With the excitement of our fantastic ECE/K Winter Concert last night, I simply forgot to get this out Wednesday evening as promised, so apologies for the delay.
As the year winds down and the holidays approach, I want to take the opportunity to say thank you. These first few months have been full of constant learning and growth, for me as well as the students. Academically, our school is excelling — as you know, we were recognized as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School, only one of four schools in the District to receive this honor. We are also proud of our many other accomplishments so far this school year, such as the new schoolyard green space that features the largest FoodPrints school garden in DC and the successful Thanksgiving feast, attended by over 250 parents, students, and teachers. To top it off, as an early holiday gift, I have recently been told by Department of General Services, that our new playground construction is set to begin in mid-late January, with a hopeful completion date by mid-March – keep your fingers crossed!
Most of these successes are first due to our great instructional staff, with the additional support provided by our exceptional PTO. Through the PTO’s efforts, we have been able to offer our students and their teachers improved technology, more field trips, exciting books for all classrooms, and a wider variety of learning materials and supplies. As a reminder, the Ludlow-Taylor PTO depends on two key fundraising efforts to drive its work to support LTES. As a parent or a member of the school community, I hope you will consider giving, participating, promoting, or otherwise contributing to the success of the following two projects:
- Community of Giving Campaign: Provides an opportunity for community members to provide financial support to Ludlow-Taylor. This year we have a goal of raising $20,000 by December 31st. We have raised over $10,000 towards this effort, so we are already halfway there. To donate, please visit www.ludlowtaylor.org/donate
- Taste for the Arts Auction: Opportunity for families, teachers, staff, and community members to spend a fun night out in support of our school. This year’s auction will be held on Saturday, March 25th, 2017 at St Marks Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill. Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for updates as the date gets closer.
Andrew Smith
Principal, Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School