Clarksville Academy

Category: Engage, Embrace, Empower

  • Foreign Language at Any Age

    By: Morgan James, Spanish Teacher

    Too often we hear adults share that they do not remember much from language classes taken during school age years. Unfortunately, the expectations of becoming a fluent speaker are somewhat unrealistic. While hoping to become bilingual from a traditional school day or playing on an app for one hour a week are far-fetched, learning a foreign language at any age is not. Although it is true that many times at a younger age we have less fear to try new things, you can in fact teach”seasoned” dog new tricks. With the right tools and motivation, anyone, at any age, can learn a newlanguage.

     

    New teaching trends and technology have made it increasingly easier to access materials to aide in the pursuit of becoming bilingual. However, hopping on an app andcompleting a game-structured lesson once or twice a week is simply not enough to become a fluent speaker. I once had a college professor share that fluency can be compared to singing a song. One of the biggest mistakes made when trying to learn a foreign language is not exercising the different skills that are part of effective communication. Learning a language is not only being able to speak words, but the ability to interpret and use in conversation.

     

     

    Travel

     

    The benefits of learning a foreign language can be life changing. Languages allow us to experience new cultures. When we travel, we are typically in a state of mind far from the everyday hustle and bustle we experience at home. This mindset often encourages us to be more open to trying new things we may not normally try within our daily routine. While we learn a great deal about others through travel, we also learn a lot about ourselves.

    Traveling with children creates a global awareness far from what they would receive hearing about other places through textbooks or stories. Students will often return from school trips saying how much more they appreciate their life at home after experiencing a new country. The same can be said for adults who have traveled for business or leisure.

     

    School and Work

     

    Many studies on students taking foreign language classes have shown that the skills developed in a language class actually benefit core classes, such as math, science, history, and English. According to The College Board, the organization responsible for preparing standardized test like SAT or ACT, students who have studied a foreign languagefor 4 or more years outscored students who had not on the verbal and math portions of the test. Many colleges today promote the idea of “global citizenship”.  This is the idea that students have rights and responsibilities as members of the world, rather than members of specific nations. Many colleges like to see that students have not only satisfied college graduation requirements by taking a language, but also surpassed the minimum requirement and shown interest in becoming a “global citizen” through different cultural experiences or travels.

    There have also been numerous studies showing that students learning a foreign language have increased problem solving and memorization skills. Speaking another language assists students in becoming more aware of grammar and vocabulary in their native language. Students also benefit through the use of interpersonal skills. In a world that at times feels like it is beingtaken over by machines, we sometimes see students who simply do not know how to communicate with peers outside of text and social media. Learning a second language can be a confidence boost for many students.

     

    In the work environment, the ability to speak a second language can easily help your resume stand out from your colleagues. In some cases, the ability to speak a second language can increase your salary. Many companies operate internationally and have a need to hire staff that isbilingual. This is not only for translation, but to help the company understand customary practices andnorms of the countries they do business in.

     

    Why Now? 

     

    At this time, the resources available for those wishing to acquire a second language are endless. While applications and workbooks are awesome tools, aforeign language learner needs to remind himself or herself that foreign language communicationtakes practice and, moreimportantly, use. In order to achieve fluency, you need to exercise all the areas crucial to communication. No single program can achieve that. Making the language part of your everyday life is key.Even without a friend or colleague to converse with in the language being studied, there are things that can be done to aid in learning.  Set your TV orNetflix account to the language you are learning, look up 2 or 3 new vocabulary words a day in a foreign languagedictionary, get a workbook and do a page or two a day, or listento music in the target language.

     

    One of the biggest takeaways is that adults and children do not learn new things the same way. Children learn through play and repetition. They also have stronger echoic skills or the ability to mimic sounds. However, adults learning a foreign language can be more motivated and have a greater understanding of what it takes to master a new skill.   Learning a foreign language does take commitment.  Learning something new can be frustrating when we find that we cannot simply pick up a manual or watch a YouTube video and teach ourselves how to do something. While the gratification of learning a language is far from instant, sometimes the things in life that take the most time and effort bring the greatest reward and fulfillment.

     

  • How to Keep Your Child Safe on the Internet

    By: Stan Rozar, Upper School Computer Science

    By definition, the Internet is a globally connected network system used to transmit data through various types of media. An Internet World Stats survey from 1999-2019 shows a formidable increase in Internet usage over those 20 years. In 1999, approximately 248 million people (0.4% of the world population) used the Internet; 2019 figures show usage by approximately 4000 million people, which is over half the world population. . These eye opening numbers clearly state the obvious, that the use of the Internet is increasing at a drastic rate year by year. I can imagine that these numbers may be very alarming to parents with regards to their children using the internet, when recent studies from a multitude of sources show that, on average, American teenagers spend six to nine hours a day with digital technology exploring various platforms (with the two most popular being social media and online gaming.) Even though social media and gaming are intended to serve as a source of positive interaction, communication, and fun, there are individuals in the world, known as Internet predators, who use these different outlets to take advantage of unsuspecting minors.

    By the time a child has reached his or her adolescent years, they have heard something along the lines of “never talk to strangers under any circumstances” more than enough times, or at least they should have. Though that statement should be imbedded in a child by the time they become a teenager, contact with a stranger via internet is still much more common than one would think, due to online camouflaging and access to profiles being so easily attainable. According to the New England Journal of Public Policy, contact with online predators happens mostly in chat rooms, on social media, or in the chat feature of an online multiplayer game. Social networking websites often ask users to post a profile with their name, age, gender, hobbies, and interests. Many of these social networking sites are free and easy to use, which results in these being very appealing to online predators. As for gaming, researchers have discovered that this is just another easy way for predators to connect with children. Unlike social networks, gaming provides a unique connection composed of both a shared interest and a relationship stemmed from being on the same team, or fighting the same missions.

    Internet predators often begintheir initial interactions with a child through a process called grooming. Grooming is the process by which a child predator gains the trust of a victim by building a relationship with the child and then breaking down his or defense. As I mentioned earlier, an Internet predator can go about pursuing this relationship through social media or online gaming using many different approaches. The most vital question and concern regarding these possibilities would include knowing when an online predator is either trying to, or isalready in contact with your child. If you notice that your child is spending a tremendous amount of time online and doesn’t tell you why, or seems to be very secretive about whatever they are doing on screen during your presence, those can be signs they are trying to hide an online relationship with a stranger. Also, if you happen to ask your child about their online activities and they respond in one or both of the following ways, it is vital that you take notice. They will either immediately get defensive or annoyed from the constant questioning, or they will clearly give off a nervous or anxious vibe during the conversation. Both reactions should result in immediate action taken by the parent.

    There are several ways as a parent you can improve your child’s Internet safety; although none are completely bullet proof.  These simple actions, if monitored properly and consistently, can limit the possibilities of your child falling victim. For social media, the most important action you can take is checking the privacy settings for each of your child’s online social profiles. Each separate social media account generally has the same privacy settings as others, and you can choose exactly who has access to your child’s profile for messaging and viewing. For gaming, you can check the parental controls on the game console and restrict strangers from gaining access to your child’s profile. Most games that are designed specifically for kids have specified settings that aid in preventing inappropriate comments and messages. However, games that are designed for a more general audience have fewer controls, settings, and safeguards, and should require more surveillance from the parent.

    Ultimately, the best thing you can do to protect your child on the Internet is to get directly involved. Having direct access to your child’s profile allows you to get a front row seat to seeing exactly what they see. It allows you to get a personal feel for other people your child are interacting with, the language that they use, and whether or not your child is at risk of being groomed. Sadly, however, FBI.gov states that even with all the media attention on the dangers of social networking, they still receive hundreds of complaints per year about children who have been victims of criminal incidents on social networks. My intention inpointing out this statistic is not to strike fear, but to expand awareness, and to bring additional light in taking proper precautions. With an appropriate combination of a parent’s direct involvement, along with a constant emphasis of the importance of never sharing any personal information with a stranger, I can confidently state that your child’s chances of falling victim to Internet predators will decrease profoundly.

     

     

     

  • Why is a balanced Pre-Kindergarten program best?

    By: Shelley Holt, Pre-K Teacher
    Parents are faced with many choices for their young children before they formally start kindergarten. Choosing a pre-kindergarten program which balances the structured and un-structured learning time will better prepare them on all levels for the more structured school years to follow.
    “Early experiences affect the quality of that architecture by establishing either a sturdy or a fragile foundation for all of the learning, health and behavior that follow.” – Center for the Developing Child, Harvard University
    Play-based learning time or “center time” gives your child the freedom to make choices, explore, learn, and develop in an engaging and evolving learning environment with their peers.  This play-based time is a very important part of their school day. They will learn valuable social skills such as sharing, compromising, self regulation, and being a good friend. Whether they are mixing colors in the art center, weighing pine cones in the science center, or pretending to be an astronaut in dramatic play – they are practicing language skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, all the while exploring and learning through their interests.
    Each child is unique and all develop, grow, and acquire skills at different rates. This makes small group time an integral part of the Pre-K day. Teachers use the small group time to individualize fun learning activities to target each child’s needs in one-on-one or in a small group of students with similar needs. These learning games can be adapted to each child’s interests and learning styles for better retention and success. 
    Large group time, morning meeting, story time, and lesson times are also used to reinforce weekly and daily concepts. These times are also used to encourage them to raise their hand and wait for their name to be called to develop self control and regulation and better prepare them for their Kindergarten year. Although developing self regulation is important, teaching four year olds requires teachers to be flexible and aware that students may need impromptu brain breaks or dance breaks to get their wiggles out. Maintaining a fun, loving, and exciting learning environment is important to develop your child’s love of school.
    These programs should also offer outdoor play time, physical education, foreign languages, art, music, and other sporting activities which can expose your child to many areas of interest and enrichment.
    Choosing the right program for your child that will foster a positive learning experience during their pre-kindergarten year is crucial. Many studies have shown that early school experiences may impact a child’s perception of learning and the school environment for years to come. 
    A balanced pre-kindergarten program will develop the whole child – socially, emotionally, and cognitively. This will provide a strong foundation for your child to be prepared for their kindergarten year and beyond.

  • What to Look for When Choosing Private Education

    By: Christie Burger, Admissions

    As part two of private vs. public education series, we want to look more deeply at what parents should look for when choosing private education.  Private education is an increasingly popular option for many families and one that may be the right fit for yours.

    Here are a few questions to ask as you begin the process of choosing a school. 

    1. What is the philosophy of the school? It is important to make sure the philosophy of the school matches what your family is looking for in educational goals, as well as values. 
    1. Is the faculty of high quality and committed to challenging students to reach their potential? When looking at the quality of education, you have to start with a strong faculty. Dedicated, well-trained teachers are the key to a strong high-quality education. Ask the levels of education, years of experience, and certifications held by the faculty.
    1. How involved can I be as a parent? Independent schools have many opportunities for parent involvement.  Ask about parent organizations, policies for volunteering, and ability to visit on campus with your student. Partnership in your child’s education can go along way in their educational development.
    1. What extracurricular opportunities are available for students? Education is the main focus of schools, but the extracurricular opportunities can truly shape the student’s experience during their school years. See what clubs, sports, and organizations are available for your child’s age group. 
    1. What is the success rate of the school’s graduates regarding progressions to secondary education, as well as, awarded scholarships? For high school students, progressing to the college level, and college acceptance rates should be a priority of most independent schools.  Ask the guidance office, what the rate is for college acceptances for the graduating classes, ACT/SAT score averages, and scholarship amounts awarded each year. 
    1. What is the student profile and admission requirements? Ask yourself, does your child fit the type of student that each school’s student body represents? Ask each school what their requirements are for admissions and see if those characteristics are also important to your family’s goals. 
    1. How happy are the students and faculty? Happy students say so much about a school. They are generally more enthusiastic, eager to learn, and ultimately become successful. A teacher that is happy and content is one that will form a partnership with each family and provide a solid educational experience.

    As you begin your search, make a list of these things and the qualities you most want in a school. Keep in mind that no one school is perfect, or will meet all of the criteria on your list. However, you want to select the school that best fits your student, family values, and educational goals. 

  • Is Private or Public Education Right For Your Family?

    By: Amy Burchett, Director of Admissions

    As parents, we are faced with the weight of making many difficult decisions about what would be best for our children in a variety of different scenarios. Regardless of the nature of the decision at hand, we ultimately have to approach every topic by looking through the lens of “How would this affect MY child”. There is no blanket response to many of these scenarios that would apply equally to all children. Choosing the educational path that would be best for your student and family is no different.

     

    When families begin to choose whether a private or public school option is the right fit for their family, there are many factors to consider. Typically, the first and most notable difference when comparing private and public education is the financial commitment related to private education. The seemingly out of reach tuition for a private school education can eliminate this avenue as a possibility to some families; however, many private schools offer either scholarships or tuition assistance to students who apply and qualify. This can help to bridge the financial gap for some.

     

    For others, a driving factor in selecting a school for their child’s educational journey may revolve around smaller class sizes and the ability for individualized instruction. Any child, in any state, can attend public school. This could, depending on location and demographics, increase student population and thus increase class size. Private schools typically highlight smaller class sizes and lower student-teacher ratios in their classrooms due to their selective admissions processes.

     

    It is also common that a family would desire that their children attend a parochial school. Many families value their religious affiliation and would like for their children to attend a private school that reinforces this through a religious-based curriculum. When considering public education, this would not traditionally be a part of the classroom curriculum.

     

    A few additional considerations could be special education classes and services that may not be offered at a private school, proximity to home, and college preparation and counseling services for high school students.

     

    Remember as with all things, it is important to do your due diligence in completing your research. When touring schools, be sure to bring a list of questions that you want to have answered. Sit down as a family, include your students in the discussions, and weigh the pros and cons of both. Keep in mind, you are choosing the educational setting that would benefit YOUR child most! Be sure to choose the school that you feel would best help your child reach their full potential.

  • Staying Healthy during Cold & Flu Season

    By: Melinda Parker, School Nurse

    During the winter months it may seem like a daily battle to stay healthy.  It is important to arm yourself and your children with good habits to try to keep cold/flu germs at bay.

     

    The CDC offers a variety of tips for staying healthy.

    1)   Get vaccinated. Although the flu vaccine won’t stop you from getting the flu it will often lessen your symptoms and the actual time you carry the virus. It’s not too late! Many local pharmacies and grocery stores, as well as most doctors offices are still offering the vaccination.

    2)   Stay home when you are sick.  This is very important especially when reporting to school or work. When sick, if you venture out, you are infecting everyone you come in contact with.

    3)   Cover your mouth and nose. Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue, your elbow, etc when sneezing and coughing may prevent germs from spreading to those around you.

    4)   Clean your hands.  Wash, wash, wash!  Make sure to wash your hands with warm water and soap often. A fun way to help your younger children know how long they should be scrubbing their hands with soap before rinsing is to sing the “ABC’s” or “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. Not near a sink? Grab a squirt of Hand Sanitizer to hold you over.

    5)   Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  These areas are perfect entry points for those germs to get in.

    6)   Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently!  Clean your desks, school supplies, lunch boxes, water bottles, work spaces and home.  Make sure to drink plenty of fluids (especially water!), eat nutritional foods, get plenty of sleep and again…wash your hands often!

    Find out more here:

    https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

    Once sick it is often hard to tell the difference between the common cold and the flu.  The CDC offers these tips for distinguishing between the two, but cautions that the best way to be sure, is to visit your local doctor or clinic for a flu test.

    Colds often have a gradual symptom onset, they rarely have fevers, may have slights aches, and will sometimes cause fatigue or weakness. They commonly have sneezing, coughing, stuffy nose, and sore throats.  While the flu has an abrupt onset and usually has a fever, aches, chills and fatigue.  The flu may also have sneezing, stuffy nose, cough or sore throat.  Cold symptoms are generally milder than the flu.  Again, your best course of action when deciding whether it is the cold or flu is to be tested.

    To learn more about cold and flu season and what you can do, visit the CDC here:

    https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm

  • Shaping the Next Generation

    By Joanne Askew, Lower School Science

    What best describes the future member of the workforce? A person who is a problem-solver, a person experienced in persistent critical thinking.  The future needs members of society who can apply their education in real-life situations, who works well with others.  Someone who can communicate their ideas, knows how to explore others’ ideas, and collaborate to include both.  A person who innovatively,  and creatively, applies education in the real world.  

    How best do we shape that person?  By providing an arena where subject-area knowledge can be transformed in a real setting.  Project-based learning and Challenge Based Learning formats have proven to do just that. One major study (Conley, 2005) provides us with a consistent perception that simple academic knowledge in core content areas is not enough.  The study  finds that people entering the workforce, along with employers, desire a more holistic approach to implementing the educational experience.  People are desperately seeking to be, and to employ, a person who is experienced in application of acquired knowledge. 

    By by providing young people the format to explore ideas that revolve around real world issues, we expand their circle of knowledge. To expose them to situations, during their academic career, we provide them with a setting that enhances their use of the skills listed above.  Real world scenarios that enable them to work with community leaders and business people, explore options not in a text book, apply communication skills, work collaboratively on ideas, manage time, and all the while make a difference, are what prepare them for college, careers, and life.  

    Being presented with a challenge, or developing one, enables young people to go through the steps in critical thinking: identify a problem, investigate information,  explore points of view, evaluate and if needed restructure, and apply/implement solutions. While implementing the steps, they are also experiencing self-expression. When possible, reporting data collected also provides them with the opportunity to communicate both findings and results to an audience. 

    Aren’t we all interested in surrounding ourselves with young people, team members, and coworkers who have experienced these situations?  Communities, in fact the world, need leaders who work together to inspire, create, and cause change.  

    References: Conley, D. T. (2005) College knowledge: What it really takes for students to succeed and what we an do to get them ready.  San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

  • Navigating an Overnight School Trip

    Navigating an Overnight School Trip- 5 Key Steps to Success

    By: Tracy Burkhart, Head of Intermediate School

    As wonderful as traveling with our families is, the opportunity for our children to travel without us is an opportunity we should cherish. An overnight school trip experience is the ultimate “beyond the classroom” experience. Preparation is the key to getting our children ready so we can feel comfortable letting them embark on their “solo” adventures while gaining independence and interacting with the world around them.

    Organized school group travel involves much advance planning by educational professionals that is thorough and begins long before the extended trip takes place. There will be paperwork to fill out, packing guidelines to follow, trip payments, and ample meetings to ensure all information and guidelines are communicated.

    But for your own piece of mind, there are key steps parents and participants should think about during the planning process. 

    These involve managing money, packing, safety, health, and communication.

    1. Ensure personal money management skills—Begin working with your child months in advance on how to manage their spending money for the overnight school trip.  Work together to determine average amounts of money needed for meals (if needed), potential amounts for souvenir purchases, and any additional expenditures given by the trip leaders. Students could begin using a debit card and learn to balance their account.  Also, most banks offer prepaid debit cards that are reloadable. Of course, some cash is always needed; budgeting this is crucial. Will some children make mistakes and possibly not budget correctly? Sure, but what a great life lesson while surrounded by educator chaperones to help them through the process and still not go without. Preparation and learning at its best!
    2. Pack light and right—Most of us love to try to fit most of our closet and house into our luggage for an extended trip.  While this may offer us a sense of security, it’s not always practical. Efficient packing can actually help to make the trip more enjoyable and less stressful. Your trip leaders will certainly offer a packing list detailing how many pieces of luggage are allowed (whether bus or airplane travel), additional carry-on/snack bags allowed, particular clothing items needed, and the appropriate electronics for the trip.  As always, it helps to plan accordingly for general supplies to pack, such as, toiletries, contact lenses, cellphone chargers, etc. Also, be sure to check the weather forecast prior to departure to make sure needed items are packed. Your child will be tasked with managing all their belongings, so it’s best to pack efficiently, leave any expensive items at home, and label several items with their name.
    3. Ensure your child knows the trip safety protocols —As parents and educators, we want each moment of an overnight trip to be memorable, yet with the utmost safety.This is a wonderful time to review in advance all behavior rules and safety protocols set forth by the trip leaders. Parents will be required to supply emergency contact information, informed of the safety protocols for traveling to the destination, informed of the rooming arrangements and nightly security checks, and informed of the group/ buddy system utilized during trip excursions. Students are supervised by a dedicated faculty chaperone and will have direct access to them at all times if any unforeseen need arises.
    4. Stay Healthy—It’s not enjoyable to think of potential health issues that could arise during a trip, but preparation and notification will lead to peace of mind. Be sure to thoroughly fill out all medical documentation required by the school/trip leaders. If your child is prone to motion sickness, this is an opportune time to prepare for this over-the-counter medication too. Additionally, most children with allergies and food sensitivities know what to avoid while dining and should be comfortable with discussing their allergies with their peer group and chaperones if help is needed. Trip leaders will carry first aid bags, have a medical professional to aid with dispensing some medications, and ensure all trip personnel have emergency contact information.
    5. Ensure Lines of Communication—Sending your child away on an extended overnight school trip is one of many bittersweet milestones for parents. We long to see them gaining their independence, but it’s difficult to let them go. We’re so fortunate to live in a time where there are so many available ways to communicate with one another. With that being said, many students get caught up in the excitement and activities of the trip and they forget to communicate their learning adventure with those back home. The most important thing to remember is that your child can be having the most amazing time even if there isn’t a shred of photo or text proof.Trip leaders and chaperones will encourage student participants to communicate with their family members, share special moments with you, and potentially have photo sharing sites or blogs to keep everyone informed. With that being said, it’s also natural for some students to become homesick or have some not so stellar moments on an extended school trip. When your children are out of your sight, it’s hard to gauge their complaints and mini-dramas. Use your best judgment, of course, but know that the chaperones are super busy ensuring the best trip possible for each child, but they will have a constant line of communication with both you and your child—and all will be well. 

    So, you packed, you prepped, and you’ve endured the days without your child and have witnessed their growth through the experience. 

    The last thing to prepare for is to welcome a different child (in a good way) to come home to you— well done! They will have matured, learned self-reliance, broadened their knowledge of the world, and ensured their love of experiencing new adventures with their peers for years to come!

  • Do Honor Codes Really Work?

    by Dr. Rebecca Beach ’97, Upper School English Teacher

    Do Honor Codes Really Work? Yes, they do.  They help schools to instill academic integrity and they work to create an atmosphere of trust.  

    Research has shown that honor codes have significantly cut down instances of cheating, plagiarism, and stealing in schools. For example, The Center for Academic Integrity found that only 23% of students at colleges with honor codes reported one or more incidents of serious cheating on an exam, while the number increased to 45% at colleges without an honor code(1 character.org).  This significant jump in numbers reflects the fact that campuses with honor codes successfully teach students to value their own work and respect the work of others.

    I’ve seen this same positive shift first-hand at our school since we adopted an honor code in the fall of 2017.  The Honor Code, in its most basic form, says: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received aid on this work.”

    The importance of an honor code can be reiterated through the following:

    1) visual signs of it in on plaques in all Intermediate and Upper School classrooms,

    2) weekly assessments that ask students to sign their name beside the code

    3) an annual ceremony that asks each incoming student in Upper School to sign their name to the honor pledge book

    4) honor council hearings for those students who may have violated the code 

    These are tangible reminders of our school’s honor code that help to guide students as they complete coursework and interact with others. 

    But the real evidence of honor among students, I believe, occurs in more inconspicuous moments.  When a student asks a classmate to copy her homework assignment and she refuses: that’s honor.  When a student deliberately puts away a cell phone and an Apple watch before a major test: that’s honor.  When a student seeks out help to make sure he is correctly citing an outside source in his essay: that’s honor. When a teacher talks to his students about the value of not cheating: that’s honor.  When students help each other to study for an assessment without giving away answers: that’s honor.  When students working in a group give a detailed account of who participated and contributed to their project: that’s honor.  

    I see honor among my students every day.  It’s a powerful practice that demonstrates the importance of self-respect and respect to others.  Without respect and honor, knowledge loses its vital force. For no vast quantity of knowledge can be worth much of anything if it is acquired, used, communicated, or disseminated without honor and integrity.   These are lessons in character for students to learn early in their academic careers and to hold to tightly, far beyond graduation.  

  • Setting Goals for the Second Half of the School Year

    By Alicia McQueen, School Counseling 

    Everyone loves a fresh start!  As our students look to begin a new semester, that is exactly what they get, a fresh start.  January is a great time to set goals for improving upon what you have learned about yourself as a student from the first semester.  As you are planning ways to be your best and most successful during the second half of the school year, consider some of the following ideas that we have collected from students and teachers that have helped aid in student success. 

    Teachers and students report that checking their email and Google Classroom daily is an important part of keeping informed on assignments and expectations of different classes. 

    Utilizing a calendar or the Stickies on your device is great way to organize reminders for those assignments once you have checked your email and Google Classroom. 

    Students should learn to advocate for themselves!  Students should talk to their teachers.  Teachers welcome student questions and appreciate the opportunity to talk with their students one on one to help them.

    Students who follow these few simple guidelines will find it easier to be successful in the new year.  Parents and students should also feel free to reach out to guidance office, individual teachers or the administration at any time throughout the school to ask questions and gain a better understanding of what is needed in class.  

    Let’s make 2019 the best yet!