Radcliffe Radiance
Move Your Body, Boost Your Brain Power

The other day a younger student was having a rough morning. We could tell it was going to be a challenging day as we watched him enter the building. He moved as though he was underwater, his shoulders hunched, hair and clothes disheveled and his eyes lacked their usual shine. Instead of pushing him through the day, we opted for movement and exercise. We decided he would benefit from wall push-ups, using the monkey bars, jumping jacks, carrying heavy books down the hallway, and racing across the playground. After 10 minutes, the chatty boy we were used to seeing each day reappeared with a sheepish smile and twinkling eyes. "I feel so much better," he said.

John Medina wrote one of my favorite books on the brain called, Brain Rules. Medina's book examines how brain science can help transform all aspects of our lives. His first chapter details the impact of exercise on cognition and mental alertness. In fact, Medina's research review revealed that those people who exercise typically outperform couch potatoes in tests of memory, reasoning, attention, problem-solving, and fluid-intelligence tasks. In an experiment, children who jogged for 30 minutes two to three days a week had their cognitive scores improve significantly compared to their pre-jogging levels. And when the jogging program was withdrawn, the children's scores plummeted back to their pre-experiment levels.

At Radcliffe Creek School, we integrate movement and exercise throughout our students' days. Whenever possible, we have two recesses. We encourage children to run and play. In classes, students are encouraged to take movement breaks. Often we utilize aspects of Brain Gym which is a goal-oriented program that uses movement, goal setting, and self-awareness activities to enhance brain learning. It is based on 80 years of educational research, sensory integration, developmental optometry, chiropractic, and other bodywork, kinesiology, and neuroscience research. Students are welcome to work at standing desks, sit on wiggle cushions, or wobble stools. Movement increases blood flow to the brain which allows students to learn better, sustain attention and problem-solve. We have found that taking 5 minutes to quickly do these activities allows for a much higher productivity level.

While they are in motion whether it is taking a walk, hanging on the monkey bars, or fidgeting, I find children are often able to better express themselves especially if it is a difficult topic for them to talk about. Students are able to gain clarity and resolution after moving their bodies. If you find that you are having trouble communicating with your child, lace up your sneakers and walk the dog around the neighborhood. Both you and your child will find the walk rewarding.

Wishing you warmth throughout this chilly weekend,

Head of School
Upcoming Dates
February 11, 2022
Spirit Day and
Dress Down Day

February 14, 2022
Postponed
Friends of Radcliffe Day! Valentines Day celebrations will take place in homerooms.

February 18, 2022
Half Day: 12:30pm dismissal
With COVID rampant, we feel that the RCS Community would best be served if we postponed our Friends of Radcliffe Day. While we are disappointed (it's one of our favorite days ever), we look forward to seeing you this Spring!

In an effort to prevent extending the school year, we will be switching our Professional Development day, slated for February 18th to a half-day of instruction with dismissal at 12:30 pm. This will allow us an additional snow day should we need it in the future. We appreciated community input on the survey recently sent out. It is clear we would all prefer that our students are learning on our physical campus. We will be adjusting our calendar following the feedback of our community as needed.
Our after-school program offers homework help and special Enrichment Classes every day RCS is open (excluding half-days before vacations).
If you would like for your child to participate in our after-school program, please fill out this Google form. In addition, please fill out the necessary MDSE paperwork (PDFs can be found here). If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Meg Bamford, Ben Joiner, or Jimmy Reynolds.
Radcliffe Creek After-School Program
Monday - Tuesday | 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Wednesdays | 12:30pm - 5:00pm
Thursday - Friday | 3:15pm - 4:15pm
The Kent County Health Department has received an outpouring of parents reporting positive results from their at-home COVID testing kits. Due to such high volume, the Health Department is requesting that parents please notify them through the button below. There is a link to the same form on their website and Facebook page. 
However, you MUST still report any symptoms or positive cases to Kim Nistler or Meg Bamford. Please, please, please do your part to keep our students safe, happy, and healthy.
In the photo to the left, Ms. Coppage is seen baking doggy treats with her students. Meanwhile, in the photo to the right, Mr. Kim and Mr. Stecklair conducted the same service learning activity with Marsh students!
As part of Radcliffe Creek's effort to give back to our community, last week our students took part in three activities that helped touch tons of members of our community - even the ones with four legs! During last week's service-learning exercise, students created cards and wildflower bombs for first responders, doggy treats for the local humane society, and handmade placemats for the local senior center.

To help Radcliffe Creek continue to give back, consider donating below. Generosity is the gift that keeps on giving.
Thank you to our entire community for working so hard to continue to mitigate COVID. We appreciate everyone's partnership in communicating with Kim Nistler or Meg Bamford regarding close contacts and positive COVID cases immediately. With your help, we can continue to keep our students safe, healthy and engaged.
201 Talbot Blvd.,
Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone (410) 778-8150
Discover. Create. Thrive.