Being the best version of yourself

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing.  Motivation determines what you do.  Attitude determines how well you do it.” ~ Lou Holtz

Everyone has different abilities at the many things we try to do in life.  While I am at a high ability level when it comes to understanding and playing tennis, golf is much more of a challenge for me.  Students at Eagle Ridge Academy also have differing levels in all things they are learning to do at school.  Teachers work hard to meet students’ individual needs in the classroom setting.  In the primary grades the students work at their own pace to develop their reading skills with teachers setting expectations for growth along the way.  The same thing occurs in all grades for math.  Students are placed in classes according to their current ability levels (while still offering a challenge) by their teachers. We do not call these classes high, middle, and low.  All math classes in the School of Grammar are either at grade level or slightly above grade level moving at differing paces.  These are flexible groups and students move from class to class, as needed at different points in a school year or from year to year (when they have mastered particular skills).  It would be helpful if you talked to your child about math class just being math class, not high math or low math.  There is no prize or award for being in one class instead of the other.  Please help your child understand their math and reading classes are based on his/her needs at the time to help him/her become “the best version of him or herself!” 

Thank you to all parents who remembered that Monday was the first day to let your child walk down to the classroom on his/her own.  It is a step toward independence and learning to be responsible.  We still have people in the hallways in the morning to help the students who need assistance down to the classroom.  Remember your child needs to be seated in the classroom ready to learn by 8:00 each morning.  If your child is eating breakfast, you can drop them off at 7:30, so there will be enough time to eat and get to class. 

Don’t forget about Curriculum Night next Thursday, September 10^th for grades 1-5.  First and second grade homeroom teacher presentations are from 6:00-7:00 in your child’s classroom.  Specialists will present in the Commons from 7:00-7:30, and third through fifth grade homeroom teacher presentations are from 7:30-8:30.  We look forward to seeing you at this parents-only event.

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Mrs. Baier