Children in grades 1-6 enjoyed our assembly this morning. Mrs. Cindy Moon, Head of School, led the children in a cheerful celebration of this marvelous school year and the vast amount of learning that has taken place. Enjoy seeing the photos of the students...so happy and such great friends!

The kindergartners crossed the bridge into first grade in the annual "Bridging" ceremony! Their teachers, administrators, and parents are so proud of their accomplishments in kindergarten. They are more than ready to be big first grade students next year!

"Tradition!" As for Tevye and the villagers in Anatevka, Russia tradition is basic to us at Park Maitland School. The end of the year shows, held for the past 41 years have deepened tradition with each passing year. In 2010, we are back again to one of the shows that most passionately speaks to tradition..."Fiddler on the Roof." Mrs. Brandy Eleazer, drama director and Mr. Stephen D. Nelson, music director combined their talents with those of many hard-working adults to create a show that was entertaining, awe-inspiring, and powerful. The audience laughed and cried as the children took them on a musical journey through one period of time during which tradition was tested. Thanks to this same group of students, tradition is live and well at Park Maitland School -- yet another beautiful show has been presented. Bravo!

Enjoy some precious little faces hard at "work" and play on the P.E. field! Teachers Debbie Bovell, Bettie Janson, and Sandy Hayes provide marvelous training for this very special field day!

The annual "Art Faire & Variety Show" was sooooo much fun! Gorgeous artwork by every student, group art projects on which to bid, grilled dogs and fixings, cold drinks, some intense games of four-square, a big, big crowd, and some dynamite talent acts were the highlights of the evening! Congratulations to our wonderful art teachers for another excellent year of art education for the children. And...congratulations to all of our performers for being so very brave doing your best in front of such a big audience! Bravo!

The sixth grade students received their "Fiddler on the Roof" tee-shirts just in time for performances at Friday night's "Art Faire & Variety Show" and their "Jelly Fudge Friends" show on Monday, May 3rd. They look great in their new shirts!

The faculty and staff meeting held on Thursday, April 29th took place at the Maitland Art Center! This gave our entire faculty the opportunity to see and appreciate the sixth grade students' incredible artwork. Mrs. Sandy Bonus, their teacher, beamed with pride as she told us about the process leading to the amazing products!

The sonnets of Rudyard Kipling...awe at the majesty of the elephants...the warm, spicy scent of curried foods...the gauzy veil of an embellished sari... These are just a few of the vivid sights, smells, and feelings evoked by India. The sixth grade students have been on a “journey” to India in Mrs. Finwall’s social studies classes and have cause to celebrate! The “Indian Feast” was held on Thursday, April 29th. The students dressed in Indian garb and feasted on traditional Indian foods served by many of their beautifully sari-clad parents. Ms. Sandrine Butler, their Spanish teacher, showed her gorgeous slides of India from her many travels there as well as her collection of lovely Indian artifacts; the students were entertained with traditional Indian dancing; beautiful henna art was painted on hands, and the students ended their festivities with some lively dancing of their own! Jai ho!

The third grade students celebrated creative writing and reading with a very special event -- the "Authors' Tea." Their special guest was Mrs. Jeanie Fitchen, a Florida author and Grammy nominated songwriter and singer. Mrs. Fitchen also has the honor of being our own Mrs. Cindy Moon's sister!

Mom Jennifer McRae shared her photos of the third grade students' fun-filled, educational trip to the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach. The students, their teachers, and the parent chaperones had a very successful visit!

Mrs. Kathleen Lightsey was such a dear to share her beautiful photos of the first grade students enjoying their "Festival of Nations." The children "visited" the countries of Brazil, Mexico, France, Kenya, Japan, and Australia (manned and presented by our wonderful parents!) The culmination of this extravaganza was a "food court" featuring foods from all of the countries visited. Congratulations to social studies teacher, Dawn Petree, the first grade teaching team, and all of the hard-working parent volunteers!

The final performance of "Disney's Aladdin Junior" was held on Tuesday night, April 13th in the AAC. The students performed beautifully! We are all so proud of their accomplishment and of their poise on stage! All three shows were delightful in every way!

The photos in this album are from the late afternoon show on Tuesday, April 13th. The cast changed somewhat from album I, but many of the students are performing in more than one show. Mrs. Brandy Eleazer, drama, and Mr. Stephen Nelson, music, were thrilled with their students' performances.

The fifth grade students performed in three evening shows for parents and friends. They presented "Disney's Aladdin Junior!" Mrs. Brandy Eleazer, drama, and Mr. Stephen Nelson, music were extremely proud of their students. We all had such fun!

On Saturday, April 10th the sixth graders, their teachers, and some willing parents washed cars...and more cars...and more cars! They had a very successful day, raking in over $1,000 in car wash and hot dog sales to cover two charitable causes the students voted for earlier in the school year.

The fifth grade students dressed as famous American historical figures made of wax. When visitors pressed their "buttons," they "came to life" and told interesting and educational facts about themselves. This event was a culminating activity in the students' research for their term papers in Ms. Erica Eisenberg's class and American History studied in Mr. John Courson's class. Many thanks go to Mrs. Sandy Andrew for sharing her beautiful photos!

The K-4 students dressed in wedding finery to attend the lovely wedding of Mr. "Q" and Ms. "U." Following the ceremony, the students enjoyed a gala reception! The many wedding gifts brought to the reception are being donated to the Disney Children's Hospital at Florida Hospital! We owe many thanks to our wonderful K-4 parents and K-4 teaching team for creating such a special day for the children!

The K-4 students presented their shows to the delight of parents and grandparents! The shows, "Three Nanny Goats Gruff," were charming and fun in every way. Kudos go to drama teacher, Ms. Darby Ballard and music teacher, Ms. Susan Davis, for the children's amazing preparation and stage presence! The shows were adorable!

A beautiful, snow-covered landscape greeted our sixth grade students and their adult chaperones in the nation's capitol. The annual D.C. trip is always FILLED with discovery...from the interactive Newseum to the jewels at the Smithsonian to the serenity and grace of Arlington Cemetery. Our students enjoy the trip of a lifetime and learn about the workings of our nation's government in the best possible way -- by seeing and doing! Many thanks go to Mr. Kevin Miller (Cameron's dad) for sharing these great photos from Days #1 and #2.

Mom Kathleen Lightsey shared her gorgeous photos of the first graders having a ball at the Brevard Zoo. No explanations necessary...!

The "Winter Ball" is a culminating celebration of the fifth and sixth grade students' semester-long study of manners. Enjoy seeing the students in their party attire as they display their lovely table manners during their multi-course dinner and as they dance the rest of the night away! Many thanks go to Ms. Constance Moore, manners teacher, and to Mrs. Ieleen Rundgren, "Winter Ball" chairperson. It was lovely!

Our Park Maitland families were incredibly generous (as always) in providing toys to help Santa fill the wishes of needy children. The mountain of toys on the stage was heartwarming! We sang and celebrated together; we welcomed the U.S. Marines who brought their huge truck for us to fill; and we all felt the happiness that giving to others brings. Merry Christmas...Happy Hanukkah...Happy Holidays to everyone at Park Maitland School! You are the BEST!

Ms. Darby Ballard, drama director, and Mrs. Susan Davis, music director, were thrilled with the performances given by their first grade students for parents and friends to enjoy. What a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit! The children were beautifully prepared, their enthusiasm was contagious, and the shows were delightful in every way!

Our beautiful faculty and staff members were treated to a holiday brunch at the Winter Park Racquet Club. Food was yummy, outfits were festive, and friendship was heartwarming. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to our incredible staff!