This is such an interesting time of year; we
are deeply involved in the series of "Yoms" as well as Lag B'Omer. It
is a busy time of year and before you know it summer will be here.
As a faculty our energy is focused on making
the end of school year meaningful and productive and we are also starting to
plan for the 2012-2013 school year. As part of our planning process we
identify the programs that worked well and we are also always looking to make
improvements to our program by introducing new ideas to the classroom so that
our children benefit from them.
One area we take particularly seriously is
class placements. We know that class placements are a critical part of
the lower school experience. Each year we look at the placements to ensure that
the children get exposure to various teaching styles as well as the opportunity
to interact with different peers. We also recognize that every child has unique
needs and some teachers match better with some students.
As part of the process of doing class
placements we look at many factors. These factors include gender and geographic
balance. We also look at the academic profile of each student as well as
personality profile when looking at the placement. Our classroom teachers
and Special Services team also take a tremendous amount of time to be
sure placements work academically. Current teachers know their students and also
understand their complex interactions.
As part of the parent, teacher, student
partnership, we would like to give you an opportunity to let us know if you
have special requests for your child’s placement next year. We understand that
you as parents see a side of your children that may influence their peer
interactions and we will consider parental requests for students placements
with other children as best as we can. Given all of the factors that go
into placing students, we can not guarantee all special requests will be
honored. Most of the time we are able to accommodate special requests (as
they are often consistent with our own placement anyway), but at other times,
the manifold factors that go into proper class placements preclude us from accommodating
requests.
That being said, it is also very important to
note that what may seem like a poor class placement (by the parents or even the
child) at the beginning of school usually turns into one of success over the
course of the year. Children learn to make new friends, find new
interests, and develop a sense of independence. After the initial
disappointment, children adjust beautifully (with positive parental support J) and do well.
Please know that you do not need to make
a request for us to pay special attention to your child…you can take that as a
given.
If you would like to share with us
information that will help us in making a placement decision, please email it to lsplacement@mjbha.org
by May 7th. To ensure that all requests are properly reviewed
we will only accept requests via email. We also ask that when emailing requests
that you prioritize your request and also provide your reasoning for the
request (as well as first and last names).
An example would be:
- My first priority is that my
son Will be placed in a class with Peter O’Day. Will and Pete
developed a nice friendship in first grade and they have not been in class
for two years.
- I very much would like to be
sure Lois is not with Mary Smith. They have been in class together for two
years and Mary is very distracting to Lois.
- I would like my son to have a
teacher who is very structured and provides regular routine and consistent
expectations.
Class lists will be published right before school
starts. We are not able to share them prior to the beginning of school as many
things shift throughout the summer (new students, students leave area, new
teachers are hired, etc.) Thank you for your partnership. We look forward to a
beautiful spring, fun summer and anticipate an exciting school year ahead.
p.s. At our
Yom Haatzmaut Shuk today, students in grades 1 – 5 “bought” their Israeli
treats with promises of mitzvot they will do: be on the look out for LOTs of
help with setting &/or clearing the Shabbat table, amazing
cooperation and great listening, assistance with younger siblings, special
attention to davening and acts of chesed. Ask your child what s/he
volunteered to do (approximately 4 mitzvot per child!!). Your K – 5 children
should be tired and exhilarated today from all the fun activities. We thank the
teachers for their energy and skill!!
p.s. II (J)
Lots of kids had questions about the attire for tomorrow. Wearing blue
and white is fine (if they have a clean outfit)). Shabbat attire is also great-
but not too fancy
Shabbat Shalom
