Curriculum Night

Okay, so you guys are all..."uh, Sheree - wasn't this the first day of school?" Yeah, it was.

I realize you've seen them in their snazzy first day of school gear but tonight was Curriculum Night. I can not tell you how much I love their School more importantly their Centers. If you need some background, our kids go to a school with Integrative Learning.

They have a different approach to learning. Most teachers go by first names (sorry, Aunty Lori!) and I know that may seem like the kids are crossing some weird boundaries of respect but it doesn't. The kids have sooo much respect for the teachers. They create this environment where the kids are accountable for themselves and they learn to problem solve.

The one thing I heard over and over with all 3 Centers (Isa's in Intermediate w/ 4th, 5th and 6th graders, Nana's in Primary with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Graders and Dev's in 1/2 day Kindergarten) is that "we want your children to be the best they can be". They care immensely for the success of not only for their education but their success as a person.

Mini run down:

Intermediate (each Center is different to meet your child's needs)

Isa's class has what they call Olympics - basically each medal represents a genre completed:

It starts off with medals (Silver, Gold, Bronze and Platinum) -

• Silver 2 fiction books of your choice


• Gold 1 non fiction book


• Bronze 1 historical fiction (my favorite!)


• Platinum a monologue dressed as the character you choose from one of your books completed
  -along with an Annotated Bibliography + cover page

Her teachers are super sweet and so supportive of Isa. They believe in her leadership abilities and really lift her up. She is one confident little girl and it has much to do with the structure of their classroom. She feels capable of anything and is ready to tackle any challenges.

Primary:

This center couldn't be more perfect for her. They are so artsy fartsy which is sooo our lil' Nana. They are having the SAM (Seattle Art Museum) come to their class and are doing so many projects involving art textiles (which I have no clue on but she does and teaches me all about this fun stuff!).

Nana's teachers have been working together and at their school for 13 years and her teacher, Sue has been there since the beginning of the school. They love what they do and it truly reflects in their teaching. It's contagious. Nana embraces this pride for her classroom and I see improvements as a 3rd year. There is so much expected of them - to be role models, their responsibility increases with more classroom jobs and the homework/work level increases as 3rd years. They are preparing for the next step in their learning (Intermediate).

Her teachers basically said "we do nothing, we hold the kids accountable for their decisions and actions." They gave us an example: They had a class meeting and the kids almost unanimously decided to sit by their friends during snack time. The teachers didn't really agree because that means you're making a mess in someone else's assigned seat. But, they said it would be fine and they'd be respectful. The teachers admitted, it's working out really well. Another thing, is their Bank and Store. They work for pennies (real) and purchase things or save their money for their huge (donated) auction at the end of the year. The 3rd years are in charge of the bank books and maintaining the store. I'm blown away! What an awesome way for Nana to learn "real life" responsibility at a young age. Her teachers said the first graders always blow their money but the third graders ALWAYS save for the big auction.

I'm so impressed and so pleased to be a part of their little community. They are always welcoming to siblings which is why I can hang out whenever I'd like to help or not help. :)

Rust (1/2 Day Kindergarten):

Nana had Ms. Rust's twin sister at their other school. So, to get Lib (Ms. Rust) was a perfect fit. We love the Rust sisters. They are famous in the community as they also are private swim and ski coaches. They are amazing ladies. They are so active and inspiring the kids to reach high levels of athleticism.

She is the most patient person. I work in the class and I have 4 kids...I'm not as patient as this lady. Truly extraordinary. She is teaching them lasting study habits and follows their school's behavior model but made it visual for the kids. It's called "cherry on top behavior" - the highest level - their being a good listener and are an example for others - then it goes down "double scoop" - "single scoop" then the icecream off the cone which in her words means "there's a problem, if your icecrfeam is off it's scoop!" Love it! The kids get this logic and when I work in the classroom I totally use it. "Is this Cherry-On-Top-Behavior?" Bwahahaha!

Oh and you best believe I'm using it at home. :) I'm no fool.

::sigh:: I love this community and I love our school. Our kids spend so much time there it's good to know that they values are the same. As parents we couldn't ask for anything more.