Monday News

Dear Families,

On Wednesday, we will see The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh at the Flynn. Here's the synopsis:

This remarkably moving and funny play from Roseneath Theatre reveals true-to-life struggles: Max’s parents are getting a divorce and wired Jamie just can’t seem to slow down or pay attention! Her journey toward understanding and accepting her ADHD puts Jamie’s courage to the test. But with humor and compassion, she moves past the hurt and confusion of being “different” and learns to use her strengths—becoming a good friend to Max, an inspiration to the school bully, and a positive role model for the millions of students who share her struggle.

Homework

Homework is going to be a little different from this point forward. We at Brewster Pierce are changing the way homework looks. Ms. Hayes sent home some information in a past Backpack News and the three-four teachers sat down to review what we were doing and have come up with the following changes.

First and foremost, we do expect every child to read every day for at least 20 to 30 minutes. It is an essential habit to form now which will benefit your child forever. We will continue with our monthly book projects. These projects give children a creative way to share the books they have been reading at home with their friends at school. It's a great way to get kids interested in and talking about books and helps keep them accountable for reading at home.

It would also be a good idea to study math facts every day, addition for third graders and multiplication for fourth. Try to incorporate math skills around telling time, baking, measuring and any problem solving that needs to be done from day to day. I will on occasion send home a math page when a student needs some extra practice with a skill and students can choose to bring workbook pages home for practice. Parents can read the information I send home at the start of each unit to keep up with what we are doing in math class.

We will also send home a calendar each month with educational activities to do each day. These are just fun, optional activities to do as a family if you so choose.

By changing what homework looks like, I would like to make it easier for a child's afternoon to be an educational, fun, worry-free time to spend with family and friends participating in activities that help all of us grow and learn. I want students to have time to play, create, invent, exercise and imagine.

Thank you, Ms. Hayes and I welcome your feedback on this change.

Enjoy your week,

Anna