Have a gritty day!

“The attempt to prevent our kids from struggling for fear it might scar their permanent records is, instead, scarring them for life.” ~Heather Choate Davis

This week’s parent coffee topic was grit.  We had a lovely discussion about what grit is and how we can help children uncover  and develop this quality.  I think my biggest takeaways from our discussion was that grit involves passion and the support of others (not just parents) may be needed to help children with grit.  We watched the short clip here about grit, as well.  It was interesting to hear from children about goals and grit in the video.  They understand more than we think, and as always are capable of much more than we give them credit for being able to do.

Next Friday is Parent/Teacher Conference Day.  Please make sure you have read the Eagle Eye and are signed up for your conference.  Remember out specialist teachers (art, Latin, music, and physical education) are also available for conferences that day. 

Last weekend was the Lower School Variety Show.  I am always impressed by the talent and self-confidence of our young students.  We heard beautiful musical pieces, lovely songs, funny jokes, and saw enchanting dances.  Consider coming next year to help support our Lower School students as they develop their talents and their abilities to perform in front of large groups of people.  You’ll have a wonderful time!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Baier

100 Days or Years

 “Education is the best provision for the journey to old age.” ~Aristotle

As you may know, last week we celebrated the 100^th day of school in the Lower School.  This is an important learning moment for students in kindergarten through second grade.  One hundred is a magical number and it is difficult for students to fathom the immensity of it.  Lots of activities take place on the 100^th day of school (many in math), but one of my favorites is the second grade project of things they want to do before they are 100 years old.  In reading their lists, you will find how connected to education they items are.  In order to accomplish these things they will need to continue to pursue education.  The quote by Aristotle is so appropriate to the second grade activity and our lives in general.  Check out a few of the 100 year old second graders and their lists below.

Last week second grade also had a special visitor.  Author Nancy Carlson visited the second grade students. Her books delight and encourage children of all ages.  Our second graders learned more about the writing/illustrating process and how an author must persevere in order to create a book.  

Last week in honor of Valentine’s Day, many different activities occurred in the Lower School.  While we don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in a traditional way, we certainly make connections and encourage the different qualities associated with Valentine’s Day.  First graders in Mrs. Sahli’s class talked about what it means to value people and things.  Third graders read the book My Heart is Like a Zoo (connecting to their study of animals in science and similes in grammar) and created their own animals and similes.  

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier

Caring for others

"A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow." - William Shakespeare

Next week is Valentine’s Day.  At Eagle Ridge Academy we have eschewed the typical Valentine’s Day parties in order to promote the ideas of caring and friendship.  Yes, younger students may still exchange valentines, but we are also trying to get them to identify the qualities they admire in friends.  We are also trying to get them to share empathy and caring with individuals they may not have met.    For example, the kindergarten students are heading to a local senior living facility to share cards, songs, poems, etc. with the residents next week.  They are giving of their time and showing caring to people they have not met.  Valentine’s Day is a great springboard for activities like this.  I would encourage you to make caring/empathy and friendship with other a focus for your Valentine’s Day this year!

Last week the second grade students visited the Bakken Museum in Minneapolis.  It connects to their science and history curriculum in many ways.  It is always a highlight for second grade students and is often not thought of as a family activity.  If you haven’t heard of the Bakken, I would encourage you to take your child for a family outing.  

Mr. Anderson brought new artwork to the Lower School office last week.  This month it is symmetrical works of art.  The students used their knowledge of history and math to create symmetrical designs.  Check out some of the designs from Mrs. Sorenson’s class below.

Remember there is no school for students on Friday, February 13th or Monday, February 16th.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Baier