E-News

February 27, 2014

Dear Parents,

Over the course of the past year, a review of the Mixed Age Group structure has been underway. Current and former faculty, parents and administrators have provided feedback about their experiences with the MAG structure. This review revealed clearly that there are aspects of Mixed Age Group that are highly valued by the Foote community as well as aspects that present challenges and opportunities for growth.

 

The most prominent reasons the Foote community values MAG include its leadership and character building opportunities, the strong sense of community it fosters, teacher/student relationships and the inherent respect for childhood development and varied rates of learning.

 

The review also revealed opportunities to enhance the children's experience in grades 1 and 2. These opportunities include more targeted differentiation, curricular clarity and alignment, and a richer social experience for the children.

 

This feedback, in conjunction with the school's commitment to continuous improvement, presents an opportunity for further discussion and action. As a result, a task force will be convened during the spring and summer of 2014 to address this feedback and plan for change. The task force will be comprised of one head teacher from each MAG building, an associate, two specialists, one Learning Support teacher and the Head of the Lower School. This group will ensure that the plan is in keeping with the Foote mission and philosophy and retains, where appropriate, those elements of Mixed Age Group that are most valued.

 

The final STARS class of the year is this Sat., March 1, at Foote. The program runs from 10 a.m. to noon, and students will gather for a special celebration to mark the end of STARS at 11 a.m. in the Sturley Room.

The Vacation Program calendar for March break is now available. Click here to download the calendar, and click here to download the registration form.

Th Connecticut Association of Independent Schools is hosting its annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference on Sat., April 5 at Hopkins School in New Haven. The conference is open to students in grades 7, 8 and 9, and offers fantastic opportunities for students to engage in discussions about diversity and to gain leadership skills. Learn more at the CAIS website.

Note: The deadline to register is tomorrow, Fri., Feb. 27. If you're child would like to participate, please email Registrar Erika Villa at evilla@footeschool.org. An email with more details went out to parents of seventh, eighth and ninth graders last week. If you did not receive that email, or need it sent again, please email Director of Communications Andy Bromage at abromage@footeschool.org.

The ninth grade play, The 39 Steps, has been a big hit with audiences this week, playing to packed crowds in the Sandine Theater. Friday's show is sold out, but there are still a handful of tickets left for tonight's performance, which starts at 7 p.m. (Call the front desk for reservations, 203-777-3464.) Look in next week's Parent E-News for information on getting photos of the show. In the meantime, find a few pictures on our Facebook page.