Principal's Weekly Message

Good afternoon Chatham Park Elementary School Bulldog Families,

This message is a reminder about the upcoming administration of the 2022 PSSA Assessment for Grades 3, 4, and 5.

Below are the dates for the PSSAs:

Grade 3, 4, and 5 ELA: Tuesday, April 26^th, Wednesday, April 27^th, and Thursday, April 28^th

Grades 3, 4, and 5 Mathematics: Tuesday, May 3^rd, and Wednesday, May 4^th

Grade 4 Science: Tuesday, May 10^th, and Wednesday, 11^th

All Makeups: Monday, May 2^nd, Thursday, May 5^th, Friday, May 6^th, Monday, May 9^th, Thursday, May 12^th, Friday, May 13^th

Additionally for your information, I have attached documents addressing the following:

PSSA Information Docs 21-22.pdf 

Code of Conduct for Test Takers

FAQs Information for Parents and Guardians

Use of Cellphone Guidelines

If you have any questions about the administration of the PSSA assessment, please contact me directly. We appreciate your time and attention to this matter.

 

Respectfully,

 

Dr. Jabari Whitehead

Good afternoon Chatham Park Elementary School Bulldog Families,

What a week it has been! We enjoyed our second week of being back together in the cafeteria. It has been a pleasure to see our students reconnecting and engaging in laughter and conversation. It is also a joy to walk the hallways of Chatham Park with all the displays of student artwork abundantly lining the walls. The after-school clubs are up and running i.e., BSD Coding, Science Explorers, Wolf PAC Drama Club, and our HASA Running Club. Our place is feeling more and more of what we recognize.

Our 4^th and 5^th Graders had an opportunity to participate in the Delaware County Intermediate Unit’s Reading Olympics yesterday. Thanks to the teachers and staff who took the time to prepare, coach, and host this wonderful event! Seeing all the children together in-person having fun and enjoying healthy competition together brought joy to my heart and a smile to my face.

Fourth Grade held their traditional March Madness Shootout this afternoon where students competed within and between classes to determine a champion for the game of knockout (basketball game). There were cheers, chants, excitement, smiles, and sheer joy. Traditions are an important part of any organization and school culture and we at Chatham Park are fortunate to have many that pull our students together.

Our HASA Parent Volunteer Group is working hard getting the May Fair, the Maniac Magee Run, and preparations for the end of the year events organized. We are also happy to see the Chatham Families Together Community Group doing their work in supporting the school’s belongingness, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Next week, we have our Scholastic Book Fair (April 4^th-April 8^th ). Students will attend book-fair with their homeroom during their assigned library times. Also, please remember that Spring Break is on the way. There will be NO SCHOOL on 4/11, 4/12, 4/13, 4/14, and 4/15 for Spring Break. The school will resume on Monday, 4/18/22

In closing, I ask that we think about the word “mercy”. You are encouraged to find and give mercy to yourselves and your children. All of us hope to show up and play big every day. It may not always turn out the way we intend things to go. However, that is okay. It only becomes a tragedy if we get stuck in our thoughts and refuse to reflect and grow.

The word mercy came up in my thoughts about how much power we have as parents when it comes to our children, especially in these early years. I became frightened not long ago in a conversation with our 10-year-old son when he said, “Daddy, I would go crazy without you”. To think that with all our flaws as parents, as human beings, our children still see us as important as the air that they breathe, is a reminder that we need to be merciful in our messaging to them in terms of what we value, and merciful to ourselves with our inner voices.

This life is a gift and the only way to make it rich is to show up for it with all of who we are. Let’s continue to be brave, not perfect, work to grow 1% better each day, and express gratitude for the little things. We wish everyone a restful, joyous, and peaceful weekend. If you have any questions about any information in this message, feel free to reach out and connect.

 

With love and gratitude,

 

Dr. Jabari Whitehead

Proud Principal

Chatham Park Elementary School

Greetings Chatham Park Elementary School Bulldog Families,

We have been traveling on a remarkable journey. A few days ago on 3/13/22, we hit the two-year anniversary of the shutdown in response to COVID-19. After listening to a recent episode of the Daily Stoic Podcast by Ryan Holiday, the questions I have reflected on are… Am I better? Did I improve? How did I respond to this segment of history? Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius led during a plague (Antonine Plague) and asked the same questions.

We all had a choice to make things better or worse. So what did we as adults as individuals do? When thinking about a response, view it through the lens of your own habits, actions, and behaviors. What were the displays and impressions left behind for our children, neighbors, and community? What is the quality of your character that remains? It is always helpful to journal and reflect. As we as adults improve, thus shall be that condition of the ones we love and the local community…Our Chatham Park community :-)

On Monday, March 21^st our students in grades 1 through 5 will return to a singular lunch location in our famed Chatham Park cafeteria. This is a major step for our children. While we were seated in the cafeteria briefly at the beginning of this year, this shift is a return to what we recognized pre 3/13/20. There will be a lot to adjust to for our students especially in navigating social situations, and relationships at the lunch tables. For most students (grades 1^st, 2^nd, and some 3rd) this will be their first time in this environment. With this being this case, we understand that there will be much to learn, some anxiety, a bunch of excitement, and loads of energy. As we approach Monday, it may be helpful to think through the life of an elementary school cafeteria. 

Some of the typical situations children may experience are as follows…

• Elementary school children are very observant and may at times make comments about other children’s food. Some comments though unintentional may create some sad feelings in the other student who is receiving the commentary. It will be important to have conversations at home about children respecting everyone’s choice in nutrition and diet. There are many different types of foods for many different reasons i.e., cultural, allergies, medical needs, personal taste, etc. All are worthy of respect and dignity. Also, commenting on another student’s food brings unwanted attention to the child who like everyone, else deserves a peaceful, unimpeded space for eating, socialization, and a brief respite from the academic portion of the day.
• Elementary school children tend to vie for other classmates', friends’ attention even if they are already engaged in other conversations/play. Sometimes they will repeat a name over and over again, tap on a shoulder incessantly, pull or grab to say “hey I’m here” or “don’t forget about me”, or “I was still talking”. At times if the attention is not gained, the student can feel left out of the conversation or feel like others are being mean when in reality children are just not that great at giving full attention (btw… adults struggle with this as well).
• Elementary school children are still learning personal space and no place is more evident for their struggles in this area than in the foodservice line for buyers. They are velcroed to the person in front of them trying to secure space and stopping people from the infamous budging/cutting/butting in line. This occurs no matter how much reassurance we provide about the cafeteria not running out of food for them.
• Elementary school children usually as they approach upper grades 3, 4, and 5 enter the world of “just kidding”. This usually comes in the form of jokes at someone else’s expense or touching/playing with somebody’s food when they are away from the table. We also can’t forget the "it’s not my trash" game. This is where a student may think it’s funny to sit a piece of trash on somebody else’s tray to have them throw it out for them without noticing.
• Elementary school children in the younger grades 1, and 2 may struggle with opening items that are a part of their lunch. We recommend conducting trial and error with items sent in from home to make sure the students can be as independent as possible in managing and successfully eating their lunch.
• Elementary school children in all grades may spend more time talking and playing than actually eating all of their lunch or any for that matter. The truth is that some children are not always ready to eat at their designated lunchtimes or they prefer to be socially engaged in laughter, play, and conversation. Alternatively, many students in older grades finish lunch within the first 15 minutes of the 30-minute block and then are looking for more to eat or wanting to get into playing before lunch is over which at times can lead to mischief :-)
• Lunchtimes for elementary school children is a time when many children like to explore the restroom as preliminary recess or recess practice. Some students participate in their favorite past times like splashing water on the mirrors or onto each other, paper towel basketball, swinging on the stall doors, checking to see who is in the stalls, chat sessions, or the all-time classic (1^st grade/2^nd grade) locking the restroom stall from the inside and sliding out on the floor from underneath the stall. I guess they have to do something with all that energy.

Those aforementioned items are just some of the nuances and scenarios that are part of the life of the elementary school experience. The only resolution to any of the issues above is practice and experience. Please know that our teachers and staff have already begun working through scenarios, troubleshooting, and discussing expectations for participation in lunch in a healthy, peaceful, and productive manner. There are also reminders from the principal within the morning announcements. However, like with anything else we have been successful with, we need a joint effort from home in alignment with the school. Attached you will find our Chatham Park School-wide Expectations ( CP Behavior Schoolwide Expectations.pdf).

It will be a great benefit to review the expected expectations for the cafeteria, bathroom, and definitely recess. We work to be a Community of Caring every day, and daily we work to be better than we were the day before. It’s a high bar we set for ourselves but it is worth every effort. Overall, the shift to the cafeteria as the primary lunch location is a sign of progress in this segment of life’s journey.

Below are some other notes…

• Softball Field is in use- the Haverford Middle School Softball practices and games have begun. Please be make certain that your families or children are not interrupting the practices or games by running or cutting through the outfield or yelling at players and coaches. We have received reports from this week of actions and behaviors that are not part of our core values at Chatham Park. The softball teams are usually on the field by 3:15 PM-3:30 PM to start their activities. Make sure the students are mindful.
• Outdoor PE on the front field- Outdoor PE will increase as the weather continues to warm. Everyone is asked to stay off the front fields until 3:45 PM. The time and space are necessary for the equipment to be returned.
• Chatham Park Elementary Track- The 4^th and 5th-grade track team will begin practices within the upcoming weeks in preparation for the elementary school districtwide track meet. Stay tuned for more info to come. When the track team is practicing, it will be important for the front field space to stay clear throughout the duration of practice.
• Lunch/Recess monitors are STILL NEEDED- PLEASE APPLY TO BE A LUNCH MONITOR OR YOU CAN VOLUNTEER. Contact the principal directly.
• Scholastic Book Fair (HASA-Parent Volunteer Group)- The book fair will take place from April 4^th to April 8^th during your child’s scheduled library period. Look out for details from our Home and School Association.
• Note from Haverford Township Police Department- In a recent conversation with an officer from our township police department, concerns were raised about behaviors from students who may be agitating local neighbors following the school day. Some of the behaviors include inappropriate language, walking on property, and doorbell ditch. Again, these are not the expected behaviors of our Chatham Park students. Please take time to address the expectations for the students beyond the school day as they make their way home.
• Social Media Use & Group Chats- To put it as bluntly as possible, elementary school children and even up through high school children ARE NOT READY FOR SOCIAL MEDIA NOR GROUP CHATS. The reasons why your principal is saying this are numerous (There are a significant well and abundance of adults not ready either).

I know, I know, I know we all have lovely, harmless, excellent, well-behaved children, HOWEVER, in my now 16 years of school leadership grades K-12, years of athletic coaching youth through high school sports, and a father to 2 children, I have learned that it only takes a splinter, a fracture, a mustard seed size of disagreement, sense of betrayal, poor attempt at humor, or a failing relationship/friendship for a social media communication or group chat to go very badly, become harmful, or create a hurdle for someone to show up as there whole selves both in school or outside of school.

I am hoping anyone reading this, is not still going with the “not my kid” refrain. As I said, we too have lovely, well-meaning children who also can be susceptible to making poor decisions in the social media and group chats arenas. Please know that your principal is not trying to make a decision for you but I have experienced incidents from the benign that can be easily be corrected to the extreme where it was too late i.e., safety issues, threats, police matter, loss of opportunities in recruiting for university sports/scholarships. Talk to your children do not assume you know EVERYTHING your child is doing. Being present with them and giving them the gift of time with you is probably the best remedy of all.

In closing, there was a lot shared because there is much left to be done. We have roughly three and a half months of school left in the 2021-2022 school year. Our collective efforts, grace, and willingness to be brave, not perfect have led us to this point. If you have questions about anything in this message, please reach out and connect. Our outstanding team of teachers and staff remain proud to serve and contribute to a better school community. At Chatham Park, EVERYONE MATTERS AND EVERYONE MUST HAVE A PLACE TO BELONG. We start our days daily with those words and we will continue to work to make them true. Enjoy your evening!

 

With love and gratitude,

 

Dr. Jabari Whitehead

Proud Principal

Chatham Park Elementary School

Greetings Chatham Park Elementary School Bulldog Families,

What remarkable times we are in. Today the majority of our students celebrated our 100^th day of school and our 5^th graders celebrated their 1000^th day of school since they arrive as young bulldog pups in kindergarten. Be on the lookout for pictures of all kinds of happenings connected to today. We as adults can all learn from our children how to make the best of the times we are in.

While listening to Eckhart Tolle in an episode on Oprah’s Super Soul Conversation (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oprah-and-eckhart-tolle-acceptance-of-troubled-times/id1264843400?i=1000448602834) where he was addressing the topic of Acceptance of Troubled Times, I was able to come away with some insights that may be helpful in managing our own mindset…

• “Accept this moment as if you have chosen it… you must accept it before you can change it”
• “Stress occurs because we mentally protect ourselves for some future moment we believe will bring happiness, fulfillment, or freedom”
• “Stress arises in the gap between what “is” and what your mind says it “should be...this is known as the stress gap”
• “Dislike of the present moment is due to the mental narrative we impose on the present moment”
• “Civilization has never moved in a straight line and for every great advancement in our culture, we take a couple of steps backward”
• “We do evolve from comfort zones… Per Aspera ad Astra (through adversity to the stars)”
• “What comes back after adversity or discomfort is stronger than what was once in its place”

My hope is that as adults, we can reflect and respond with a greater awareness of our response patterns and model stillness, calm, and acceptance in the face of discomfort. A stoic philosopher wrote, “… anger stupefies…”. As I reflect back on my own journey, I cannot recall a situation where acting in anger improved a situation. The closer to calm we are, the closer we are to strength. We can apply this understanding in our collective responsibility as a school community. By the way, I too am still learning all the above as an educator, parent, friend, and neighbor. The work is never complete.

Below are some reminders for the upcoming weeks…

• Parking lot use during arrival and dismissal- Please refrain from using the faculty parking lot for drop off and pick during the school. There are some safety issues with families and children cutting between cars and interrupting bus arrival. Those utilizing before and aftercare may still access the parking lot because the families have to drop the students off and sign in with care providers. Usually, that occurs before school hours and long after school dismissal hours. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.
• Valentines Day/Healthy Heart Day activities for all grades will take place on Monday, February 14^th. For any specific details, please contact your child’s classroom teachers.
• Act 80 Day Early Dismissal will be next Friday, February 18^th. Grades K-5 will be dismissed at 11:50 AM. ONLY PM Kindergarten will be in attendance.
• Virtual Conferences 3/16-3/18/22- Our parent-teacher conferences will be held virtually from March 16^th through March 18^th. The conferences days are all early dismissal days. Please keep an eye out for teacher communication regarding conferences.
• NO SCHOOL Monday, February 21^st. Offices and school buildings will be closed. Please do not expect communication from school personnel. Thank you!

In closing, we wish everyone a great, sunny, and fun Super Bowl Weekend. If you have any questions about the aforementioned information, please contact me directly.

 

With love and gratitude,

 

Dr. Jabari Whitehead

Proud Principal

Chatham Park Elementary

Greetings Chatham Park Elementary School Bulldog Families!

We have journeyed through another week and we also reached the halfway point of the school year. We have learned so much and grown tremendously as a school community. Midpoints are always a healthy time to reflect on what good we have done and what good shall we do. Consider as well, what things you felt were happening to you that instead actually happened for you. I encourage us as a school community to find the positive lessons in all that has occurred to this point. Life is hard and yet we continue to do the hard stuff.

It also may be a good time as we enter the dead of winter to check in with our children to hear what they love about themselves. Ask them what are 3 things they love about themselves. When they respond, be present and listen. We want our children to learn not to attach their identity to anything that can be taken away from them, or anything they have no control over.

With that being said, we know there are families still hurting, and dealing with scars we cannot see. As always, you do not need to go at this life alone. Please connect with us in any way the school and or district can be of support. We see and value all of our families because relationships matter. The education of our children is a collaborative effort and we are grateful for the continued partnerships that have been the driving force behind the success of Chatham Park Elementary School.

Remember who we are and what we believe…

• We believe in Being Brave Not Perfect
• We believe in the Growth Mindset and the POWER OF YET
• We believe in habits that lead us to a STRONG MIND + STRONG BODY
• We believe in the Practice of Gratitude

We wish every family a joyous, and restful weekend and look forward to the next steps in our collective journey.

Below are some reminders for the upcoming weeks

• Attendance notes- When emailing the school regarding your child’s/children’s absence, please send the email to the address CP-Attendance@haverfordsd.net
• COVID Communication- Please note that on the days when no communication is sent to families, that indicates a day without cases present in the building. On a related note, please remember to keep your children home if they are awaiting the results of a PCR test.
• Act 80 Day/Early Dismissal, February 18^th- 2/18/22 will be an early dismissal day. On that day only PM Kindergarten will be in attendance. Kindergarten is dismissed at 11:50 am along with grades 1-5.
• No School Monday, February 21^st- There will be no school on 2/21/22 for the Presidents Day Holiday. The school and offices will be closed as well.
• Proper attire for Cold Weather- Please make certain the children are sent to school during these winter months with the appropriate attire to manage the cold temperatures and weather conditions. While some students are resistant to jackets, coats, hats, gloves, etc., the proper attire is critical in the case of an emergency or any need to be outside of the building for any extended period of time including recess and mask breaks.
• Traffic- We have heard concerns about the morning traffic. I will be meeting next week with the Haverford Township Police Department Officer Sergeant TJ Long to collaboratively arrive at some possible solutions to improve our arrival and address concerns.

Again, we wish you all a peaceful and healthy weekend. If you have any questions about the information above, feel free to connect with me directly. Take care and be well.

With love and gratitude,

 

Dr. Jabari Whitehead

Proud Principal

Chatham Park Elementary School

Greetings Chatham Park Elementary School Bulldog Families!

Before I begin, I hope you try beginning each day with the following affirmations

"I am here... I am loved... I am blessed"

"In THIS MOMENT I am WELL"

"Everything in life that happens, comes through like the schoolmaster teaching lessons along the way"

I know for sure that we do not control anything beyond our reasoned choice, the critical nature of impermanence, the positive impact in finding joy in the little things, the power of yet, and the power in the practice of gratitude. 

As a school, we are appreciative of all the families extending the grace to our school and the work being done with the realization that this journey does not have a deadline. Where we are now regardless of how we feel is a part of the journey. Let us not miss the lessons along the way. We can be even better than where we were in quote "normal times" on the other side. Humans by nature are abnormally normal :-) We are imperfectly perfect. We will continue to work in the vain of being brave, not perfect.

Chatham Park Elementary School is a special place and community. Whether it is the walkability of the neighborhoods in relation to the school, the way the community shows up in support of its own, the deep relationships between home and school, the generations of families that have graced the halls of Chatham Park, the talented and long-tenured teachers, and staff, or the overall fondness of the school expressed in Havertown and beyond, we know the place Chatham Park holds in the hearts of the collective community. 

Again we are thankful for everything we are together, and ALL that we represent. Also, remember to reach out and connect when you need to. Do not wait for frustrations to build. Schools can only act on the information we have. Nothing done in anger bears any fruit worth eating. Everything begins and ends with people and relationships. 

Below are some reminders for this and the upcoming week...

Act 80 Early Dismissal (11:50 AM) Friday, 1/14/22- A reminder that tomorrow is an early dismissal for students Grades K-5. AM Kindergarten will be in session tomorrow and will be dismissed at 11:30 AM. All other students in grades 1 through 5 will be dismissed at 11:50 AM. The teachers and staff will be in professional development for the remainder of the day.

No School Monday 1/18/220- On Monday, 1/18/22 the schools will be closed in recognition of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. If families and students are engaging in days of service activities, please tweet pictures to @ChathamPark_ES on Twitter to share in connection with our Community of Caring Core Values of Caring, Respect, Responsibility, Trust, and Family. 

Kindergarten Registration Postponed- Please see the attached document(Kindergarten Registration Postponed (1).pdf) addressing the postponement of Kindergarten Registration for the 2022-2023 School Year

COVID-19 CDC Guidance for Isolation & Quarantine- Here is the most recent guidance utilized with regard to isolation and quarantine from the CDC (COVID-19 CDC Guidance for Iso and Quarantine.pdf) If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact our school nurses.

If there are any follow-up questions about any of the items above, feel free to contact me directly. Enjoy the rest of your day this week as well as the upcoming weekend!

 

With love and gratitude,

 

Dr. Jabari Whitehead

Proud Principal 

Chatham Park Elementary School

Happy New Year 2022

Happy New Year to our Chatham Park Elementary School Bulldog Families!

I hope your time away was enjoyable, peaceful, fun, and healthy. Tomorrow we return to continue the journey through another outstanding school year. This is not toxic positivity but the realization that when we focus on what is within our control or reasoned choice, we suffer less both in imagination and the physical world.

Hopefully, you are aware that we will return in person tomorrow (Monday, 1/3/22) minus those who have communicated via email with the teachers, nurses, and myself that their family is at home on quarantine. There were district communications that were sent out recently as well. Please make certain that you share that communication before the school day begins tomorrow. Those families remaining home for quarantine purposes, will be able to live stream in for their instruction with the understanding that in-person instruction is the focus due to its feasibility (Note: grades 1-5 live stream but kindergarten will communicate the learning plan developmentally appropriate for that age group).

As far as arrival into the building and departure at dismissal, students will for consistency purposes, will continue to enter and exit through their designated entry points. Originally, we were going to return to meeting students outside at their grade level lines but that would be a departure from the method of arrival they are most familiar with. So again, students will enter the building directly at the first bell (8:35 AM) through the second bell (8:45 AM).

Everyone is encouraged as we return to improve their ability to arrive at school in a timely and punctual manner. When you are early, you are on time, and if you are on time, you are late :-) Remember, the “all eyes on me” feeling students experience when they arrive alone in the doorway of the classroom can be unnerving to a child. Being on time barring any unavoidable/unforeseen circumstances sends messaging that learning and teaching time is precious and important to the child, family, teacher, and classmates.

January of each year also signifies a rise in the level of learning standards/new instruction for students to experience. As a family, focusing on the factors you can control (sleep, nutrition, movement/exercise, mindset, and relationships) will make a positive difference. These are all key in improving children’s readiness for learning each day.

We know in these uncertain times with the continuing shifts that anxiety may be of concern for some children/families. Having an anxious child of our own, we too have to pay attention to common foods that can induce anxiety. The five most common anxiety-inducing foods we have become more mindful about are the following: sugar, fried foods, processed foods, food additives, and caffeine. Reducing these foods have a high likelihood of keeping the body, mind, and spirit feeling refreshed each day. Nutrition affects everything. Give it a try, journal how you and your child/children feel each day, and see and feel yourselves becoming 1% better daily.

The remainder of this school year will move both swiftly and slow. We all need to be the best versions of ourselves and maintain quality home and school relationships to cross the finish line together. I was listening to Courtney Dauwalter (ultra-marathoner) speak about approaching hills on 200-mile races (which this past almost two years may have felt like, to many people). She talked about the mistake runners make of running hard and fast on steep hills. Courtney learned that you do not actually move any faster by running up the steep hill and that it is more effective to keep moving/walking efficiently and consistently. The better method has been to only run uphill when you can see the horizon. Courtney says, “Be where your feet are”. Let this idea serve as a reminder to live in the process, celebrate the small wins, and do not push your happiness over the horizon. Let us all model this for our children and community. Walking together as a collective is how we will meet our hopes and dreams for our children.

In closing, I am looking forward to reconnecting with our inspirational and remarkable teachers and staff in our efforts to serve the Chatham Park Elementary School community. We ask that as we step forward into the remaining months, that you continue to extend grace, compassion, and temperance as we face whatever shifts lay ahead. Enjoy the rest of this day and we will see you soon! We have Bulldog Power and WE ARE BULLDOG STRONG!

With love and gratitude,

Dr. Jabari Whitehead
Proud Principal
Chatham Park Elementary School

Happy Winter Break-Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays, Winter Break, and Happy New Year to all our Chatham Park Elementary School Bulldog Families!

As we close out this segment of the school year and the year of 2021, I want to share if I may a reflection of life’s happenings/year in review…

· The passing of my father-in-law in June 2021

· Totaled my car in an automobile accident in July 2021

· Tore my patella tendon in October 2021

· Spent time in isolation for COVID-19 in December and family in quarantine through Christmas 2021

All the above serve as opportunities to test the belief systems and ideas that I have espoused or shared with the community in the past. The stoic philosophy of controlling what is within our control (sleep, nutrition, movement/exercise, mindset, and relationships) was put to the test. The chore of awakening each day and battling the inner voice is referred to as the petty tyrant or governor is a worthy challenge. Brene’ Brown talks about the stories we tell ourselves and trust me, in times of forced solitude there are many stories that arise. I also had to learn about who I am and who we are as a family without the external definitions, labels, titles, roles, and activities we typically are privileged to engage in. There is great freedom in being detached and undefined or fixed in identity because we are always becoming.

We continued to see evidence of the love in our lives and the wealth we have in "community". In spite of the messaging we are bombarded with in the news media, social media, etc. there is an abundance of love and joy in this world when we pick our heads up and look to see it. If we look at every human being as their own story, we will appreciate this world much more. If we sit in gratitude and drop our egos, we will admit to ourselves that none of us are self-made and there were allies along the way whether we knew it or not. We never know the full story of who is advocating or has advocated behind the scenes for you, for us. The gift of seeing people as unique stories is that you will find strength and power in them to serve as your courage when you need it.

The moments listed above in terms of the incidents, serve as reminders that we are all a mess and a masterpiece. We by nature are paradoxical. I encourage us all to step away from binary views because when you do so, you will be certain to suffer less. For the longest time and to this day I hear Owen Wilson’s character in the movie You, Me and Dupree talking about throwing “7 Different Kinds of Smoke”. Adam Grant’s book Think Again makes reference to this idea that we can’t know it all and there will always be confounding variables that we either cannot see or because of subconscious messaging, or personal bias, we chose not to see.

In closing, I encourage us all to walk into the new year willing to do the inner work and be mindful of who we are taking out of our homes each day and who we are bringing back into our homes in terms of the versions of ourselves. Questions: What story from your life is running the show? Are you running the show, or is that story running you? The year ending and winter beginning reminds us of our need to die to ourselves daily. I hope that each day you awaken and slay the petty tyrant in your minds, speak to yourself in love and kindness, and extend that grace to others both near and far.

Please always know that as members of the Chatham Park Bulldog Community, you do not need to walk alone in struggles. Connect with us for the support you feel the school may be able to assist in whatever area that might be. Thank you for your grace, patience, and understanding as we continue to face the shifts that are inevitable on the journey ahead.

 Also, we want you to step away and refrain from contacting teachers, and staff as I have directed everyone to disconnect over the duration of the break from 11:50 AM today (12/23/21), through our return on 8:35 AM on Monday, 1/3/22. We ask that this be respected and honored to allow the recovery of mind, body, and spirit for our phenomenal people here serving the community. May your time away be restful, peaceful, and filled with joy and if times are difficult that you are blessed with a community to fill the void. Take care and be well.

 

With love and gratitude,

 

Dr. Jabari Whitehead

Proud Principal

Chatham Park Elementary School

 

Greetings Chatham Park Elementary School Bulldog Families,

Happy Friday! I appreciate your patience and grace as I work my way back to getting out our weekly Friday messages. In the time between the last message mid-November and now, it feels like we hit a time warp. The children have grown taller, they have more to say :-), and life has gotten busier. I am hoping that we, as adults, have a much better sense of what the right kind of busy is. The Latin phrase “memento mori” serves as a reminder that we can be gone today, and that there is no more important time than the present and what we do with it. 

With regard to time, our children often serve as the greatest teachers for informing us about the importance of the moment and the gift of time. Currently, our son Evan is teaching himself a new hobby of crocheting. Last night while hanging out on the couch as we settled in for the evening, Evan shared his own thoughts on what happens when children are given the time (Check out this video: https://youtu.be/OUEGYgSI3g4). He reminded us what amazing things can happen when given the opportunity. We all have to be careful in scheduling their unique selves out of the frame. The gift of time and space allows them to see themselves for who they really are. 

We also have to think about our expectations of our children and whether they are realistic in terms of alignment with who they truly are as human beings. Think about your conversations with your children. Keep track of how many different directions/commands/instructions, and topics we unintentionally or intentionally blurt out in their direction. Seriously, think about getting out of the house in the morning or upon returning home to them in the afternoon/evening. When you get a chance, talk to them about what they are really hearing. To our children, orders may ping around in their brains like a ball in a pinball machine. I know I have much work to do in this arena myself. 

Recently, I heard Dr. Julie Lythcott-Haims On How To Be An Adult on The Rich Roll Podcast

(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/julie-lythcott-haims-on-how-to-be-an-adult/id582272991?i=1000538912957) speaking on the overmanagement of our children. Her TedTalk titled, How to raise successful kids — without over-parenting is extremely insightful as well (https://www.ted.com/talks/julie_lythcott_haims_how_to_raise_successful_kids_without_over_parenting?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare). 

As parents, we do not have an easy job and nor are there any deadlines or loopholes. I am certain that the past 20 months have proven that. Again, what is really essential for our children, for ourselves, and our collective well-being? I hope that as we near the upcoming winter break that we dial in on what it means to be connected, and together with those we love and hold dear to our hearts. 

Below are some notes and reminders for the upcoming weeks…

• Live Streaming for COVID-Related Absences- With the winter break and holidays fast approaching, we want to remind everyone that live-streaming will only be approved for students who are absent for COVD-related absences. The student was either sent home by us due to symptoms, or we received news that the student is identified as a positive case and is quarantined at home. 

• Medical Information- Please Please and PLEASE MAKE CERTAIN ALL MEDICAL MATTERS ARE COMMUNICATED DIRECTLY TO OUR SCHOOL NURSES IN A TIMELY MANNER. It makes a significant difference in terms of impact and possible support needed for students. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

• Tardiness to School- We are seeing an increase in tardiness for students arriving at school. We want our students to begin the day with a smooth transition ready to begin learning on time with their peers. Each homeroom begins the day with a morning meeting which is a time for students and the teachers to build community. It really is a key component to helping to strengthen our children’s self-concept individually and as a classroom community. If there are issues with arriving at school on time, please feel free to reach out to the principal or school counselor (Ms. Catherine Mallam)

• Chatham Park Coffee & Conversation with Dr. Whitehead- On Friday 12/17/21, we will virtually host the first installment of a coffee and conversation session with the principal. Chatham Park community members are invited to a listening session. Dr. Whitehead is looking forward to hearing from parents/caregivers about their lived experiences as part of the school community in terms of present needs, concerns, ideas, and feedback. The zoom meeting will open up at 7:00 am and conclude at 7:45 am. Please see the following zoom link:  https://haverfordsd.zoom.us/j/83648095482 

• LUNCH/RECESS MONITORS- We are still very much in need of more lunch monitors. If you can volunteer, please reach out to the principal as soon as possible. 

In closing, I would like to say thank you for the continued support and encouragement in these times. Esther Perel once said, “It is our mass mutual reliance, a deep sense of interdependence, and acceptance of our shared experience that will allow us to be more productive, feel less stress and gain a greater sense of connection”. If we can all buy into that understanding we will certainly head in the right direction. We wish all of you a peaceful, calm, and healthy weekend.

 

With love and gratitude,

Dr. Jabari Whitehead

Proud Principal

Chatham Park Elementary School

Hello to My Chatham Park Elementary School Bulldog Families!

What a remarkable, unpredictable, and chaotic ride it has been! Thus far our journey into the 2021-2022 school year has been a mess and a masterpiece. We kicked off the year with both hope and uncertainty, joy and frustration, courage and fear, surges of energy, and waves of fatigue. We know the surge capacity is gone while simultaneously the world wants to kick back into full gear or overdrive to recover perceived losses.

I encourage us again to refrain from the rush back to the so-called normal of the “hurried life”. If we do, we risk the lessons and power gained. We learned about the power of collectivism, service, and generosity. We learned that our children are not fragile and like us are built for struggle. We learned the value of what actually brings us joy versus chasing happiness through the external.

We learned the power of our reasoned choice and focusing on what is within our control (sleep, nutrition, exercise/movement, mindset, and relationships). We were able to and continue to practice being brave, not perfect. Most importantly, are any lessons we learned and continue to learn about ourselves. Let us continue to model the lessons for our children as we live into our core values of Caring, Respect, Responsibility, Trust, and Family.

With regard to our core values, we are resetting our focus on the values by communicating our Chatham Park Behavior School-Wide Expectations. You will find it attached for your reference.

CP Behavior Schoolwide Expectations.pdf

We ask that you take the time to partner with us as a school community to build a common language between home and school. While we see and believe that we have wonderful children at Chatham Park, we want to make the core values second nature. Just as much as work towards excellence in academics, sports, extracurricular activities, etc., it is just as or more vital to work towards excellence as a human being.

We appreciate the outstanding support of our school community as we navigate the twists and turns of the journey. We ask for the grace that has been extended while we light the path as we walk it.

Below are some notes and reminders for the upcoming week(s):

• A shift in recess practices... Beginning next Monday (11/15/21), our students will be permitted to interact among homerooms during recess. We are still very much in need of at least 3 additional lunch/recess monitors to improve our supervision of recess time. Please contact me

directly if you are interested in volunteering your time throughout the week. Clearances are required as well as evidence of vaccination. We need a few good humans :-)

• Attendance... Please use this link to refresh your knowledge of the district’s attendance
policy https://www.haverford.k12.pa.us/departments/department-of-pupil- services/attendance

• Bulldog Brags... We are excited to begin seeing our students receiving their Bulldog Brags this week! There can never be enough when it comes to celebrating the GOOD STUFF! If your child receives a Bulldog Brag, feel free to tweet a picture to our @ChathamPark_ES Twitter page to show who we are as a community.

• DCIU Parent Training... Please find the flyer attached for the November Parent training from the DCIU: Nov 2021 Parent Training Flyer.pdf

• GESU Symposium... On 11/18/21 @ 5:00 PM, your principal will be engaging in a conversation on the topic Working Together to Manage Pandemic Stress in our School Communities as part of the GESU School annual Symposium. Registration is free. You can register
at www.gesuschool.org/2021symposium. I’m looking forward to sharing what I have learned from our journey together. I hope the words will be of service to all that attend.

Well, that is it for now :-) We wish everyone a beautiful, peaceful, and harmonious weekend. Be kind to yourselves and show love to others.

With love and gratitude,

Dr. Jabari Whitehead
Proud Principal
Chatham Park Elementary School