December 6, 2018
Ted Braude Presentation
A big, ‘thank you!’ to everyone who was able to attend the recent parent workshop with Ted Braude. He led a powerful and thought-provoking interactive discussion, sprinkling in a large dose of humor and practical advice for parents. We’ve received some feedback already and invite everyone who was there to let us know your thoughts and impressions of the presentation. Please email rob.himburg@uplandhills.org to give your feedback.
We would like to especially thank UHS alum and all around outstanding guy, Jacob Whitaker for volunteering with Robert Crowe to care for the children while their parents attended the presentation. Thank you Jacob and Robert!
Theater Play Shop CD’s are in!
We have CD’s available from last spring’s production of Alice and from the fall production of Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas. $10 each, available in the office.
Holiday Celebration / Secret Pals
Next week the staff and students will celebrate the Season of Light. The staff has planned a week that includes activities to help create a warm and festive time. Our intention this year is to celebrate the joy of making and giving gifts.
Secret Pals is a long-standing tradition at Upland Hills. This year, we have scheduled time on Thursday for creating and wrapping gifts for our friends. There is no need to purchase or send in gifts this year. On Friday, we will come together in the big room for a special hour of holiday songs, stories and the gift exchange. Lori and Dominic will communicate to the Upper School parents information regarding their plans for the older student’s secret pal exchange.
South Oakland Shelter
In consideration of this time of year, the staff would like to continue a tradition started by our long time teacher, Ted. In lieu of gifts to our staff please consider a donation to The South Oakland Shelter. This year the shelter is requesting the following items: diapers (larger sizes), socks and underwear for adults and children, toilet paper and paper towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, laundry detergent and Peanut Butter and Jelly. You can leave your contribution in the big room at school any day through next Friday. Thank you in advance for your contributions.
Megan’s Group Toy Store
It’s that time of year again…Megan’s Group is proudly hosting the annual “Megan’s Group Toy Store” on Tuesday, December 11th. Every group will have a chance to shop for holiday gifts at the store. Please send no more than $5.00 with your child to shop with, preferably consisting of coins. All proceeds will go to a charitable cause determined by Megan’s Group. If you would like to donate more than $5.00 the Megan’s Groupers can accept donations separate from shopping money. Help raise money for those in need all while supporting Megan’s Group’s math project!
Meet our Artist in Residence
We are thrilled to welcome our friend Brianne Farley to our community this winter. She normally lives in Traverse City, but is in our area for a few months. We are very lucky to have her 
teaching two afternoon classes. Brianne is an author and illustrator of picture books. Her debut, Ike’s Incredible Ink, was awarded the Marion Vannett Ridgway Book Award Honor for debut authors and was selected for the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. She also illustrates the picture book series Charlotte the Scientist is Squished by Camille Andros, which was a Portland Best Book, a Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award, and was on the LITA Notable List. Brianne is an occasional muralist and very occasional editorial illustrator. She received her MFA in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design before working as a designer for Random House Books for Young Readers and Schwartz & Wade Books in New York. She now lives in Michigan where she spends her time in the woods, in Lake Michigan, or in her studio drawing and writing. Learn more at her website http://www.briannefarley.com/
From Rob
The UHS website has a new blog feature, just scroll down to the purple section and look for, “From The Director.” This is where we will share resources, ideas and musings that inform and reflect our school’s philosophy and methodologies. We hope you find it informative and inspiring. The first post is live now and includes a fascinating TED Talk presentation.
Check it out! https://uplandhills.org/welcome-to-the-uhs-blog/
December 11 – Megan’s Group Toy Store send $5 with your child
December 12 – Bigalora Community Dinner *UHS receives a 20% donation of all sales!
December 17- January 1 – Holiday Recess *last day of school is Friday, December 14th.
Access the school calendar at https://uplandhills.org/calendar/
* The school calendar sold by Robert does not include all dates!