Easter Activities for Little Ones

Songs to sing, books to read and fun activities!

With Easter around the corner, the theme of this month is  Bunnies & Chicks.  We love reading these books and singing these song with our Early Saints and you can enjoy these activities in your own home with your young ones.
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Topics: Insider, Teachers as experts, Kindergarten, PreK, Recreational Activities, jk, Lower School, joyful learning

Tips for Asking a Teacher for a School Recommendation

Posted by Andrew Weller, Dean of Enrollment and Strategic Marketing on Dec 6, 2019 1:09:49 PM

Teacher recommendations are a key component of most independent school admission decision making.  While grades provide a mark of actual achievement in a class, teacher recommendations provide the context and the insight a simple grade cannot.  

Imagine two scenarios.  The student has a B+ in math, which seems perfectly respectful.  In one scenario, the recommendation helps the admission committee realize that the student has missed some homework assignments and the teacher feels they are capable of much more but that the student has ‘settled’ for the B+.  In the second scenario, the admission 

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Topics: Insider, Upper School, Academics, Middle School, Lower School, co-ed

8 Ways for Lower School Students to Engage in Math

Posted by Ann Bremner, Director of Lower School Math on Feb 25, 2019 3:54:03 PM

Young children are like sponges—they soak up every bit of learning and can't wait for the next drop. At the Lower School, we continually assess the best ways for our students to learn and grow, based on current research, experience, and the expertise of our faculty. As the Director of Lower School Math, I lead the initiative and provide support for our mathematics teaching and learning. I love developing and thinking of creative ways for our students to engage more deeply in mathematics.

I am always looking for ways to provide meaningful learning experiences where students solve problems, explain their mathematical thinking, and communicate their ideas. Here are ways for St. Stephen's and St. Agnes students to engage with math beyond what we're teaching inside the classroom.

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Topics: Teachers as experts, Kindergarten, Recreational Activities, Academics, Lower School

Reimagining How Our Youngest Saints Become Ready [Schedule FAQs]

Posted by Andrew Weller, Dean of Enrollment and Strategic Marketing on Feb 15, 2019 12:47:10 PM

Show me how you use your time, and I will show you what you value.

Historically, efficient and maximum use of classrooms was what drove school schedules. It wasn’t about student learning; it was about making sure two classes weren’t in Room 23 at the same time. In the last 50 years, school schedules have instead focused on student learning. Accordingly, as our understanding and knowledge of student learning continues to evolve, so should school schedules...even if Room 23 has been in the same place the whole time.

A hallmark of St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes is our tremendous faculty. Their expertise and experience keep us focused on the student experience and how the program is best delivered. Over two years ago we began the process to review our schedule and be sure it still had students and how they learn best at its center. This has been a massive JK-12, school-wide initiative that affirmed much of what we were doing brilliantly as well as let us build and capitalize on that to reallocate our time to reflect our values and our approach to education.

So, how will that look next year for our youngest Saints in Lower School? Just a very few highlights of this exciting initiative include:

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Topics: Insider, dare greatly, Teachers as experts, become ready, Academics, Lower School

Become Ready!

Practical Advice for Parents of School-Aged Children

Through this blog we intend to share the ways in which our students become ready. We will highlight our faculty, experts in their fields; we will dive into topics such as the joyfulness of learning, the balance of school and home, college readiness, and service. We hope to offer sound advice and guidance, while also sharing what it really means to be a member of our Saints community.

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