Topics: Insider, Teachers as experts, Kindergarten, PreK, Recreational Activities, jk, Lower School, joyful learning
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
Topics: Insider, Upper School, Academics, Middle School, Lower School, co-ed
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.
Topics: Teachers as experts, Kindergarten, Recreational Activities, Academics, Lower School
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:
Topics: Insider, dare greatly, Teachers as experts, become ready, Academics, Lower School
