A Message from Mrs. Laidlaw Otto
Dear SJE Families,
Educators today often talk about setting goals with students. We call our daily classroom goals learning targets and we know that these are the things which create the focus for the day. When I visit a classroom, I will often ask students to explain what they are learning about. In this way, I ensure that not only has the teacher set a goal or learning target, but that the students are aware of the outcome. This practice sets our students up for success. It helps them to think critically about the materials being explored, with an eye on what they will master in the end.
Our teachers also set professional learning goals. These annual goals help to guide them as they work to become better educators, ultimately benefiting our students.
Our first through eighth graders are bringing home their report cards today. As we begin our new trimester, our families also have an opportunity to set goals with their children. I am asking our families to consider the following goals as we head into the third trimester of the year.
•Take time to discuss your child’s day with them. Dinner is an excellent time to hear the stories of everyone’s day. The benefits to children from this type of sharing are countless!
•If your child is in second grade or above, check their assignment notebook every single school day. If your child is in fifth through eighth grade, you should be checking their honor card and PowerSchool at least weekly, but a daily peek at the assignment notebook will provide valuable insight into your child’s growing organizational abilities.
•If you struggle to get your child to school before our 7:45 tardy bell, leave 10 minutes earlier. Too many of our students are late to school nearly every single day. Students who come in late, or moments before the tardy bell, are missing time to unpack and organize, review what their day will look like, and talk with friends before the work of the day begins. Arriving to school between 7:30 and 7:40 ensures a calm start to the day, helping to set the stage for success throughout the day!
And, of course, remember that parents are the primary educators of their children. If you have any concerns as you review your child’s report card, or at any time throughout the school year, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
Together in God’s Name,
Mary Laidlaw Otto
