Coming around the turn in First Quarter

With Pet Blessing behind us and Buddy Run this week, all indications are that we are on a fast track to completing the first quarter of the school year.  Can you believe it?  Parent conference days are around the bend on Thursday and Friday Oct. 27 & 28.  I know you have received information about care for your children should you need it on those two days, but as a reminder, Child Care is available for the time you are in conference with the teacher(s) free of charge.  For entire day care, contact Christina Lenon, Enrichment Director of St. Paul's at clenon@speds.org.

As we near the end of the first quarter, it’s a good idea to reflect on what has transpired during that time.  The teachers do this routinely through curriculum mapping and weekly planning.  One of the important things about the first quarter being more than half over is that the classroom has established the positive learning, building on knowledge and skills, and preparing for thematic units, so necessary to advance in our learning.  Certainly each classroom has become a place in which structure and routines, along with refreshing our knowledge through review during the first weeks of school, have transitioned to classrooms humming with the activities around new and deeper learning. Coupled with the enrichment opportunities, like the Math and Science Clubs which meet in the morning, enrichment lessons after school, as well as homework to extend the learning, minds are expanding daily!  The days are full of wonderful experiences: buddy activities; community service; book readings and clubs; writing projects; social studies presentations and field trips.  The Lower School is a bee hive of activity!

Although not intended to be, some transitions are uncomfortable. If we liken transitions and change to growing pains, we realize that in order to be stronger and bigger, we all go through change, and not just physical changes.  One transition that is notably different is homework.  The type and amount of homework, as well as the time homework is predicted to take, varies from grade to grade, as does the amount of parent assistance needed.  In response to comments at the LS Brown Bag Lunch offered by Head of School, Liz Barnes, here are some guidelines and answers to: "Whose homework is it?"  and "How much (or little) time should homework take?"
From the Handbook and the guide that is recommended

·         1st - 2nd Grade students: 30 minutes each day plus listening to or reading for pleasure 20 minutes

·         3rd - 5th Grade students: 60 minutes 

While the time it takes to complete project activities and practice at home varies from student to student, these are the guidelines listed in the Parent Handbook on page 8.  If your child is averaging a lot more than the guideline, please give his/her teacher this feedback!  With the mission of academic excellence and enrichment in mind, "Homework is designed to strengthen skills learned in class, encourage sound study habits and allow the student to explore exciting and creative special interests related to a subject.  Homework in intended to be completed by the student and is designed to reflect what the student is capable of doing independently.    Homework assignments are not intended to cause stress or anxiety in students (or parents).  Concerns about homework assignments, or the amount of time your child spends on homework, should be taken to the appropriate teacher.”

Each year brings the opportunity to develop self knowledge, work with different people to understand teamwork and collaboration, listen to, assimilate and express ideas. For some, growing is more painful than for others, but ultimately, with the planning, guidance and support teachers provide, we are helping the students stretch to reach their potentials.

Your comments are welcome.