What did you learn today? Yesterday, I asked this question to one of our students and I got a blank look. This didn't surprise me as I got hundreds of those looks in my own home over the children's schooling. I know you know what look I'm talking about. I'm sure you are also familiar with the accompanying verbal response of "nothing". Good news! It's pretty typical in many households (and schools)!
I did a little research on this topic and Valerie Strauss, an education writer, said some kids are tired at the end of day, just like you and I, and they may be too tired to talk anymore. Sometimes they may feel that they are being "tested" on what they've learned. I agree with her advice when she said to ask your child one or two specific questions to illicit a response, for example, "How was your spelling test today?". You may get a short answer, but at least it's something, and not "nothing".
On Monday's Parent Council meeting, we will be presenting our School Improvement Plan. Staff will be working on the following goals:
Literacy and Numeracy: Teachers will continue to use common diagnostic assessments; Teachers will continue to use a variety of assessments/evaluations across students' program
Pathways: Teachers will identify students with whom they have academic and/or social concerns and monitor progress throughout the year through in School Team Meetings
Community, Culture and Caring: Teachers and Parent Council will collaborate to promote students' personal and social well being through initiatives like Safety Reps, Peer Mediation, Eco-Club, LIVE, Springfest, Holiday Gift Baskets, Clothing Drives etc
This week, Mr. Lanis and the intermediate teachers had to address some concerns of inappropriate Internet behaviour. In light of this situation, you may want to have conversation at home regarding appropriate usage of the Internet, especially social media sites. In addition, it is wise to review "Streetproofing" tips with your children; they can be found on our website.
Please remember tomorrow is a PA Day. Have a nice weekend!
November-Empathy
15th-PA/Interview Day-No School
18th-Scientist in School-Grade 1; Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m. in the library
19th-Author Ted Staunton visits Grade 4-8; Scientist in the School-Grade 1; Football Teams on Breakfast Television; Grade 4 Eco-Warrior meeting @ lunch
20th- Officer Rich visits Grade4, 7 and 8 K-3 Author Visit
21st-Sr Vball @ LKS-afternoon
22nd-Pizza Lunch
25th-Kindie Sharing Assembly
26th-1-8 Sharing Assembly
27th-Grade 5 to City Hall/Queens Park; Sr Boys Vball-afternoon
30th-Choir sings "O Canada" at Marlie's Game
December-Kindness and Caring
9th-Grade 8s visit ECI
11th-Scientist in the School-Grade 8
16th-Grade 6-8 Middle School Concert @ 6:30 p.m.
18th-1-8 Sharing Assembly; Pizza Day
19th-Kindie Sharing Assembly
20th-Holidays Begin
January-Teamwork
6th-School Begins
9th-Author Visit
15th-Officer Rich visits Grade 1 and 2
24th-PA Day
30th-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Primary Concert
31st-1-8 Sharing Assembly; Pizza Day
February-Fairness
27th-1-8 Sharing Assembly
28th-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Pizza Day
March-Honesty
7th-PA Day
10th-14th-March Break
19th-Officer Rich visits Grade 5 and 6
27th-1-8 Sharing Assembly
28th-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Pizza Day
April-Co-operation
24th-1-8 Sharing Assembly
25th-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Pizza Day
May-Integrity
19th-Victoria Day
26th-EQAO Begins
29th-1-8 Sharing Assembly
30th-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Pizza Day
June-Perseverance
6th-PA Day
18th-1-8 Sharing Assembly
19th-Kindie Sharing Assembly
23rd-Report Cards Sent Home
27th-Last Day for Students; Lunch on the Lawn (Last Pizza Day)
