Seattle is full of excellent grade schools.That makes choosing one very difficult. Once we started exploring private school possibilities we narrowed it down to Meridian School, UCDS, and Bertschi. All of these are fabulous choices. Meridian stood out in several ways for our family. We mattered to them. Both admissions director, Ted Holmes, and Head of School, Ron Waldman, treated us like they wanted us there. Ted recognized us each time we visited . He listened with clear interest to our thoughts, concerns and enthusiasm. For a family who is involved in the community this was one sign glowing brightly in favor of Meridian. We were excited too by the curriculum, teachers and physical environments inside and out. To see other parents input on grade schools or to contribute your own, see my former post on the subject.

Gently this worm was moved during a weeding fest

In addition, the families blew us away with their openness. I could see the involved parents and students were an intelligent, warm, welcoming community. Thank goodness we were accepted! The fact Meridian is located within 11 acre Meridian Park doesn’t hurt. (fabulous playground, apple grove, open grassy fields, gardens, large covered shelter, Seattle Tilth is here so the entire park is Pesticide free-something I WISH we could take for granted everywhere.)

Have community, grab a rake

Once accepted we were introduced to our Buddy Family, who turned out to be yet another excellent match, thanks to Ted Holmes’ intuition. So much fun has been had with their intriguing foursome.

There's our Buddy Family's 1st grader, 3rd from right. We're so lucky!

Meridian’s social integration also provides play dates all summer, ice cream socials, new family coffee, a skating excursion, movie night, and any activity the classroom Social Coordinator creates. My favorite event occurs each Friday; an all-school gathering to which families are invited to join in song (where Head of School Ron Waldman occasionally plays the guitar), presentations, dance and all Spanish games. Community building and involvement is a family value we build daily, hence Meridian School is It for us.

Yes this is Ron Waldman, Meridian's Head of School. He gets his hands dirty!

Like any proud parent, we want the best for Ellie. Academically I can already see the zeal with which the many specialist and teachers share their talents. I almost didn’t mention academics, thinking it’s a given priority. Socialization is equally important and harder to come by in a schools mission. Meridian has what we want and need. We’re proud to be part of this extraordinary community.

These photos are from Meridian School’s Community Service Day where parents, teachers, staff and students work together to take care of our neighborhood, including those creatures and plant life we live among daily.

That pesky photographer ASKED us to pose. We WERE working hard before she came along.

Oh so carefully

Modeling preparedness!

Taking a close look at nature and neighbor

Playing in order to understand roots in the garden, math, history...

Should we really go back inside?

Scalpel please

Developing the right tools at Meridian School!

And I thought brushing my teeth was tiring

Take good care. It will grow

Many people from my “Mom’s group” have requested that I post responses to my request for
input on 3 grade schools: Meridian, UCDS and Bertschi.

To See where our family is now in school, check out this follow up post

If you have further input, please comment below!
(more…)

Glad to be a part of the fun at UCDS’s auction which raised nearly $700,000! I’d love to say my photography raised the majority of that, but I actually know the final value. Let’s just say it was less than $600,000.

Congratulations to Dave Miller and Susan Takemoto, the winning bidders for a JKP photo session. I can’t wait to work with you two, officially this time! I’ll be in touch right after this post…
The real winners are the UCDS students. According to Eric S. Sanderson, the auction Chair, the funds help support teacher excellence and financial aid. “Financial aid” is ringing loudly in this Mom’s ears.

These Moms, Dads and UCDS staff sure know how to roll up their sleeves and have some fun. Clearly much creativity went into planning this playful event. If designed by a parent, Wow! If designed by a professional, Wow! I sure hope she/he has many children left to put through the school. My girl, Ellie, won’t turn 3 until June– after the UCDS cut-off.

OK, I’ve been informed that the creative team was headed by Kenlyn and Tom McQueen. Additionally, Marisha (Mary) Nykiel and Kay Kim  were in charge of the auction displays. This is where the big round of applause comes in!

A great central spot for displaying my work. Thanks Debra, for all your wonderful help!

If you’re interested in a photo session, and can get your hands on one of the few remaining “donation” cards (now at the front desk at UCDS) then 20% of your session will be donated to UCDS if purchased by April 30th. The sessions don’t need to be completed by then, and are guaranteed to remain the pre-paid price for two years from purchase date. What kind of photography do you dream of?

Clearly, setting up was almost as much fun as the dinner!

Come in and play!

So many organized people make for a smooth flowing evening.

I know what I would have done all night long.

No she is not wearing this parasol, but they do look good together! Ever been to the Bella Umbrella website? Jodell Egbert both designs parasols and rents vintage umbrellas. Gorgeous.

Colorful dinning room entrance.

The Dads were doing their part, naturally! Palm leaves were plentiful, and someone had to tie and hang each one.

Everything was planned, placed and perfect.

Fantastic watery world surrounds the video of kids having their say.

Full of ambiance. From the ceiling to floor and everywhere in between.