Greetings!
As my Journalism Club students were looking over a rough draft of their
first school newspaper
one said to another, “This is a real newspaper with really good articles. I’m so proud of us!” They began to cheer, share high-fives, and hugs. The club started just a few weeks ago and CJDS already has a newspaper that was designed, written, and published by students. This is just one example of how CJDS students work together every day to build their community and use their academic skills to complete comprehensive projects and meet goals. My job is to help make those goals a reality and support you, our extended family.
When I lived in Sri Lanka while conducting research on combat journalists as a Fulbright Scholar, I had the privilege of hosting educational summits for children regarding English reading and writing. My lessons needed to incorporate various cultural norms, recognize different languages, and appreciate various religious beliefs. While designing these classes was challenging as an educator, the experience solidified my belief that we cannot “rubber stamp” education. I learned that socialization and academic development happen most successfully when the pedagogy is differentiated. Because of this personal conviction, I’m especially grateful to be a part of the individualized and passionate teaching that takes place at CJDS. Our teachers work tirelessly to give specific attention to each student, allowing their academic achievement to soar.
We believe that it is important to design and offer enrichment opportunities for our students. The “Reading Retreat” space has been a hit with our kids and they have appreciated the creative area where I challenge them with unique reading and writing exercises.
As the Learning Specialist, I want to be there for you and your student. I do this in several ways:
- Through support of teachers in and out of the classroom with the design and implementation of strategies for differentiation.
- Meeting with students who can benefit from 1 on 1 or small groups to provide supplemental work for acceleration and/or reinforcement.
- Observation of social and emotional behavior and providing intervention when needed.
- Serving as a liaison between families and districts regarding any academic student needs.
- And it is my pleasure and honor to keep parents up-to-date on their child’s world, communicating with them about key experiences and pivotal moments in their daily experiences.
Please stop by room 103B when you have a chance, grab the latest copy of our newspaper, zip up the tent, and allow yourself to “retreat” into our tradition of creating a sense of wonder in our students as we challenge them with rigorous academic expectations, to stretch their critical thinking and ensure that every one of them feels a strong and ongoing sense of pride of achievement.
In
h
evruta
and with
kavod;
in partnership and with respect,
Denae D’Arcy (Dr. D)
(you can read our newspaper by clicking on the image above)
