Semester Coming to a Close
We are now down to the last three weeks of the quarter/semester. Although the end of the semester closes with Winter Break at Christmas, report cards will not be mailed out until we return in January. With finals and entering grades in the computer, there is no way to get grades mailed before the Christmas holiday.
The after school intervention program is going well. Over 175 students, mostly eighth graders, are staying daily for help in Math and Language Arts. All sports students are required to work on homework forty-five minutes with their coaches before going out to practice. Before Christmads we will also be adding extra help in History.
The need to increase student proficiency has been hard work. Students are putting out the extra effort and parent flexibility has been real helpful. Thank you to both students and staff for making education a priority.
Vocational Education
As part of our educational opportunity to offer students build both academic and vocational skills, a new after school program has been added. This hands-on small engine class gives students a chance to build their knowledge and learn a skill. Students will learn how to rebuild small engines under the direction of a teacher and volunteer local business partners. This project-based learning experience will be expanding in the future to include other automotive applications.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Week of November 3, 2008
Helping Students Grow
Now that report cards are out and first quarter benchmark tests have been completed, it’s a good time to look at exactly what students have learned up to this point. Helping students grow academically is equally important with helping students mature emotionally and socially. I know students at school worry about what other kids think about them. But, spending too much time focusing on how they are going to fit in can be handled by teaching our students the value of a good education. Setting goals, getting organized, and keeping good habits also work in other areas of their lives, not just school work.
One way we are going to help students grow here at Sequoia is to provide learning opportunities starting November 10 that are fun and interesting as well as helpful. New after school programs will help students by creating confidence and success. While some students will be required to attend as part of their assistance plan by attending the homework center, others will want to join the program to learn a skill. The homework center will be for any student who did not complete their homework assignment. Not only does failing to do homework hurt students academically, but we’re finding out it is making their grades go down and making them ineligible for sports. We want students to be successful both in the classroom and on the court/field. For skills building, we have developed a vocational class for kids that enjoy building small engines. This is a great chance for students to work with their hands and a fun way to learn.
To make all this happen will require parent support. While I do not expect much complaining about helping students get their homework done or providing an auto shop class, flexibility is going to be a challenge. I have already thought of transportation and have arranged for buses to run at both the regular time and again at 4pm for students staying after school. But, I am sure there are other things I missed. That’s where I need your help. Anyone who sees a problem or has a concern that needs to be solved before getting this started should call me to help work out the kinks. Let’s work together to help students grow.
Now that report cards are out and first quarter benchmark tests have been completed, it’s a good time to look at exactly what students have learned up to this point. Helping students grow academically is equally important with helping students mature emotionally and socially. I know students at school worry about what other kids think about them. But, spending too much time focusing on how they are going to fit in can be handled by teaching our students the value of a good education. Setting goals, getting organized, and keeping good habits also work in other areas of their lives, not just school work.
One way we are going to help students grow here at Sequoia is to provide learning opportunities starting November 10 that are fun and interesting as well as helpful. New after school programs will help students by creating confidence and success. While some students will be required to attend as part of their assistance plan by attending the homework center, others will want to join the program to learn a skill. The homework center will be for any student who did not complete their homework assignment. Not only does failing to do homework hurt students academically, but we’re finding out it is making their grades go down and making them ineligible for sports. We want students to be successful both in the classroom and on the court/field. For skills building, we have developed a vocational class for kids that enjoy building small engines. This is a great chance for students to work with their hands and a fun way to learn.
To make all this happen will require parent support. While I do not expect much complaining about helping students get their homework done or providing an auto shop class, flexibility is going to be a challenge. I have already thought of transportation and have arranged for buses to run at both the regular time and again at 4pm for students staying after school. But, I am sure there are other things I missed. That’s where I need your help. Anyone who sees a problem or has a concern that needs to be solved before getting this started should call me to help work out the kinks. Let’s work together to help students grow.
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