"Education cannot be effective unless it helps a child open himself up to life."
Maria Montessori
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A Note From the Head of School:
Yesterday I had a phone call with a parent, and she spoke about the "soul-crushing" approach of our country's special education system which is based upon the identification of disabilities in which children only get the help they need after a series of failures, low scores, and/or social-emotional trauma. Children who learn differently are often looked at through the lens of what they are lacking and specialized programming is built solely on remediation. Since this often means the child is taken out of the regular classroom, and she may have multiple teachers teaching the same skill, it can lead to the fragmentation of skill acquisition. I know this experience well as someone who was pulled out for special education services as a child and as a teacher who has devoted her career to non-traditional learners. I am also the proud mother of a child who learns differently.
This week we have been very busy with admissions. In talking with parents, it is clear why children can shine at our school after they struggled in other schools. As you consider your children's educational experience, no matter what kind of learner they are, please keep these ideas in your thoughts:
- It is imperative to make sure that everyone working with your child sees the whole child. Conversations need to incorporate the talents of your child, her truly unique qualities, and her passions. Then, begin talking about how you can help the other skills or underdeveloped aspects of your child grow.
- Remember that neuroscience reminds us that our malleable brains are open to change, growth, and intervention. The child development courses teach us about the developmental periods in which children are "increasingly prone to learn certain skills or behaviors" such as the neonatal period of infancy to toddlerhood or adolescence. However, recent studies now show that our brains remain fairly elastic, even in our senior years. I think this fact is important to drive home to our children and the people working with them that we are always capable of learning and growing.
- The learning environment for our children matters. At Radcliffe Creek School, we see tremendous growth with our students because we provide enriched programming where children feel safe, and have such a strong sense of belonging with their peers and their teachers. Sometimes, it can take a while for students to shed their sense of inadequacy, fear of risk-taking, and the "baggage of failure" they have experienced in other schools.
- Children learn best when they truly feel like what they are learning is meaningful to them. Rather than being passive agents, children need to feel a sense of purpose and agency in their work. Our students do well because we are able to articulate the "why" behind the need to practice a skill, incorporate a strategy, or understand the relevance of content. It is important for all students to connect the discovery of how past lessons and experiences link to the new curriculum that is being introduced.
What a gift that these approaches are found within the tenants of the Radcliffe Way and we practice them on a daily basis.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Head of School
As always, do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of any help.
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We are looking for parents and community members who will help us organize our first official virtual Run for Radcliffe. We are in need of corporate sponsors.
This is a huge fundraiser for our financial aid program. Please contact Kim Nistler if you are interested in helping us.
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OUR ANNUAL TALENT SHOW was on
MARCH 5, 2021!
Congratulations to
Caroline, Michaela, Anya, Owen, Josephine, and Anthony, Morgan, Grace, Nora, and Maddie for sharing with us some of their talents!
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We are excited to announce the Board of Trustees has decided to keep the cost of tuition the same for the 2021-2022 school year.
For 25 years we have been changing the trajectory of a child’s life with multisensory, dynamic learning that is framed in care, compassion, and innovation. I firmly believe that the investment you make today in your child, will pay off and give them a future with opportunity.
Contracts will be going out to families in the next few weeks as we finish allocating financial aid.
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RCS EARLY DISMISSAL
March 24, 2021
RCS EARLY DISMISSAL
March 31, 2021
SPRING RECESS
NO SCHOOL
APRIL 2 & APRIL 5 2021
RCS EARLY DISMISSAL
April 7, 2021
RCS EARLY DISMISSAL
April 14, 2021
SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY/ DRESS DOWN DAY
April 16, 2021
RCS EARLY DISMISSAL
April 21, 2021
BEAUTIFICATION DAY
April 22, 2021
Please note the last day of school is 6/11/2021
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Congratulations to eighth-grader Ben Gilbert who won our 3rd Annual Scripps School Spelling Bee.
We were so proud of the many students who participated!
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COVID 19 Updates
Governor Hogan eased travel restrictions 2 weeks ago. We strongly encourage everyone who has traveled beyond DELMARVA to get tested within 72 hours of returning from a trip. We ask that you get tested if your family has been experiencing symptoms, been around someone who has tested positive, or if you have been in an area where the positivity rate is over 10%.
*PLEASE FOLLOW OUR COVID GUIDELINES*
It is imperative that all members of our community continue to abide by our agreed-upon COVID-19 Guidelines. Here are the community guidelines we all agreed to follow.
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Little Creek Announcement
Last week the Board of Trustees issued an RFP seeking a provider to operate our Little Creek Program starting in the Fall of 2021. Please visit our website at LC Announcement for more details.
We are still looking for another parent to join the Selection Committee to review the RFPs. Please contact Meg Bamford if you are interested.
Here is a copy of RFP. Please note the RFP proposal deadline has been extended to March 20, 2021
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201 Talbot Blvd.,
Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone (410) 778-8150
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Discover. Create. Thrive. |
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