Weekly Family Bulletin!

Written By Ryan Wasserman

It’s time once again for the Soundview Yearbook Cover Contest! See below for participation details and how your student(s) can submit their artwork.

Dear Soundview family,

I hope you’ve all had a wonderful week and are settling into the rhythm of daylight savings time. Hard to believe spring is just around the corner, especially when you start the day with snow. The pure joy on children’s faces this morning was absolutely the best way to start the day! 

This week, our middle school students have been hard at work rehearsing for Declamations next Thursday. Declamations is a Soundview tradition that brings me joy and demonstrates so many of the things that I value in a Soundview education and the Soundview community. Declamations is a student-produced theater production that requires risk-taking, collaboration, and communication. The skits are often funny, sometimes serious, and always brave. And I tell nervous students they are about to perform for the friendliest audience ever, and I often share a story about a parent in the audience who quietly prompted a very nervous 8th grader with the lines for his monologue from Macbeth. Our community shows up for each other. I invite you all to join me for Declamations next week to celebrate our confident and talented middle school students! 

Spring Benefit Registration Deadline
We also have important and exciting news! The registration deadline for the Spring Benefit has been extended through Monday, March 16. We hope you will join us for this special evening. This year’s theme, The Next Chapter Starts With Us, reminds us that the future of Soundview is something we write together, and we want our community in the room to help make that happen.

Yearbook Cover Contest
Ms. Molly and the Yearbook Club are hosting Soundview’s 13th Annual Yearbook Cover Contest, and all students are invited to participate! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their creativity and contribute to a lasting tribute to the school year. You can find details and submission guidelines HERE.

Summer Camps
Still planning for summer? Soundview’s inquiry-based, adventure-filled Summer Camps are open for students entering Early Childhood–Kindergarten and Grades 6–8, and are led by our own faculty and staff. Camps are also a great way for incoming students to become familiar with our campus and connect with teachers before the school year begins.

We are also excited to continue our partnership with Steve & Kate’s Camp, offering additional options for children ages 4–12. Camps are open to both Soundview families and the wider community, so feel free to invite friends. Space is limited, and we encourage you to register soon through our website.

ParentEd Talk
If you missed the ParentEd Talk, The EdTech Wake-Up Call: Rethinking Digital Learning for Kids, a recording is available HERE (password: edTalks*2526) and is sure to spark thoughtful conversation at our next Community Coffee. 

Need a refresher on last week’s updates? You can find recent announcements on our website.

A few key dates, events, and opportunities for March and early April:

Middle Years Declamations
Declamations is on Thursday, March 19, from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm in the Soundview Performing Arts Center. Audience members should arrive between 4:15 pm and 4:25 pm to allow for a prompt start. Students who are not performing must attend with an adult and arrive during the designated audience window. 

Afternoon Orchestra Concert
We are excited for our upcoming Afternoon Orchestra Concert featuring the Concert Band on Friday, March 27, in the Performing Arts Center from 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm. Limited standing room will be available upstairs in the PAC for families who wish to attend.

No School Days / Conferences

  • No school for students on Thursday, April 2, and Friday, April 3, for conferences. Drop-in care will be available during your conference time. Conference sign-ups were sent via Toddle on Thursday, March 12.

  • Spring Break is April 6-10. There are no classes/care/clubs for students, and the Soundview office will be closed. School will resume on Monday, April 13.

Spring Picture Day
Spring Picture Day with Lincoln & Lucy Photography will take place on Thursday, April 16. Photos will be taken outdoors if the weather allows, with a spring backdrop used if needed. Sibling photos are also available. You can check out examples HERE. Please be sure to RSVP by Friday, April 10, if you would like your child’s photo taken or wish to arrange sibling pictures.

Around the world and in different communities, March is a month of recognition and awareness:

  • Curious about this week’s recognition and awareness days? You can explore the full list on our website.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your support, and the care you show for this community. The weeks ahead are full, exciting, and meaningful, and we are grateful to share them with you.

Warmly,
Chrissy Sinclair 
Interim Head of School

One more thing…
On March 13, 1991, the documentary Paris Is Burning premiered in New York City, offering a powerful and intimate look into the underground ballroom scene of Harlem in the 1980s. Directed by Jennie Livingston, the film explored the lives of Black and Latino LGBTQ+ communities who created vibrant spaces of self-expression through drag, dance, fashion, and performance at a time when they faced widespread discrimination and marginalization.

The film holds lasting historical significance for bringing mainstream awareness to drag culture, chosen families, and the resilience of queer communities. Paris Is Burning introduced many viewers to the concept of “voguing,” the importance of ballroom houses, and the idea of identity as something that can be boldly created and celebrated. Its impact continues today, influencing art, fashion, and popular culture while honoring the voices and experiences of the people who built a culture rooted in pride, survival, and belonging. Read about “Paris is Burning”. 

Ryan Wasserman
Next

Assembly Highlights, Spring Benefit and More!