Dear Fourth Grade Families,

It's hard to believe we are nearing the end of September. The start of school seems a distant memory at this point. I hope that your children are finding their way and settling into the routines of fourth grade.

Although Upper School is a couple of years away, it is an important transition for your child's education along with the start to early adolescence. It's a time that evokes many emotions. Early adolescents push authority and test boundaries - this is a developmentally appropriate part of their growth! At Tower, we view and embrace this important stage positively. Our Upper School program, and the relationships our students have with their teachers, is intentionally designed to support and nurture this important developmental milestone. We recognize that young teens need to feel validated and that their boundary testing is their way of asking to take on more responsibility.

As parents of an emerging adolescent, the changes that you may face can be as equally challenging and emotional as they are for your children. We are eager to support you through this significant period in your child's life.

Please save the date for Looking Ahead to Upper School: Understanding Early Adolescents which will be held on Thursday, November 8 from 6:30-8:00 pm. Until then, I would be happy to meet with you for coffee to discuss - on a more personal level - how our Upper School program will benefit your child as well as to share with you how we prepare our students for the Secondary School Search.

Kindly,

Mary Dailey

Director of Enrollment & Secondary School Counseling