Week of November 28, 2016 Announcements

Calendar Change

The December calendar has been changed. 

The early dismissal for faculty meeting will be on December 2nd.

 Dismissal will be at 12:00 noon.

The After School Program will be in session.

Teaching Interpersonal Skills 

                      In this article in Kappan, Adam Dovico (Wake Forest University), says that because of students’ constant heads-down focus on their electronic devices, there’s been a “stark decline” in their ability to interact appropriately with other people. “Typically, students are more comfortable texting or sending an e-mail to introduce themselves or communicate than offering a firm handshake or a warm smile,” says Dovico. “With the convenience of and accessibility to cell phones, it’s now more important to select the correct emoji than to excel at face-to-face interactions.”                                                                                                                                           To prepare students for college admission, scholarship opportunities, job interviews, and the modern workplace, not to mention their personal relationships, Dovico believes schools need to join with families in explicitly teaching students the skills of interacting with others. This is especially important because studies have shown that humans form an impression of another person “spontaneously and with minimal cognitive effort” within a tenth of a second – somehow we take in scores of subtle cues to form a split-second judgment that can make a big difference in subsequent interactions.

Drawing on his experience as a teacher, professor, researcher, and PD presenter, Dovico came up with this SPECIAL acronym for face-to-face interactions:

-   Shake hands – a firm, appropriate grip;

-   Posture – standing up straight, shoulders back, conveying confidence and awareness;

-   Eye contact – looking the other person in the eye during the entire interaction;

-   Charm – winning the person over with a smile, raised eyebrow, head nod, laugh;

-   Introduce yourself – saying, “Hi, I’m ----” gets the ball rolling;

-   Ask a question – “What brings you here?” or “Don’t you hate this snow?” begins a conversation and shows interest in the other person;

-   Lean in and listen – without invading the person’s space, getting a little closer signals engagement and helps you listen and respond appropriately.

These elements, executed smoothly and naturally, “make you come across as confident and professional,” says Dovico. “Many of these proficiencies require practice, which is why it’s vital to begin teaching them at an early age.” He’s working with his four-year-old son on the handshake and introducing himself. In the elementary grades, building a repertoire of questions is helpful, and by middle school students might be coached on the head nod, eyebrow raise, or appropriate lean-in. In high school, students should be able to get into a good conversation with a stranger, maintain eye contact, be charming, and stand out in a crowd.

            Of course, says Dovico, “we’re humans, not robots, and no amount of practice in a staged setting can prepare someone for real-life, unpredictable encounters. 

“Making a S.P.E.C.I.A.L. First Impression” by Adam Dovico in Phi Delta Kappan, November 2016 (Vol. 98, #3, p. 55-59), 

Smart Tuition - Late Fees 

Changes have been made regarding parents requesting the waiver of Late Fees etc. 

 Mr. Guzman may now take your request and will contact Smart Tuition and The Regional Office of Tuition Management for parents.

 No longer should parents call the tuition management office as it can now be handed in the school office. 

As  reminder - fees for bounced checks, credit/debit cards that do not have enough funds cannot be waived.

Only late fees requesting a later date for payment that is done BEFORE the 15th of each month.

Tuition Suspension Day - December 12th

There will be a tuition suspension day for students who have an outstanding balance on their account.

This suspension day will only occur if the parent did not come in to set up a payment plan before report cards.Students will be excluded from class until the parent pays 1/2 of the owed tuition and set up a payment  plan with the regional business manager.  

Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will have access to i-Ready in the coming week and a report of recent on-line testing will be available for parents.  This again is an on-line platform to assist parents in helping their child raise their reading and Mathematics skills.

This program is part of the Blended Learning Platform of teaching/learning that is going on in  Ms. Bagley's, Mr. Badia's               Ms. Serewko's and Mr. Placido's classrooms.

Hopefully after the beginning of the new year i-Ready will be available for all students in grades K-8.

Students in those grades are also using Google Classroom for assignments, assessments and projects. Students may complete their assignments etc by using an i-phone,i-pad or a computer. All students in grades 3,4 and 5 have received instruction by the teachers and the Blended Learning Coach the last few weeks. Parents who have questions may see the classroom teachers involved or Mr. Woods .

Sunday - November 27th First Sunday of Advent

Monday - November 28th

December calendars will be sent home with students today.

Tuesday- November 29th 

Superintendent of Schools will be in building to review Blended Learning Classrooms of Grades 3, 4 and 5 

Wednesday - November 30th - Feast of St. Andrew

Alan's last day- we wish him well in his new endeavors.

Thursday December 1st - World AIDS Awareness Day 

PreK For All coach will be working with teachers and students.

On-Line enrollment for 2017-2018 begins today for students entering Kindergarten next year and any new students.

Friday - December 2nd - Early Dismissal Day 12:00 noon

Faculty Meeting 

After School Program in session 

Sunday - December 4th - Second Sunday of Advent

Living Environment Class - 9:00 AM

Mass for all students 1:00 PM