Monday, March 18, 2019

Lower School Update - March 18, 2019

The Eagle’s Nest
Two classes were awarded the Golden G award today for demonstrating the Eagle Way. Congratulations to Mr. Maykut’s second grade class and Ms. McBride’s third grade class!

Parent Coffee - This Thursday!
Please join us for a special Lower and Middle School parent coffee on Thursday, March 21, at 8:30 am in the Auditorium. Guest speaker and expert, Erin Kent, will engage us in a conversation titled "Cultivating a Culture of Literacy at Home."

No School For Students - This Friday!
On Friday the Graded faculty will participate in a planned professional development day. There will be no classes for students.

Core Value: Perseverance
We are learning that perseverance is doing our best, even when faced with challenges. But do our children know how to respond when faced with challenges or even rejection? It’s an emotional skill that deserves to be practiced.  Go-Zen Anxiety Relief for Children composed a game, “Epic Fail” to help children become equipped with the emotional skill and resilience to keep trying their best, even in the face of challenges. Have you helped your child fail recently?   

Student Led Conferences FAQ
Student-Led Conferences will take place on April 3 and 10. Parent sign up for conferences will begin Wednesday on Veracross. Please note for children in K3 and K4, parent-teacher conferences will take place on April 3, and students in K5 will have Student-Led Conferences on April 10.
Below are some frequently asked questions about conferences.

What is a Student-Led Conference?
Students lead a conference to demonstrate their learning by showcasing their work.  They take ownership of their learning experience through stations, student portfolios and work samples.

What Happens at a Student-Led Conference?
Parents come into the classroom with their children. Together, families visit learning stations set up around the classroom. Families move from station to station as they complete each task. In first to fifth grade, conferences will be scheduled every 20 minutes and as a result there may be multiple families in the room at the same time.     

Each station is designed to take about five minutes. Stations could include reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science and/or a student portfolio.  In addition, parents, child, and teacher will meet to discuss student goals for next trimester. Please expect to spend at least 1 hour on campus for each child (you will spend time in both your child’s homeroom and their specialist classes).

What are the benefits of a Student-Led Conference?
Student Led conferences ensure that children are responsible for their learning and are actively involved in the learning process. Students have the opportunity to discuss what has taken place within the classroom setting. The conferences also help the students build their organization and communication skills. This direct student involvement helps the children become more reflective about their own work, and set realistic goals for the future.

What is everyone’s role?
The students, parents, and teachers have very distinct roles during the conference. Below is a simple breakdown of what each person is responsible for.
Student’s Role
Parent’s Role
Teacher’s Role
  • to lead
  • to learn
  • to share
  • to do
  • to feel successful
  • to listen
  • to question
  • to learn
  • to help
  • to feel proud
  • to help prepare
  • to welcome
  • to assist
  • to be available to all families
  • to facilitate the conversation

Is it important for everyone to attend?
Yes!  Attending Student-Led Conferences is extremely important.  The students put a great deal of thought and effort into preparing for these conferences.  We request that all parents attend, not only to be informed what is going on in the classroom, but to support their children.  


Lower School Movie Night

Upcoming Important Dates
March 21
Parent Coffee: Creating a Culture of Literacy at Home
(8:30 am auditorium)
March 22
All faculty professional development day (no school for students)
March 28
4th grade field trip to Santos
March 29
LS Community B Assembly (8:15 am auditorium)
April 3
Student Led Conferences (no classes for students)
April 5
LS Community C Assembly (8:15 am auditorium)
April 6
Celebration of the World (COTW)
April 10
Student Led Conferences (no classes for students)
April 12
LS Community D Assembly (8:15 am auditorium)
Lower School Movie Night (4:00-7:00 pm)
April 19
Holiday Good Friday
April 21
Easter Sunday
April 24 & 25
2nd grade field trip - Fabrica da Vigor
April 26
LS Community A Assembly (8:15 am auditorium)
May 1
Holiday Labor day (no school for students)

Around the Lower School

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