Wednesday Weekly - April 19, 2017

W E D N E S D A Y W E E K L Y

April 19, 2017

In this Issue

News & Notes

Today's Learners

Upcoming Events

April 19

Webinar: Nurturing a Naturalist

7:30 p.m.

Learn More

April 20

Community Coffee

8:15-9 a.m. in the Learning Commons

3-6 (Primary) Concert
9:30 a.m., Gym

Spirit wear will be on sale in the lobby before and after the concert!

April 24-28

Auction Fire Sale
Front Lobby

Last chance to bid on unsold auction items at new, low prices!
Learn More

ERB Testing
(for 3rd-6th grade)

April 27

Community Coffee

8:15-9 a.m. in the Learning Commons

May 2

Moms' Day

Drop-off time until 11 a.m.

Dads, do you need co-op hours? Contact Lori Oberly to find out how you can help make this morning special for our moms!

Full Calendar

Message from

Head of School Lisa A. Lalama


	*Read more from Lisa on the Montessori Message blog.*

Next Monday, we begin a week of standardized testing for WMS students in third through sixth grade. If you have a child in one of those classrooms, you've probably heard all about it. The teachers have been busily sharing the practical life skill of learning to take a "bubble test." You probably recall taking some of these tests during each phase of your educational career.

At WMS, the focus on this test, the ERB CTP (Educational Records Bureau Comprehensive Testing Program) , is first to provide practice for children so that when they do face future standardized tests that they are not thrown by the format or the way in which to approach such an assessment. This test is one on which guessing doesn't count against the tester. As students take practice tests this week, teachers will explicitly share this information and other test-taking strategies.

Next, test results are used to help us, as a school, understand what we do well and learn what we need to do better. We discover where our students stand as a group among children throughout the country at the same grade level. This helps us adapt our instruction, improve our professional development for teachers, and review our curriculum to ensure it is efficacy.

Finally, we look for discrepancies between the test results and the daily performance of students we know so well. For the most part, the ERB affirms what we know about our students. Their strengths and challenges are noted and compared to what we already know about them. If we are puzzled about a result, we will dig deeper for further information. This will help us adapt our instruction and support our students as they move through their school years.

As you can see, we approach ERB testing as we do all educational experiences at WMS. We introduce the tests to children, help them understand the way they work, and we put it into perspective as a life skill they will need throughout their educational career. We also let them know these tests are snapshots of a day in their life. These tests ask questions a child may or may not understand. They are aimed to the middle and to the skills a child "should" acquire by a certain grade.

What we know is they do not measure a child's approach to learning. They can't tell us about a student's inquisitive nature, perseverance, ability to manage his or her time, to go beyond what is required or to reflect on and consider alternative views. Standardized tests serve a limited purpose. Our goal at WMS is to utilize them for that purpose and to remember that the most important aspect of education is the children in our classrooms and meeting their individual needs as they learn and grow.

News & Notes

Fire Sale - Next week!

Thank you again to everyone who made the Blue Jeans Ball Auction & Gala such a success!

You can still help support the auction by stopping by the fire sale in the lobby - all items start at 50% of their original minimum bid (or lower)! Tables close on Friday, May 28 at 6 p.m.

Science Enthusiasts have an opportunity to gather and share their love of science education and research.

WMS alumna Annika Delport (a founding member of the newly formed 350DE group at The Tatnall School) has invited the community to attend the Earth Day "Rally for Science." This family-friendly celebration of Mother Earth will take place in Wilmington's Rodney Square on April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Signs with non-partisan, positive and respectful messages are welcome! There will be prizes for the best posters, guest speakers, music, face painting and free saplings for the first 100 people. Admission is free!

The Sound of Moo-sic!

3-6 (Primary) Concert

Tomorrow (Thursday, April 20)
at 9:30 a.m. in the Gym

Join us for our Primary students' farm-themed concert!

All are welcome!

School store items will be available for purchase in the lobby before and after the concert .

Webinar for Toddler/Primary Parents: Nurturing a Naturalist

Tonight - Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Presented by:
Lauren Harris, Lead Toddler Teacher
Erin Wehler, Lead Primary Teacher

Outdoor play can open a world of experiences for your child. The opportunity to interact with the outdoors not only provides many educational moments; it also allows for some quality bonding time that your child will be sure to remember. During this webinar, you will gain new knowledge and ideas regarding outdoor play and experiences in nature. We will share activities for your budding naturalist to enjoy within your own backyard and in the greater community. Join us to learn about some fun, new ways to get outdoors!

Please register in advance. After signing up, you will receive login instructions to ensure that you can access the webinar on the evening of the event. Don't forget to submit your co-op hours for participation!

Today's Learners

Fast Four Episode 6 Poetry

In honor of National Poetry Month, Assistant Head of School Laurie Orsic shares her favorite poetry books for children.

The Wednesday Weekly shares WMS news and events that are relevant to the families in our community.

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