness Week and End of 1st Quarter

We have just finished the first quarter of the school year!   Teachers are beginning to meet with parents during conferences and report cards will be coming home in the next few weeks.

The PTO Fall Fun Fair last Friday was a wonderful success.  The country hoedown theme was a great pick.  Students and adults all had a lot of fun.  There were games, pony rides, bounce houses, food, animals to pet, and even a hay ride!  Thank you to the PTO for putting on such a great event!

This week at MLS we had our annual Wellness Week.  There were new food choices in the cafeteria, morning movers and afternoon movers, color days, and early bird PE (to name a few.)
Thank you to our PE teachers, cafeteria manager, counselor, and nurse for working together to help make this happen.  On Friday afternoon, we even had a huge celebration with the whole school to celebrate wellness.  Everyone, including teachers, were getting down to the music!!!

We also had some helpers from the UVA School of Architecture come to build a sandbox on our primary playground.  This was one of the Day of Caring projects from September that we had to postpone a little.  They did a great job (see pictures below.)  The students couldn't wait to play in it.  

Again, thank you for sending your students to us each day and for your support from home.

Remember students do not have school on Monday, October 28th and also the following week on Monday Nov. 4 and Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Warmest regards,
Mrs. Robertson

October Ongoings

The last couple of weeks have been bustling here at MLS!  Students are finally getting accustomed to class routines and I am seeing a lot of engaging activities within the classroom.

Kindergartners were focused on using technology in Mrs. Warren's class. They had a great time and wanted me to see everything that they were creating.

Fourth graders went on a field trip to Camp Albemarle and I hear that they had a fantastic time.  

Third graders in Mrs. Straume's math class created patterns using cubes, but also creatively came up with musical patterns using that same content using an online music keyboard program.  Their performances were magnificent!  

Next week we are looking forward to the PTO Fall Fun Fair on Friday, October 18th.  It has a western theme and I can't wait to see what they have in store for all of us.  

Some upcoming events that I will post next week are the Annual MLS Wellness Week coming up the week of Oct 21-Oct 25.  

Looking forward to sharing the many more exciting learning activities that are going on each day here at Meriwether Lewis.  It is a joy to be a part of this school community each day.

Warmest regards,

Mrs. Robertson

Meriwether Lewis - National Blue Ribbon School

Congratulations to our school for being awarded a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School.  This is an extreme honor for Meriwether Lewis.  We are very proud of our teachers, staff, students, parents, and school community for achieving this recognition.  We are one of 236 schools in the United States to be awarded.  On Tuesday, September 24th the announcement was made to our students during an assembly and they were so excited to be a part of everything.  

Below you can find out more information about our award.

Blue Ribbon Schools Program

We were even honored on the news.  Click link below to watch the news clip from Channel 29.

Channel 29 Newscast featuring MLS

School Assembly to announce the award

Congratulations to everyone!  What an accomplishment!!  

Don't forget that Monday is a professional development day for teachers so there is no school for students!  

Warmest regards,

Mrs. Robertson

Week of September 16th

What a great week here at MLS! This week, the United Way Day of Caring occurred and we had volunteers on Wednesday and Friday completing 2 projects for us.  You will notice some newly designed poles in our front entrance way outside of the building.  They are lovely and we would like to thank the UVA School of Architecture for working on those and also Mr. Sherogan for coming up with the design.  On our back bus lot, the UVA MICU volunteers, with help from MLS parents Kristina Parker, James Younger, and Laura Steenburg, painted a human sundial on the blacktop for the students to use.  It is very cool!  Thanks again to those volunteers (see pics below.)

So as we end another week, please reflect with your children on the many things they are doing and learning in school.  You will be amazed how much goes on during just one day at MLS.  Have a wonderful weekend.

Warmest regards,
Mrs. Robertson

Great week at MLS!

It has been a great week here at Meriwether Lewis!  Back to School night went off without a hitch.  It was so great to see all of the parents and for them to be able to hear about the great things that go on in their child's life each day.

The weather is starting to cool down a little which definitely makes it more bearable for recess time.  I know that the students really enjoy that part of the day.  A third grade class this week skyped with Travis Koshko, our local weatherman, and they were able to ask him a variety of questions about his job.  It was very interesting and the students really enjoyed the experience (see below.)

It is important to try to ask your child each night what their best part of the day was and open up these daily conversations with them.

We hope that you and your child (ren) are enjoying the school year.  Hard to believe September is half way over.  Before you know it we will be on fall break and then winter break.

Enjoy the beautiful weekend ahead of us, get out there and have some fun!!!

Mrs. Robertson

September already!

The passion that students show during the school day is amazing.  Today was my birthday and the love that I got from the students definitely kept a huge smile on my face all day.  The children were so excited to extend birthday wishes.  Makes me love being a part of this school community.  

We are now getting ready to complete 2 and 1/2 weeks of school and I can't believe it is already September.  The children are starting to get used to the school routines and the teachers are definitely teaching and learning with the children.  

So many new things going on in the classrooms, but most of all watching students engaged in their learning is amazing.  

Don't forget that Tuesday is Back to School Night at Meriwether.  The is an adult only event and we look forward to seeing you there.  Your child's teacher will present valuable information to you about the school day and year.  

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  

Warmest regards, 

Mrs. Robertson

First Week of School 13-14

This week has been very exciting.  The students came back to school on Wednesday.  It was great to see their smiling faces, old and new.  Things have gone very smoothly this week.  One of the many highlights has been the new cafeteria set up.  The students love the round tables with chairs (see picture below.)  Teachers have been getting to know their students and the students are starting to learn the routines of their class.  New friends are being met and old have been reacquainted.  I know that there will be tired little ones this weekend.  Oh yeah, there will be tired adults, too!!  New parents if I haven't had a chance to meet you yet, please stop by and introduce yourself next time you are at the school.  Enjoy the weekend and Happy School Year 2013-14!

Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Robertson

Our New MLES Cafe Set-Up

Welcome Back!!

Welcome to the 2013-14 school year.  We are excited to have all of our students returning, new as well as old.  The teachers are in the midst of preparing their classrooms and lessons to be ready to go.  There are so many great ideas flowing and the energy is exciting.
We welcome the following new staff members to our school:
Kim Nash - new Office Associate
Andrea Atkinson - Library/Media Specialist
Lindsay Ford - 1st grade teacher
It is so exciting to bring on new folks.

Few Reminders:
Open House is on Monday, August 19 from 3:30-5:00.
Students' first day is Wednesday, August 21. We can't wait to see all the smiling faces and get our year started off right.

Supply lists can be found on the front page of the Meriwether Lewis webpage.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you and we are looking forward to a spectacular school year!

Warmest regards,
Brandi Piccirilli Robertson

Summer Happenings

Wow, where is the summer going?  Summer school ended 2 weeks ago and the Meriwether and Murray students put on a wonderful performance of "101 Dalmatians."  It was awesome.  There are definitely some future drama stars out there. 

I just got an email today about the fact that there are only 32 days until... UVA football!!   Then I realized that there are less days than that until students return for the 2013-14 school year.  This is the time of year that I start to get really excited for the new year.  I am refreshed and have also spent some time delving into more educational professional reading that I may have not have time for during the school year.  I can't wait to share some of my new knowledge with my staff when they return.  

I can't tell you how many times people have asked me this summer, "What do you do during the summer when students and staff are off?"  They immediately assume administrators do absolutely nothing and have the entire summer to relax.  Well unfortunately that is not the case.  This week alone I will have attended 2 and 1/2 days of leadership meetings, as well as try to manage to find time to work on (and hopefully finalize) the schedule, student handbook, and teacher handbook.  After my 1 week off last week (yes, only one week off, what was I thinking), I am also trying to catch up on emails, phone calls, and the many other items that need to be checked off the list.  Most of this needs to be complete before we meet with our team leaders in a week and definitely before August 12th when the teachers return.   So the answer to the unending question is, I spend a lot of time wrapping up things to do from last school year and preparing all that is needed to be ready to serve all of our students come August 21st.

I hope that everyone is having a nice summer and I look forward to the return of the staff in 2 weeks and then the children in mid-August.

Warmest regards,
Mrs. Robertson

"101 Dalmatians" performed by MLS and Murray Summer Enrichment Students

Here We Come Summer!!!

As I write my last post for this school year, I always get weepy this time of the year.  Looking at the children the last few days has made me so proud because I was able to see how far they have come from August until June.  They are definitely ready for a break though.  I know that they will be swimming, playing sports, hanging out at home, taking trips, and doing all the fun things that they love.  To be honest, I am secretly hoping to do some of those same things this summer.

I remember as a teacher what a sad time of year this always was when I had to say goodbye to my students who I surely spent a lot of time with.  Well now I have to send off 430 some of them to the summer.  Recently,  I saw the names of my former students who graduated from high school this year.  I was so excited to see their names and it brought back so many memories of my time as their 4th grade teacher.  They are going to go places and I will be so proud of them when they make it in the world.

We are proud of all the students and staff here at Meriwether Lewis.  The teachers have done a wonderful job and are also looking forward to some time off to relax.  Everyone deserves a break!

With that being said we are sad to see Mrs. Terri Inman, our office associate, and Mrs. Pat Atkins, 2nd grade teacher, retire.  We are really going to miss both of these wonderful ladies who have dedicated so much of their work life to education.  I wish them the best of luck in their new adventures.  Also, Ms. Payne, our library/media specialist, will be leaving us for high school students.  We wish her luck in her new position.

To all the parents, thank you for sharing your child(ren) with us this year.  Congratulations to all of the 5th graders who, after the promotion ceremony on Monday, are now officially middle-schoolers.  I look forward to hearing about all of their accomplishments in the future.


Have a wonderful summer MLS students, staff, and families!   See you in August.

With love,
Mrs. Brandi Robertson

May at Meriwether

It is May at Meriwether.  The nice weather seems to be coming here and there, along with some rain these days.  This month and next are extremely busy with field trips, testing, events, etc.  It is a fun time of year, but also quite tiring.  Please try to keep your children on their regular schedules as much as possible to ensure they are getting enough sleep and are ready for school each day.

Don't forget that students need to be at school by 7:50 because the bell rings at 7:55 and they should already be in their classrooms ready to start the day.  Please check the main MLS web page to keep up with upcoming events.

Thank you again for being a part of your child's life and a partner with the school.  We look forward to a great 4th quarter.

Have a wonderful month of May!!

Warmest Regards, 

Mrs. Robertson

  

Dr. Moran, ACPS Superintendent reads to MLS Kindergarten class

4th/5th Grade Performs, "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears"

"Zero the Hero" visits Kindergartners on the 100th day of school

April Happenings

Welcome back from Spring Break!   The fourth quarter of the school year is in full swing.  It is hard to believe that the end of the school year will be hear before you know it. Report cards will be going home next week and we are going to be finding that the time is flying!
This week I read to a kindergarten class and the students were so attentive and had great questions and comments at the end.  The first grade classes had a wonderful Museum Day this week to showcase the animals that they researched.  It was awesome.  Second grade is working hard each and every day.  Third grade had a wonderful field trip to Amazement Square.  The fourth and fifth graders are preparing for their upcoming music performance.  Can't wait to see it!!

As you can see we are always busy here at MLES!  We wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you to the teachers, staff, students, and parents for all your hard work!  Working together as a team is so important and we thank you for that.  As it begins to get busy, remember to take time to enjoy and appreciate what you each have.  The children here are wonderful and each of their unique qualities make them the awesome!!

Warmest regards,
Mrs. Brandi Piccirilli Robertson

Spring is Here!!

Welcome March and Spring!  Hoping to avoid more snow, but this week we had a 2 hour delay.  Less than 2 weeks until spring break.  I can't believe that there is only about 3 months left of school.  WOW!  A couple of weeks ago we had a wonderful annual MLS Book Fair.  The library looked fantastic with the mad scientist theme throughout.  Family night was a huge success and I enjoyed being one of the three mystery readers.

One area of focus in Albemarle county this year has been transforming learning spaces for children.  There are so many little things that can be done to help students be more comfortable and have more choices in their learning.  This ranges from project choice to room arrangement choices (and many others.)  Here at MLS we have been trying a lot of new things and we are looking forward to continuing with this in the upcoming year.

As I walked into an Art class one morning recently, the third graders were learning how to paper mache and how to use recycled egg cartons to create art.  I can't wait to see the end products.

Week so far:
The leprechauns made havoc in the kindergarten classrooms which was extremely fun to see.
Third grade is getting ready for their music performance this Friday.
Second grade had a wonderful invention convention last week.
Fifth grade is SOL testing this week.
And many other experiences are happening ...

There is just so much going on in a day here at our elementary school.  I sometimes wonder how we really do get as much into a day (even though we could always use more time.)

I personally am looking forward to the second half of this week when I will be attending a conference that is geared to women in leadership.  I am hoping to bring back information that I can implement in my daily interactions.
Again thanks for reading my blog and thank you for supporting all of us here at MLS.

Mrs. Robertson

We Made It!

Happy February!!  Well last week we made it through a full week of school.  With all the snow, rain, ice over the last couple of weeks we have lost a lot of instructional time, so we are really happy to have had the children back. I think they were even glad to be back.
As I sit here today, I have been thinking about all of the growth that I have seen in the children this year and it is only midyear.  We have hit the half way point and next week it will be the 100th day!!  That is always exciting, especially for the younger students.
Over the next few weeks, we will be working with our students on following some new formats when traveling in the hallways.  This will help to form some consistent routines and also not disturb other classes while they are instructing.  It will also teach students how to be respectful to others.  We are looking forward to implementing these new procedures.
The last few weeks has also had me thinking about my days in elementary school.  There are so many bits and pieces that I remember.   I remember most of my teachers and also how I respected them in class and tried not to get in trouble.  There were a few times I slipped though, but that is normal.  At least that is what I realize now. Overall though, I remember loving elementary school and I think that has help shape me into the person I am today.
So as children come to see me in my office throughout the week, I always reflect on what happened and how they feel in the spot they are sitting.  I've been there before, although briefly, and I know I learned my lesson pretty quickly.  We do need to give children the opportunity to learn lessons, but also to make changes to their behaviors.  We are not only teachers, but guides as well.  They are going to fail.  That is evident.  However, who says that failing is wrong or bad for children if they learn from all of it?
So I leave you with a question (feel free to respond), think back to your days in school and let me know what was something positive that you remember?  Also, is there anything that you learned in school that has had an impact on who you are today?

Happy beginning of February!
Brandi Robertson

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2013!  How many people keep writing 2012 on everything???  I know it takes me a few weeks to adjust.

After a refreshing two week break we are glad to have the students back at Meriwether Lewis.  I hope that everyone had time to enjoy the time with their families and celebrate the holidays.  This being my first Christmas as a married lady, my husband and I spent a few days with my family up in Pennsylvania.  I was then lucky to be able to go to Orlando for a few days with my mom and enjoy the busy, but fun Disneyworld!  Each day was an adventure.  Ironically, I ran into two MLES families while there:  one in the Richmond airport and on the same plane as me, and one in Animal Kingdom.  It was so fun to see my MLES students!  They were shocked to see me, too!

We are finishing up the 2nd quarter next week and then heading into the 2nd half of the year.  Boy, where has the time gone. There are field trips coming, the spelling bee, a geography bee, and much, much more.
Amazing how much you can fit into a month of school.  Of course, we always look forward to the new and exciting things that your children are doing.  Each day is a learning adventure!!

Again, thanks for sending your children to us each and everyday.  I love to see their smiling faces and it is good to be back in a routine.  My door is open, so if you need anything from me or just want to stop by and say hi, you are more than welcome.

Happy New Year 2013!!!

Mrs. Robertson (Piccirilli)

Being Thankful

This is the time of the year when we focus on being thankful.  So what are you thankful for?  That thought has crossed my mind a lot recently.

As an educator, I am thankful for the children that come to school each day eager to learn.

I am also thankful for those that are not as eager because I know that those students will be the challenge I want to work on.

I am thankful to have a staff that is education for the right reasons and they work to challenge their students each day.  That does sometimes require stepping "out of the box." New directions are on the horizon.

I am thankful for my family and all of the support they have given to me over the years.  They are one of the main reasons I am in the position I am in now.  Without them I know it would have been a lot harder to get here.

I am thankful to have found a man that I now call my husband.  His support and encouragement help me through the good days and the bad.

It is important to thank people for what they do.  I know that we forget to do this sometimes.  So if that cashier at the grocery store is kind to you, thank them.  Go out of your way a little to reach out to someone.  You have no idea how much a simple thank you means to a person (especially since you never know if they are having a bad day and may need a perk.)

Thank you for all you do for children and everyone else in your lives.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Mrs. Robertson