Dear Winnetka Families,
We wanted to provide some background on our philosophy of teaching mathematics. The below comes directly from Dr. Jo Boaler who is a highly respected mathematics professor in the graduate school of education at Stanford University.
*If we want our students to develop a fearless love of mathematics, we need to focus on the process of mathematics, not just the product-the answer.
*The greatest mathematical practice we can nurture for our students is the critical ability to think and reason.
*When engaged in a math problem, multiple parts of the brain are engaged. Brain-imaging evidence shows that approximate calculations take place in the brain's large-scale network involved in visual, spatial and analogical mental transformations. Rote arithmetic takes place in an area usually reserved for verbal tasks.
Suggestions for encouraging math thinking: -
Puzzles, games, dice, cards-talk about the strategies you both use as you are playing these games.
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Associate math success with deep thinking-not speed, as speed demands can produce math anxiety.
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Continue to use the word "yet." This word should always be added when someone says they can't do something-no matter what it is!
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Never say that you were/are "bad at math." There is a study that shows that when mother's shared this with their daughters, their math achievement declined. We all have unlimited potential and success is based on the persistence and desire to work hard-not something you have or don't have.
At home, to help children when they are stumped in math, try asking the following questions: -
What are you stuck on?
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What have you tried?
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What other strategies could you use?
We hope the above gets you as excited about math as it does us and our students!
Sincerely,
Larry Joynt and Julie Pfeffer, Principals, Crow Island School
Joshua Swanner, Principal, Greeley School
Beth Carmody, Principal, Hubbard Woods School
Dear Greeley Community,
I hope all of our families were able to find some rest and relaxation this weekend. Our first trimester of learning is coming to an end, and it is hard to believe we are already finishing up the first third of the school year.
Heading into Trimester 2, our staff will continue to partner with the PTO to provide meaningful connections between the home and school. More information will be made available in the future.
Lastly, we will be announcing the winner of our 4th grade mascot drawing competition with students later today. Stay on the lookout for some unique Greeley spirit wear bearing the winning image. More details will be forthcoming from our PTO.
Sincerely,
Joshua Swanner Principal FOOD DRIVE FOR THE NEW TRIER FOOD PANTRY The 'Service and Outreach' committee of the PTO are excited to launch a school wide 'Food Drive' for the New Trier Food Pantry. As a school community, we are excited to come together and help those in need in our township in the run up to Thanksgiving. All the children have watched a video about the New Food Pantry HERE and each grade has been assigned specific items to donate that the pantry is in need of. Donations will be collected Wed Nov 11th thru Wed Nov 25th. Students may also create cards with well wishes that can be included in the donations (please keep them anonymous). Each grade that reaches their goal of donations will also receive a prize! For more info on what and how to donate click HERE. If you have further questions please reach out to the committee [email protected] and [email protected]
DISTRICT NEWS
Letter from the Superintendent
News from The Alliance for Early Childhood
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Pandemic Parenting: Tools and Tips, December 3, 7-7:45pm Register Here
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Pandemic Parenting: Tools and Tips, February 18, 7-7:45pm Register Here
Additionally, families are invited to participate in Let's Play! 2020-2021 Ongoing Community Programs. Upcoming events are as follows: Family Action Network Events
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Dates to Remember
Wednesday, Nov. 11
thru
wednesday, Nov. 25
FOOD DRIVE FOR
THE NEW TRIER FOOD PANTRY
wed. thru fri.
november 25 - 27
no school
thanksgiving holiday
friday, dec. 18
last day before winter break
monday, jan. 4, 2021
school reopens
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The Winnetka Public Schools community empowers every student to flourish in an innovative, experiential environment. We support and challenge all learners to actively engage in continual growth and achievement to make a meaningful difference in the world.
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