November 28, 2021
Dear Lower School Families,
Please mark your calendars for the following pair of in-person events that are open to all lower school parents and guardians.
Literacy Learning in the Lower School
Tuesday, November 30, at 8:30 a.m.
In the Lower School, our goal is to create and foster a love of reading. Learn about reading and literacy instruction in the Lower School as teachers share examples of activities, lessons and instructional strategies used throughout all the grade levels (Explorers through Grade 5). Topics will include readers workshop, reading conferences, just-right books, interactive read-alouds, novel studies and more. Suggestions for supporting your children’s reading at home will also be highlighted. The morning will wrap up with time for questions and answers. Presenters include Angi Blinn (Kindergarten), Alicia Crain (Grade 2), Miranda Bring ’03 (Grade 4) and Assistant Head of Lower School Brelle Farrenkopf, Chair for Student Support Services. Coffee and fresh scones will be provided.
Responsive Classroom Morning Meeting
Friday, December 10, at 8:30 a.m.
Experience how every lower-schooler starts each day at Columbus Academy by learning about and experiencing the Responsive Classroom Morning Meeting. Lower School Director of Academic Programs Gabriel Paynter will begin the program by discussing the philosophy, purpose and Academy’s commitment to Morning Meetings where social-emotional and academic competencies are both taught and applied. Participants will then break into three smaller groups to experience a Morning Meeting led by three lower school teachers: Kenny Hyttenhove (Kindergarten), Kelly Black (Grade 2), and Miranda Bring ’03 (Grade 4). At the end, participants will have the chance to ask all of the facilitators questions about Morning Meetings. Coffee and fresh scones will be provided.
Both events will take place on the fireplace-side of our dining hall. Kindly RSVP using this form. We look forward to seeing you!
Warm Regards,
Head of Lower School
