We were drawn to Loring's strong reading program and welcoming kindergarten environment.
We came to realize later that perhaps more important than the academics is this community in which Jonah has been immersed. Community within (and outside of) the classroom, community among the Loring families, the community of professional staff that strive every day to create this rich learning environment where kids feel safe, supported, ready to spring forward to the next step.
I asked Jonah recently what some of his memories of elementary school were - what have the best parts of school been for him so far?
Jonah began naming his teachers, a series of dedicated educators.
It all began with Mr. Forsline, who was Jonah's kindergarten and first grade teacher, who was a calming influence on this sensitive child:
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| Jonah and Mr. Forsline- kindergarten open house 2006 |
. . . and Jonah's Loring career ended with his 5th grade teacher, Mr. Gutknecht, or just "Mr. G." Mr. G held Jonah to high expectations and accepted no excuses.
This weekend I heard Jonah echo Mr. G when he told someone, "Smart isn't something you are; it's something you can become. . ."
Other teachers include:
Ms. Johnson, who offered incentives for kids to join "lunch bunch," and eat their lunch with her in the classroom instead of the loud lunchroom;
Mrs. Anderson, who taught Jonah responsibility;
Mrs. Mauren, who shared a love of Duluth and the song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" with Jonah;
There have been teachers for reading, art, technology, science (he still remembers Mrs. Halvorsen teaching his kindergarten class about the plight of the polar bears!);
Ms. Duwenhoegger who has taught PE for the entire time Jonah has been at Loring, and started the Ski program at Loring;
Mr. Templeton, who in second grade introduced Jonah to drawing;
Math teachers Mrs. Lucas and Mr. Mantras;
Chess club teachers Mr. Raidt (and before him Mr. Sorrels and Ms. Uggla);
Ms. Heidi, in whom Jonah confided this spring when he was feeling frustrated with the behaviors of some of his classmates.
Ms. Abdullah who led safety patrols and student council and this year, led Footlights! Drama club with Mrs. Sidle and Mr. Sean;
Mr. Heim, who encouraged Jonah to bloom musically by trying out for vocal solos and learning trombone!
There are so many more Loring staff who help to build and shape this community of learners and our Jonah in particular!
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| Mr. G. Outdoor Science lesson 2012 |
. . . and Jonah's Loring career ended with his 5th grade teacher, Mr. Gutknecht, or just "Mr. G." Mr. G held Jonah to high expectations and accepted no excuses.
This weekend I heard Jonah echo Mr. G when he told someone, "Smart isn't something you are; it's something you can become. . ."
Other teachers include:
Ms. Johnson, who offered incentives for kids to join "lunch bunch," and eat their lunch with her in the classroom instead of the loud lunchroom;
Mrs. Anderson, who taught Jonah responsibility;
Mrs. Mauren, who shared a love of Duluth and the song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" with Jonah;
There have been teachers for reading, art, technology, science (he still remembers Mrs. Halvorsen teaching his kindergarten class about the plight of the polar bears!);
Ms. Duwenhoegger who has taught PE for the entire time Jonah has been at Loring, and started the Ski program at Loring;
Mr. Templeton, who in second grade introduced Jonah to drawing;
Math teachers Mrs. Lucas and Mr. Mantras;
Chess club teachers Mr. Raidt (and before him Mr. Sorrels and Ms. Uggla);
Ms. Heidi, in whom Jonah confided this spring when he was feeling frustrated with the behaviors of some of his classmates.
Ms. Abdullah who led safety patrols and student council and this year, led Footlights! Drama club with Mrs. Sidle and Mr. Sean;
Mr. Heim, who encouraged Jonah to bloom musically by trying out for vocal solos and learning trombone!
There are so many more Loring staff who help to build and shape this community of learners and our Jonah in particular!
There have been lots of great opportunities along the way:
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| Zella and Jonah |
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| Second grade |
Fun inside and outside the classroom:
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| Jonah with lunch visitors: Grandma Cook and Grandma Kasey |
chess club:
Math Masters:
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| Math Masters competition |
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| Math Masters 2012 |
The Loring School CARES, which are woven throughout each year at assemblies, student goal-setting, and daily work:
Cooperation
Assertion
Responsibility
Empathy
Self Control
Footlights! Drama Club which saw its inaugural year this year. Jonah found his niche backstage and was the "sound man" for the spring play, Sheldon Fizzlestein Saves the Day:
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| Cast and Crew for Sheldon Fizzlestein Saves the Day |
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| Drama Club Read-a-thon Kickoff |
Jonah's cast bio:
The Loring Schoolyard Garden and Kids Cook Program:
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| Garden lesson |
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| Ms. Robin with Grade 5: Native American Harvest Celebration |
Playing a piano solo each year at the end of year Talent Show:
Band concerts and vocal concerts:
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| Jonah- 4th grade band concert 2011 |
Field Days, Field Trips, Student Council, Safety Patrol, Peace Parades, Family Fun Nights. . .
Two different principals,
Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Gibbs
Science Fairs:
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| 2009 Science Fair |
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| Jonah and Jaxson 2011 Science Fair |
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| 2008 Science Fair
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Friends:
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| Tim, John, Jonah, and Jaxson |
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| Hat Day |
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| John, Tim, and Jonah at Roller Gardens |
Like a seedling in the Loring Schoolyard Garden, Jonah was grounded and tended. He was provided sunlight, fresh air, social, emotional and academic nutrients, plenty of laughter, camaraderie, and encouragement. He put down roots and unfurled his leaves, blossoming a little bit more each day and year.
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| Peace Parade: Last Day of 5th Grade |
As Jonah flexes his wings to journey on to middle school, I am so grateful for this environment that helped to shape this child into a confident, engaged learner and a good friend to his classmates. Jonah has been sustained and nourished by the Loring community he has been a part of for the last six years!
Thank you, Village!
