April 2024

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night and spring after winter."

— Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

Letter from the Head of School

From the heart of Amanda Martin...

Welcome to the middle of April dear Wauhatchie families! As we arrive in the midst of this time of reawakening, I hope everyone has had the chance to gaze at the wonder of spring's arrival. The fullness of it all is literally swarming around us. The end of the school year is quickly approaching and there is so much to celebrate!

As you scroll through the newsletter this month, you'll find some updates on what our students have been learning, introductions to some of our incredible new teachers, and information about upcoming events. We are full of excitement and a deep pride in our students as we prepare to say goodbye to our 5th graders in just over a month. Our hearts are full in so many ways this spring!

How amazing is it that we all got to experience the recent solar eclipse together? This cosmic event signified a monumental shift that pushes us to fight for what we really want in life. It's been a beautiful reminder to have our own back and commit to our inner compass as we continue to grow and learn together. I truly enjoyed gathering with our Reflection Riding families to witness this spectacular event!

With Gratitude,

Mandy

Solar Eclipse Sparks STEAM Learning

Our Wauhatchie community gathered at both Audubon Acres and Reflection Riding to witness the mesmerizing solar eclipse, accompanied by engaging art and STEAM activities. As the moon danced across the face of the sun, our school came together in celebration of curiosity, exploration, and the boundless possibilities of learning.

Over the past few weeks, students have been studying the rock cycle, creating solar-inspired art, conducting hands-on experiments - like the making of "crayonite" (pictured below) - and excitedly exploring the wonders of our earth and the wider universe in preparation for this celestial event. Here's to many more adventures in learning under the vast canopy of the cosmos!

A Day at the Hunter Museum of American Art

Nicole's Song Annual Fundraiser

The Wauhatchie community recently lost our dear teacher Nicole Song. Her creativity, lively spirit, and ability to find the tiny beautiful miracles in every day life live on in each of our forest school classrooms.

This year, our annual dance party, silent auction, and scholarship fundraiser in honor of our beloved forest fairy will take place on Saturday, May 4 from 3-6pm. All of Chattanooga is invited to cut a rug and raise money for our scholarship fund so more children can experience the lifelong impact of forest education. Please help spread the word about this event by sharing with family and friends all around town!

Welcome New Wauhatchie Forest Teachers

Shelter Raising at Quail Run Farm!

It's officially time to build our new shelters at Quail Run Farm!

We welcome any parents, family, or friends available to join us in the shelter raising on May 11, 18, and/or 25. These work days will begin at 9AM and we will dedicate 4-5 hours each Saturday. Some drinks and snacks will be provided. Thank you all!

A Budding Writer in our Midst

We are pleased to announce that our Annora Giannella (4th grade at Reflection Riding) has won the Young Southern Student Writers award for her wonderful poetry submission! In addition to her poetry award, Annora has also recently published her first book, Commander Rat and the Meatball Meteor Shower.

Please join us in sending Annora a most celebratory "Congratulations!" We here at Wauhatchie School are so very proud of you!

Friends of the Forest

Wauhatchie's version of a PTA is open for any parents or family members interested in volunteering or being more connected to our school community this year! If you're interested, find the Friends of the Forest group on MiNGA and Request to Join to get plugged in.

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