November 2009
Dear Families,
It's hard to believe we are already upon Parent Conference Season. Soon you will be meeting with your child's classroom teacher and discussing your child's progress so far this year. Teachers work very hard to prepare for the conferences and write all the report cards.
There are many ways you can help make the conference run smoothly. First, thank you for arriving on time (maybe even a few minutes early). Teachers are often meeting with several parents back-to-back, so your promptness is helpful. Be sure to let the teacher know if you have questions, so time can be allotted during the short conference window. Be ready to share your own insights about your child, especially anything related to his/her success in school. We know parents are the most important people in a child's life and parents will always know more about the child's full character and history. Teachers, however, know the most about each child's current school functioning and the way in which he/she interacts with peers and adults in the school environment. All of this information can be important in supporting each youngster's success.
MATH NIGHT FOR PARENTS!
With all the success and positive feedback we received last year, we are once again offering a Parent Math Workshop on November 17, from 6-8 p.m. at Noyes School. The title is If I Can't Show My Child How to Get the Right Answer, What Can I Do? It is the same workshop we offered last year and is lead again by Carole Hebb (grade 3 teacher) and Michael Huelin (grade 5 teacher). The teachers will present how our students are taught the basic functions of math. Parents will work in groups to solve problems, use math manipulatives, and gain a clearer understanding about why we teach math the way we do. A flyer will be posted with the Friday Flyers for the next few weeks, but seating is limited. Sign up soon!
ILAP
As a reminder, ILAP stands for Improved Learning for All and it relates to the professional development teachers/administrators/assistants receive during many of the early release Wednesdays. The next 3 ILAP days (not including the day before Thanksgiving, which is also an early release day) are scheduled for parent conferences; however, I would like to share with you some of what we have been working on this year.
Our district-wide goal this year is Response to Intervention, a school-wide approach for ensuring that every child makes progress. Kindergarten teachers have continued their work with Tufts University on creating a literacy rich learning environment. First and second grade teachers have learned to administer and use the results of the DIBELS assessment to monitor student progress throughout the year and make modifications to children's instruction to improve their learning. Third through fifth grade teachers continue to review the most current research-based practices for reading instruction. Psychologists and guidance counselors attended a seminar on Positive Behavior Systems. Specialists will work collaboratively across the district to develop their curriculum. Secretaries participated in an Empowering Multicultural Differences workshop. Though staff members learn in many ways throughout the year, these professional days and the ILAP days provide a critical vehicle for our ongoing growth as educators.
CHANGE IN SCHOOL PRACTICE WITH SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS
In the past, whenever we had Mexican Fiesta or Japan Day or other class or grade-level celebrations, we have allowed older or younger siblings to attend if the child's parents have asked us to remove the sibling from class to join. This has caused on-going problems because the siblings are missing their own class, sometimes even tests/quizzes and direct instruction. The staff and I feel that this is no longer a practice we can support. All children will have a chance to experience the festivals when they are in the appropriate grade level, so no one is "missing out." It is also less disruptive during the actual event when fewer additional students are present. I realize this is a change in practice that may be hard for some; however, it is one that we believe is in the best interest of the students. We have made one exception to this rule and that is that siblings may attend both the DARE graduation and the Moving On Ceremony for their siblings.
THANK YOU
I'd like to thank all the parents and teachers for their amazing support at Literacy Night, especially our Co-Chairs: Elsa Carvalho, Danielle Bodley, and Kelly Schmelter. Thank you also to all our Book Fair parent volunteers, including the Co-Chairs: Wendy Durkin, Jennifer Reece, and Kerry Veitch. Thank you to Nancy Rowe and her crew for another great school picture day as well. The teachers and I also thank Doris Christelis and Karen Guderian and all parents who have helped with staff appreciation events.....the food is delicious!
Have a wonderful November.
Best Wishes,
Annette Doyle