As we get ready to celebrate our K-8 graduating students tonight let’s not forget our Preschool friends, who graduated a week ago in a lovely ceremony held in the auditorium. This rite of passage began, as all things at Rainbow begin, with a centering. Four eager preschoolers lead the whole community in mindful listening, deep breathing, and a blessing of compassion. What followed was the sweetness of young children as they received their diplomas one by one, and then finished the ceremony with a celebratory song led by music teacher, Sue Ford. Our youngest Rainbow students then took a few moments to have one last closing circle with their teachers, before they ran outside to play with their parents at the picnic. Congratulations to all our Dragonflies and Turtles for a year of stupendous growth and heart-warming transformation.
Last Saturday 7 remarkable Rainbow students competed at the Odyssey of the Mind state Competition at the Appalachian State College up in Boone. Odyssey of the mind is a creativity competition, designed to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, collaborative creativity and independence… Perfect for Rainbow students.
Our kids (listed at the bottom of this article) did the school proud on the day and carried themselves with maturity, responsibility and respect.
Anyone who worked with them throughout the process commented on how astoundingly effortless their collaboration was as a team. Some of the team had been together since Kindergarten, while some had only recently joined the school, yet they all seemed like family… A true testament to the cohesive and welcoming community we have here at Rainbow.
They ended up as the highest placed team from the entire Western Region in their problem category and division. Although they didn’t place for the world competition they all came out as winners in our eyes, having represented the school while making stronger bonds and lasting memories along the way.
Please congratulate them if you see them around campus!
6th Grade students Gaby McCassim, Harmony Redford, Isabel Raustol, Willow Eshan, Lena Usner, Jonah McCloud and Sunshine Pugh from 7th Grade.
Imagine, if you will, a creative competition that allows students to express themselves artistically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These expressions are in alignment with Rainbow’s seven domains of child development. Now, imagine the pressure of performing for judges and parents and against other students.
This weekend our own team of sixth graders, including Isabel R, Harmony R, Lena U, Gaby M, Jonah M, and Willow E, will be heading off to the Odyssey State Tournament in Boone, NC, this weekend to compete on Saturday morning!.
We send them the best energy and courage to accomplish their goals!
