Pitching Perseverance...

“But the person who scored well on an SAT will not necessarily be the best doctor or the best lawyer or the best businessman.  These tests do not measure character, leadership, creativity, or perseverance.”

~William Julius Wilson

 

As you know, we are always striving to help the students understand and live the Pillars of Eagle Ridge Academy.  The Pillar of Perseverance has been in the news recently, as researchers and educational professionals begin to exalt the importance of grit, effort, and perseverance.  Classical educators have long known the importance of encouraging students to make mistakes and persevere through difficult situations.  By choosing Eagle Ridge Academy, you have signified that you feel it is important for your children to gain the ability to persevere.  We will continue the important work of teaching students how to persevere and know that you will support your children in learning this important virtue at home.  Please let us know if you have questions about perseverance or would like some support on how to encourage the development of perseverance in your children at home.

 

Angela Lee Duckworth and Carol Dweck are two leading researchers on effort and grit.  As a staff we are studying their work and the work of others in the field to see if we can learn anything new about teaching students how to persevere.  Below is a link to a video that may answers some questions you may have about perseverance or grit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkoe1e2KZJs

The 5^th grade teachers took some fortunate 5^th grade students to the Minnesota Twins game last Sunday.  Going to the game with the 5^th grade teachers was an item for purchase in the annual Eagle Ridge Academy Gala.  A great time was had by all the teachers and the students (Meghan B. and Lauren W.).  Meghan was lucky enough to be chosen to receive Brian Dozier’s uniform after the game.  The whole group was able to go down to the field for the honor.  Time spent with their teachers forging new relationships and shared memories is priceless! 

1^st grade students have been learning about the rainforest.  They are learning the different layers of the rainforest and what animals live in those layers.  In their classrooms, there are trees so they can have reminders of the information they are learning.  Those students who are visual learners will have a wonderful resource to refer back to in order to reinforce their learning.  Check out the different trees from each classroom in the pictures below.

Conference sign ups open next week.  Please sign up for conferences with your child’s homeroom teacher or specialists only until October 9^th.  On October 9^th, if there are open slots for your child’s math teacher, you are welcome to sign up for one of the slots.  With our self-contained classrooms, it is important for all parents to have access to their child’s homeroom teacher first.  If math only parents sign up right away it limits the slots for homeroom parents.  You are always welcome to schedule a conference (phone or in-person) with any of your child’s teachers.  You do not have to wait for scheduled conference times.

Homecoming week is coming for the Upper School.  As in the past, Lower School students will not be participating in homecoming activities.  They may order homecoming t-shirts and wear them on the spirit wear day on Friday, October 10^th of homecoming week.  Those shirts can also be worn on any future spirit wear days.  

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier