marlboroschool.net

When we speak of educating the “whole child”, we mean looking at social and emotional education as well as academic. The social/emotional curriculum at MES is front and center as it supports the academic curriculum. We know that kids need to be “available” for learning, meaning they need to be able to focus their energy on the task at hand and not what happened at recess. One of the hardest lessons to learn in school is that what’s fair should be based on what we need and that isn’t the same for everyone. This means kids need different supports. So, when children feel that something is unfair, we can help them to think about what the other people’s needs might be.

At Thursday lunchtime several students and I joined Pedro (Spanish teacher Peter Gould) in the library for an opportunity to practice our Spanish. As we prepare for the Junior High trip to Costa Rica in April I am looking for every opportunity to brush up. I’ve been in contact with teachers at the school in Monteverde and we’re hoping to set up pen pals among the students so that they can begin to connect with each other – en espanol!

In the Primary Class we’re meeting with all the kids to assess their progress as readers. Judy is well aware of the progress each student is making and this confirms it as we measure increased letter sound and sight word knowledge and reading fluency and comprehension, too. Lindsey announced with confidence that she has lots of ways to figure out new words when she’s reading silently. Cooper pulled out a favorite book that he’s hoping to read in our reading group. It’s great to see the younger students so excited about reading and aware of their improving skills!

The last week of the Post Office has been busy! Thanks to all of you who have bought stamps and sent notes through the school mail. And thank you to the kindergardners for delivering all the letters and cards.

Are you checking out the school website – marlboroschool.net ? (if you’re reading this online, then - you are - thanks! - pb) The Reformer article about Ellen and her approaching cycling trip is posted. All the information in Friday Notes is on there every week, as well as the basketball schedule and all the notes from classrooms and lots of photographs. Thanks to Pam for keeping the website updated and making it a valuable resource for all of us.