PS: what is gratitude? Watch our video below to find out! 
three cheers for our new turf 
Can you guess what our students were most thankful for this past month? The NEW PLAYGROUND of course! Enthusiasm for our new green turf was of epic proportions... imagine Disney World excitement. Before school, students could barely wait for their cars to slow down before jumping out. The words, "Mom, C'mon, let's go!' were heard over and over as students ran, literally ran, to the playground gates. Christy Heno, Head of Early Childhood and Lower School, received so many compliments from students on "opening day" and the days following including, "This is the greatest day ever!" and "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" and "I love the room to run around on the playground!" With the new configuration of the playground, there is a lot more room for students to run and play. The new playground has become THE destination spot after school. Students of all ages have converged on the playground to chase each other around as they shed their shoes and the cares of the day away. Whether it's playing a robust game of four square or taking a turn on the new oodle swing or zooming down the triple slide, there is a fun activity for everyone. The students' excitement for our new playground has been gratifying for Playground Committee members, Anne Hereford, Ann Horne, Leanne Gotcher and Christy Heno, who spent numerous hours researching, discussing and planning the new playground. They had hoped to create a new multi-function space that was an extension of the classroom inviting continued creativity, exploration, movement and collaboration in the outdoors. Stay tuned for Phase II of the North Playground Renovations which includes a stage, formal four square court, pergola, painting panels and tables.
moments of gratitude by: Marty Durden, Athletic Director Luke 11:17-19 reveals an insightful parable describing the concept of gratitude. Jesus encountered ten men who were dying of leprosy. When these men saw Jesus they cried to Him, "Jesus, Master! Have mercy on us!" Apart from a miracle these men knew they had no hope. When Jesus healed them, they were overwhelmed with happiness. I'm sure they were jumping for joy, high-fiving, screaming just like when our team wins the big game! It was an awesome moment to know that their lives were saved. But in their celebration they forgot who deserved the credit. Only one of the ten remembered to turn around, and say thank you. When this man found Jesus to express his gratitude, Christ asked him the haunting question, "Were there not ten of you who were healed? Where are the nine?" In the world of athletics, it is easy to forget to say thanks. We can get caught in the moment so easily that we forget to recognize others who are equally responsible for our successes. The running back who scores a touchdown could not do it without the linemen blocking for him. The player who scores a goal was only able to do so because of her teammate's pass. The coach who receives a trophy must realize that he/she never played a second in the game and owes all success to the players. Our culture is replete with ingratitude. There are many people in the world just like these nine guys. I challenge you to be different, do not follow popular culture. Remember to be grateful! The heart of a truly great athlete is filled with gratitude--not pride. In the aftermath of our victories let us remember to turn around and say thank you. Presbyterian School athletes seek a higher standard. We strive to be that one person out of ten. Join us as we give thanks to those who made our victories possible this winter season. 
Thank you to our parents who sacrificed time and energy on a daily basis to drive their children to and from swim practice every day. Swimming is a big commitment and oftentimes a year-round commitment outside of school. The dedication of our swimmers paid off as we saw them in the winter season persevere as "underdogs," beat personal records and take top medal spots in swim meets. Their unwavering commitment to swimming and excellence mirrors the commitment of the adults in their lives. 
Thank you to Coach Mota for serving an athlete in a time of need. Recently, our soccer team played a tough opponent on our home field. As is his custom, Coach Mota prays with the team after games--win or lose. On this day, it was a hard fought game and the Panthers lost. Before Coach Mota huddled the team near midfield to pray, he noticed a player on the opposing team and felt that there was something he wanted to ask. The young man approached Coach Mota in tears and asked for our team to pray for his mother. The team huddled and prayed together with this athlete. Panthers love to win, but some things simply eclipse the final numbers on a scoreboard. This was such a moment. 
Thank you to the teammates who supported Gwen Rippeto (Class of '17) to achieve her 200th point of her basketball career at Presbyterian School. Gwen is the eighth girl basketball player to earn this distinction in PS history and the second athlete to earn this distinction as a 7th grader. Gwen has played basketball for the Presbyterian School Panthers for the past two years and is averaging 12 points per game. an indomitable panther spirit 
Our panther athletes enjoyed a great Winter season participating in 13 teams over 4 sports including basketball, soccer, swimming and wrestling. All 6th-8th grade students who wanted to join a winter team sport received this opportunity with our "no-cut" policy. This led to the creation of 9 basketball teams alone! Panther pride was at an all time high this season as over 150 students committed to every day athletic practices for 10 weeks.  The season was characterized by determined athletes who did not want to be defeated. Our panthers were indomitable. Our athletes persevered in the face of great "giants" and experienced many personal and collective victories. Watch our Winter athletics video to catch a glimpse of our athletes in action. Check out our media gallery to download team pictures, varsity team posters and candid shots of our athletes in competition. WINTER SEASON RECAP >> parents are making all the difference Presbyterian School has so much to be grateful for and parent volunteers are at the top of our list! Our Parent Volunteer Council performs an important role in furthering the School's core values and enriching each child's education. Parents have selflessly given hundreds of hours this 2015-2016 academic year. They have hung art with the Art Guild, assisted with our Hearing and Vision testing, taken pictures of our students at important events, organized our Uniform Resale closet, put on two wonderful Christmas Workshops, and tirelessly organized and contributed to our wonderful faculty appreciation Wednesdays. They have also re-shelved countless books, covered the EC/LS and Middle School desk during the lunch hour and served in the important roles of Homeroom, Grade Level or Team Parent. Currently, our parent volunteers are planning more great events for the Spring semester including Rodeo Day, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Book Fair, Field Day, Splash Day and the list goes on. If you would like to get involved with one of these events, please email Rebecca Hunt, Volunteer Coordinator. One of the hallmarks of our school is the partnership of parents and the high level of volunteerism and selfless contribution. PS is an exceptional school because of you, and we are grateful for all that you do. Remember: Volunteers are not paid because they are worthless but because they are priceless. join us for a TIME FOR REJOICING  Saturday, February 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Outdoor Education Campus The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern The Night Circus will include a Live Auction, Big Board, Wine Pull, cocktails, seated dinner and dancing to the tunes of cocktail. Black, white and red cocktail attire is encouraged. The Silent Auction will be held online and will be open for bidding from February 10 - 18. The Silent Auction includes class projects, faculty offerings, socials for kids, socials for adults, just for kids, just for her, just for him, home, entertainment & dining, sports, and travel. The Gala catalog with descriptions of all Gala offerings including each Silent Auction item will be sent home the week before the Silent Auction goes live. Anyone can participate in the Silent Auction. You do not have to attend the Gala to bid on Silent Auction items. PS Parents, Krista and Marc Hensel (Annika and Nickolas, Class of '20) will be hosting a luncheon on February 10 at 11:30 a.m. at their home to showcase auction items. All are welcome to attend to get a sneak preview and make bidding plans. Join us for a night filled with magic and wonder as we give thanks for Presbyterian School and the promise that it holds for the future of our children. Send in your RSVP card by February 8 to reserve a ticket to the event. Proceeds from this evening will benefit Phase II of our North Playground Redevelopment. Contact Development Director, Ashlea Taylor, for more information on the Night Circus Gala.
P.S. stay connected For more Snapshots Check out your grade level web page media gallery for more snapshots of what's happening in your grade level. Some grades also have an instagram account where you can catch daily life in and outside of the classroom. Ask your homeroom teacher or advisor if your grade has an instagram account to follow. The School's website media gallery also has pictures of special events and athletic teams in action. Many thanks to our faculty and the Parent Volunteer Council Photography workgroup for helping to capture SNAPSHOTS of Presbyterian School life. | 
