Lower School Update - March 12, 2018

Technology Use and Lower School Students

As a school, we remind students that devices (whether tablets/phones/iPods/laptops) are a powerful tool for learning. We teach students the skills to use the tools appropriately, and give reminders when necessary.

We are also reminding students (and ourselves!) of their digital footprint to ensure they understand the impact of their online actions. The rise in popularity of messaging applications like WhatsApp prompt us to face increasingly frequent challenges of students using unkind language, posting inappropriate content to each other, and in some cases targeting individual students. This note is meant to be a reminder of the responsibility that comes with using technology.  Social media platforms have minimum age requirements for use as well as guidelines for responsible use. WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat are applications for youth aged 13 and above. If your child is below this age, you are encouraged to remove these applications from their personal devices. If you continue to allow your child to use these messaging and social network sites despite the age recommendation, we suggest you monitor your child’s interaction on a daily basis as you assume responsibility for their use.

Here are some things we are doing at school to promote responsible use of technology:

- limiting technology use to school appropriate tools and sites

- reminding students that personal devices are best left at home

- reviewing LARK policies found on pages 22 and 23 of our Lower School Handbook

Here are some things you can do at home to promote responsible use of technology:

- Reinforce the expectations for use of technology at school, including reviewing the LARK policies together

- Visit the Common Sense Media “Parent Concerns” section for a variety of resources on teaching your children how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly

- Create a screen time agreement in your family.  Click here for steps to take and some examples.

Keeping our children safe is our utmost and collective responsibility. We are working at the school to teach the children the foundations of digital and online safety. We ask that you spend some time having similar discussions and routines in your own home if you haven't already.

Grandparents and Special Friends

Learning Community A had a great time welcoming grandparents and/or special friends to their assembly and then to their classrooms for activities. This week Community B is prepared to welcome our special guests! We encourage grandparents who live in Sao Paulo (or are visiting) to join us. If your child’s grandparent is not here, or unable to attend, we welcome you to invite any other relatives or friends to visit. Of course, parents are always welcome as well! We look forward to many visitors to share our learning with! Please RSVP for your grandparent and/or special friend.

The Eagle Way

Congratulations to this week’s “Golden G” class winners who were recognized at this morning’s Nest assembly for working together and following The Eagle Way:  Ms. Burnquist’s 1st Grade class and Ms. Kulikowsky’s 3rd Grade class

March 21 - Students Dismissed at 11:30 am

Just a reminder, on Wednesday, March 21 students will be dismissed at 11:30 am. The afternoon will be a professional development time for our faculty.

Celebration of the World

Our annual celebration of the different cultures at Graded will be on Saturday, April 7. It is always an enjoyable day of culture, food, and fun. Please mark your calendars!

Upcoming Important Dates

March 13	PTA Book Club (1:00 pm Room E12)
March 16	LS Community B Assembly (8:15 am Auditorium) Grandparents and/or Special Friends please RSVP here
March 19/20/21	3rd Grade Field Trip: Republica do Lago
March 20	- 2nd Grade Field Trip: Toca da Raposa - 5th Grade Field Trip: Instituto Gustavo Rosa (12:30 to 4:00 - Ms. Sanchez and Ms. Kitto’s classes) - Parent Coffee (8:30 am Auditorium)
March 21	Half day of classes (students dismissed at 11:30am)
March 22	4th Grade Trip To Santos
March 23	LS Community C Assembly (8:15 am Auditorium) Grandparents and/or Special Friends please RSVP here
March 29	- 5th Grade Field Trip: Instituto Gustavo Rosa (12:30 to 4:00 - Ms. Murphy and Ms. Patrick’s classes)
March 30	No School: Good Friday
April 3, 4, 5	Student Led Conferences (half day of classes, students dismissed at 11:30 am)
April 7	Celebration of the World
April 10	PTA Book Club (1:00 pm Room E12)
April 13	LS Community D Assembly (8:15 am Auditorium) Grandparents and/or Special Friends please RSVP here

Around the Lower School