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Update from Meg
March 27, 2014
Greetings! 

Despite the long winter, things are hopping at Parker!  Here is a bit of what is happening at school:

A Peek into the Classrooms

On a walk through the classrooms this week, I got a snap-shot view:

  • 8th graders reading Hamlet aloud in dramatic fashion in preparation for Shakespeare week.
  • 7's discussing where to find germs and how they might grow some into bacteria. ("Could we buy germs?") 
  • 6's using Google Sketch-up in math class to design items for the 3D printer.
  • 4-5's working on computers to write the timeline of their own lives. They will create animated versions, too. 
  • 4-5's designing wind turbines and experimenting with different shaped blades.
  • 2-3's in literature circles, reading and discussing chapter books in small groups.
  • K-1's experimenting with LEGO robots in math class to move a ball while applying their knowledge of force, motion and gravity from science class.
  • Pre K's experimenting with air and wind by blowing windmills and balloons, popping corn, and many other ways of feeling the motion of air.  

I observed the innovation and self-determination that is engendered by these kinds of activities. Students are inquiring, exploring, observing, recording information, and applying things they have learned to new things they are finding out about.  These are very high level skills!   

 

The teacher is not "telling" them how things work and what the answer is, and then they memorize that answer.  The students are working out questions by themselves or in a team - and with very motivating materials and topics.  This is why our students are SO motivated and how our mission plays out.  Our teaching methods and culture develop children who are curious, passionate, achievement oriented, confident and inclined to action!

 


Students Take Ownership with Student-Led Conferences
Student-Led Conferences are a signature experience at Parker and an effective way for students to develop the skills of self-evaluation, responsibility, accountability to themselves and goal setting. 

Well before the conference on March 14, students selected a collection of work that highlights their progress. They reflected on their most meaningful accomplishments and practiced presenting to peers or teachers. 

When they made the presentations to their parents, the smiles and pride were evident on both sides.  As the children move through the grade levels, their confidence and self-reflective skills mature.  As adults these skills will serve them well!  

 

More International Connections for Parker   

Laura Mandelson and I  have been working with an international recruiting agency to explore admitting one or two Chinese middle school students to Parker.  Materials about Parker are being translated into Chinese this spring and recruitment is underway.  If we accept Chinese students, we will ask Parker families to consider hosting a student for ten months and receiving a stipend.

Families who hosted students from Barcelona last March said it was a wonderful experience. We will bring in new students from Spain in 2014-15, perhaps as early as October. 

By connecting Parker students with children from around the world, we expand empathy and understanding, increase motivation to learn language, and make precious life-long friends.  We will be sending out surveys to interested host families in the next months. 

 

 

Renovations and Improvements are in the Planning Phase
Checking out the science pond in the After School Outdoors Club. 
Parent Janice Medina, a professor of design at Sage College of Albany asked  students in one of her classes to take on a special challenge. They were charged with envisioning renovations of Parker's library, gym and performing area.  They also generated ideas for classrooms and a science center adjacent to the pond.

Read more... 



Shakespeare is almost upon us!   
April 10 at 6 PM 

All the children at Parker - even the preschoolers - begin rehearsing on Monday for the Shakespeare performance.  The teachers have worked together with impresario Sean Fagan (his 13th year at Parker!) to come up with Shakespearean connections for each class. 

Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet are on the playbill for middle school this year - in some creative format or other! This is an amazing 9-day theater residency sponsored by Parent Council.  It's a wonderful tradition and an rousing evening of fun.  See you anon!

 

Fondly,

 

Meg Taylor,

Head

286-3449 ext 101

[email protected] 

Parker Perspectives   

 

P.S. Here is a link to all the teachers' blogs and websites.  It is under the Parents tab on our website.  See what is happening now - and what's coming up next year for your child! 

 Read more...  

     

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