Happy New Year! | No Name-Calling Week | New Parent Ed Workshops | Welcome Peter Wallis | Enrichment Session Three | Financial Aid | Curiosity Lab News | Save the Date AS WE ENTER THE NEW YEAR, A REFLECTION ON WHO WE ARE... TOGETHER. We are principled. Breakwater’s mission is to engage students in an optimal learning experience that inspires them to live well on the planet, embrace their whole being, and realize their full potential. We believe that learning is most powerful when it is integrated, challenging, authentic and personalized - a philosophy wholly aligned with the child-centered learning model of progressive education. We are progressive. To us, this means "Education is not mere preparation for later life; education is life itself.” (Dewey, 1897) We ready students for success in the world they will inhabit as adults by providing extraordinary learning opportunities in the present. Children look, listen, and touch. They make, move, and innovate. They ask, answer, and deconstruct. All, conveniently, to the benefit of the higher order thinking skills (“21st century skills”) required to thrive in a rapidly changing society. But children at Breakwater are not simply practicing to become - they are. They are writers, historians, mathematicians, scientists, meaningful members of a vertically integrated learning community, and playful children. This is done in the safe harbor of a culture that celebrates individuality and interests, embraces mistakes as learning moments, and teaches kindness as a nonnegotiable value. We are community. Breakwater is an intentional, inclusive community made up of dynamic educators and families that together engage students to thrive academically, contribute to society, and lead wholehearted lives. It does, in fact, take a village. Many at Breakwater describe our school community as an extension of home. We are honored by this acknowledgment and committed to building strong, effective partnerships between teachers, parents and the children we serve. Breakwater faculty and staff are sincerely grateful for the trust you have placed in us, and in the school we share. Here's to another year... together. RAINBOW LEADS NO NAME-CALLING WEEK AT BREAKWATER By instituting a student initiated, faculty supported GSA group, Breakwater affirms our commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive community that honors diversity and respects the rights of all. This year's GSA group calls themselves RAINBOW and is starting 2018 by spearheading Breakwater's involvement in GLSEN’s national No Name-Calling Week, January 15-19. NEW PARENT EDUCATION WORKSHOPS Breakwater's Parent Education and Professional Development programs offer inspiration, information and community building opportunities to new and experienced parents, caregivers and professional educators. Our winter semester includes: “Practical Strategies To Help Children Learn More, Sleep Better, and Get Sick Less”; “How To: DIY Toys That Inspire Curiosity Driven Learning”; and “(not) Running With Scissors- Letting Your Child Use Real Tools Safely” WELCOME PETER WALLIS Breakwater and the Breakwater Enrichment Center are pleased to welcome Peter Wallis, our new Summer Program Director. Peter is an interdisciplinary artist and graduate of Maine College of Art. He has worked with students throughout the country teaching visual arts at independent schools and nonprofit arts organizations. His experience and varied skill set will support the continuation of our unique Summer at Breakwater programming! ENRICHMENT SESSION THREE: Session Three starts January 2. Seussical Jr., Skiing and Snowboarding at Lost Valley, Intro to Stained Glass, Build an Arcade Game + more! Not sure what class to take? Join us for a week of complimentary "open house" classes January 2-6. Contact Kelly for a selection of available classes and drop in information. Registration for the January 12 PD Day and February Vacation Camp is also open, and please don't forget to re-register for Aftercare and The Landing! FINANCIAL AID DEADLINE APPROACHING We strongly believe enrolling a diverse and talented group of children and their families benefits all in our school community. Toward this goal, we provide need-based financial assistance to qualified K through 8 families. Financial Aid applications for returning families are due by February 9. SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR THIS YEAR At this time last year, the John W. Knight Curiosity Lab was still just an idea on a path to become a space for learners of all ages to make, break, and innovate in Breakwater's main brick building. With the support of our friends, family, and extended network, along with a generous grant from Blackboard's Charitable Giving program, the Curiosity Lab has come to life so learners across Southern Maine can take their curiosities to the next level, just as John did. MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND SAVE THE DATES! Complete Listing of Upcoming School Wide Events: At Breakwater Learning, We accomplish this through three pillars of progressive programming. Click through below for events, classes, curriculum, and complete information! BREAKWATER SCHOOL ● Exceptional independent day school providing integrated, challenging and authentic learning experiences for toddler through grade 8 students. BREAKWATER ENRICHMENT ● Providing an eclectic array of aftercare, enrichment classes and camp options for children ages 0 to 13 through Community Programs, Enrichment Center and Summer at Breakwater programming. BREAKWATER PARENT & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● Offering inspiration, information and community building opportunities to new and experienced parents, caregivers and professional educators. THE BREAKWATER FUND: The Breakwater Fund is a yearly appeal to our community for unrestricted financial donations that strengthen our school and enhance our exceptional programming. Make a gift today! Thank you for being part of our community. No images? CLICK HERE |