Direct from the Director
3/4/12 9:26 PM in News and Events
The Right Match…
Why should you choose Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School for your child? Perhaps you want…
- to provide a superior educational experience for your child.
- to be involved in your child’s school.
- to have consistent communication with your child’s school.
- your child to thrive in school.
- your child’s school to share your family values.
- your child to have the benefit of small classes.
- your child to have the best teachers.
- your child to go to college.
- your child to be prepared for life.
- your child to be in a safe environment
“Finding a school where your child thrives provides a foundation for a successful future.” NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools), 2011.
My thirty years in Independent Schools as a parent, teacher, and administrator have taught me that the true value of the Independent School experience for children and their families can be summed up as helping each child reach their full potential and experience success. How does a school accomplish that goal? What needs to be in place for that to happen? Experience tells me that, first of all, parents must support and believe in the school. Secondly, students must be willing to learn and have an interest in school. Teachers must be life-long learners. Lastly, school leaders must have a vision and be committed to the mission of the school. When all of the components fit together, the child’s full potential can be reached and the child will experience success. Such experiences help the child understand themselves and can serve as a guide throughout life.
I find that an individualized approach coupled with a caring attitude is the key to helping each child reach their full potential and succeed in life. My own children were nurtured and encouraged by Independent School teachers who had a profound influence on them as they went through school. Finding and addressing the individual needs of students is foremost in my mind everyday as a division director. As an administrator, I expect Saint Stephen’s teachers to care about and support every student each day. I look for knowledge in subject area and of equal importance, compassion, when hiring a new faculty member. When teachers care, I find that they are enthusiastic about what they do and students learn more and experience success.
See what the National Association of Independent Schools says about choosing the school that is right for your child at:
Values Added: The Lifelong Returns of an Independent School Education
and
1/8/12 9:28 PM in News and Events
Are the Three R’s Enough for Your Child?
It used to be that learning how to read, write and do arithmetic was all that schools needed to do to teach children. Teaching and learning were focused on the basic skills. It was a bonus if the student had an opportunity to take a foreign language class or enjoy music or art classes.
With the world changing at an astonishing rate, take a moment to ask yourself some key questions that will impact your child’s future. Is your child spending more time memorizing facts or learning critical thinking and problem solving in school? Does your child know how to think, reason, analyze, and weigh evidence? Is your child’s natural sense of curiosity encouraged at school? Has your child been working independently or is he learning to work in groups? Is your child learning to communicate effectively in writing and speaking?
In his research-based book, The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don’t Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need–and What We Can Do About It, Dr. Tony Wagner describes the gap between what our best schools have prepared our students for and what they are actually going to need to survive in the world. He tells us that mastery of the basic skills of reading, writing, and math are not enough for success in today’s competitive, global world. Thinking and communicating effectively are some of the essential skills for the twenty-first century. Parents should be looking for schools that teach students to think and share their thoughts. Schools should teach students to problem solve and communicate.
Schools require students to take tests. Many of those tests are multiple choice assessments. In those tests, students are not asked to explain what they know or how they know it. They simply know the facts that will answer the questions. Even though school accountability has become a hot topic, has anyone considered whether or not we are even measuring the right knowledge or skills that are needed for the twenty-first
century? Wagner has concerns about schools in the United States “teaching to the test.” Parents should be looking for schools that allow their children to be creative, to think, and provide a variety of opportunities to problem solve.
After spending time in some of our country’s best schools for his research, Wagner makes the case that schools are teaching students the same way that they have taught for years, even though the world is changing and employers are looking for a different type of graduate for the job market. He points out that schools will need to embrace those changes and teach students the skills that will help them compete for future jobs. Because of advances in technology and communication, today’s students are also motivated to learn in uniquely different ways than students who came before them, and schools need to respond to these students with new styles and methods.
Did you know that 72% of our national economy is based on consumer spending? What will become the economic engine for the twenty-first century? Innovation is a critical driver of that change, and it is essential that schools foster the skills needed for innovation in our students of today.
Ask any CEO what skills they are seeking in an employee today and the responses may surprise you. According to Dr. Wagner, companies can teach employees the technical skills, but employers are looking for employees, first and foremost, who know how to ask good questions. Critical thinkers and problem solvers learn how to ask questions. Is your child’s school teaching critical thinking and problem solving? Is your child’s school teaching your child to ask good questions, and does your child ask questions at school?
Does your child learn about cultural differences in school? What role does technology play in your child’s school? Technology is a tool that helps us communicate with diverse cultures around the world today. I have witnessed students sharing lessons via Skype. In just seconds, the vast world becomes amazingly small with the simple ease of technology. These invaluable lessons help students develop an appreciation for diversity and diverse cultures and point to the importance of respect for others in our increasingly “small” world. Twenty-first century schools should embrace global education as a way for their students to learn about the world.
Parents should encourage their child’s school in such endeavors in order to prepare them for the future.
Dr. Wagner identifies seven survival skills students should be learning today to prepare them for tomorrow’s success –
1. Critical thinking and problem solving
2. Collaboration across networks and the ability to lead by influence
3. Agility and adaptability
4. Initiative and entrepreneurialism
5. Effective oral and written communication
6. Accessing and analyzing information
7. Curiosity and imagination
Parents should encourage their child’s school to nurture these indispensable skills. As Dr. Wagner contends, it is time to re-frame the education problem by re-thinking and re-imagining teaching and learning in the twenty-first century. The three R’s just are not enough anymore, and your child deserves the opportunity to be prepared for the future.
The programs at Saint Stephen’s are helping your child prepare for the future. You will be receiving a re-enrollment contract for your child very soon. We hope that you will provide your child with the opportunity to attend Saint Stephen’s and receive a World-class Education!
12/4/11 12:49 PM in News and Events
Giving
What makes you happy? What makes you smile? For me it is what this holiday season represents – GIVING – giving thanks, giving of ourselves, giving our time, and giving our gifts and talents. One of the signature programs in the Middle School is our community service. Through that outreach, our students give their time and their energy, their love and compassion to others in this community and communities in other countries. Because of those experiences they find out how good it feels to help others. They return to school on those days, albeit tired, with smiles and happy stories.
Many of you may have heard me tell the story of the mirror that was at the bottom of the stairs in the old Middle School building. Often I would watch as the students came down the stairs to go to lunch. Without exception, every student would examine themselves in that mirror as they came down the stairs. Middle school students are naturally preoccupied with themselves. You probably know first hand how much time your child spends in front of the mirror at home. Community Service programs, such as we have at Saint Stephen’s, give our students opportunities to help others, to think outside of themselves, and to give. I know that some families and students in our school serve others outside of school time. I applaud you!
Your children give generously every day. There is a spirit of kindness and giving in our Middle School. That spirit makes our time with your children enjoyable. Parents, we appreciate your spirit of kindness and giving. Because of your spirit of giving, we spend our school days in the beautifulSunshineBuilding! You give us your children to teach. You support our programs. You shower us with snacks and special treats throughout the year. You give of your time and talents in so many aspects of the school. We give thanks for you. You make us happy. You make us smile. Thank you for giving! Happy Holidays!
10/25/11 9:31 PM in News and Events
Screen time….
Does your child have a TV in their bedroom? How about a computer or an iPad? Does your child take their cellphone into their bedroom? How much screen time does your child have in an average weekday? On weekends? How is that screen time influencing their lives and yours?
A national study by Common Sense Media, a San Francisco nonprofit group, was released today. It looks at “screen time” from birth and is the first study of its kind since apps became popular. Click HERE for the link to the New York Times article written about the study. Click HERE for the link to Common Sense Media (a website that I referenced in a previous blogpost). As quoted from the Common Sense website:
The study shows that everything from iPods to smartphones to tablet computers are now a regular part of kids’ lives, with kids under 8 averaging two hours a day with all screen media.
Among the key findings:
42% of children under 8 years old have a television in their bedroom. Half (52%) of all 0- to 8-year-olds have access to a new mobile device, such as a smartphone, video iPod, or iPad/tablet. More than a third (38%) of children this age have used one of these devices, including 10% of 0-to 1-year-olds, 39% of 2- to 4-year-olds, and more than half (52%) of 5- to 8-year-olds.
In a typical day, one in 10 (11%) 0- to 8-year-olds uses a smartphone, video iPod, iPad, or similar device to play games, watch videos, or use other apps. Those who do such activities spend an average of 43 minutes a day doing so.
Clearly, media has become a staple in young kids’ daily lives and influences them in ways we don’t yet fully understand. But by getting involved in your kid’s media life, you can help them create healthy lifelong patterns that will truly make a difference in their lives.
I hope that you will take the time to read the article and look at the study. Good or bad…we can only presume that a middle school student has even more screen time than an eight year old….I would love to hear your thoughts about this topic.
10/13/11 1:28 PM in News and Events
Summary of Middle School 2011 Parent Survey Feedback
Thanks to those of you that participated in the parent survey last spring. Each division summarized their results. Here is the Middle School portion:
On the whole, the feedback from the Middle School Parent Survey, taken last spring, was supportive. Only twenty-seven parents (seventeen were seventh grade parents and ten were eighth grade parents) of the ninety-eight Middle School families responded to the survey. It should be noted that the response rate of 27% implies that the results are not necessarily valid and should be interpreted as opinions rather than representative of the sentiments of the whole of Middle School. Of those who responded, some had some concerns and many had supportive comments to share about our school programs and environment.
The vast majority of families reported that they were satisfied with the Middle School. For each of the questions asked, families consistently indicated a satisfaction rate of 8, 9, or 10 on a 10 point likert-type scale (1 = extremely dissatisfied; 10 = extremely satisfied).
Question Total Percentage of 8, 9, or 10 responses
Satisfaction with Saint Stephen’s as a nurturing, values based community 78%
Satisfaction with the balance between rigorous academics, extra curriculars, and family life 85%
Satisfaction with the academic programs 81%
Satisfaction with extracurricular programs 67%
Satisfaction with level of communication concerning school and classroom events/activities 85%
Satisfaction with how school addresses discipline 65%
In addition, the vast majority of families have recommended Saint Stephen’s to another family (92.6%). Sixty percent of Middle School families believe that the balance between overall program and tuition is about right. Very few people wanted to see increased tuition for more program (4%). More would like to see less program and lower tuition (12%).
Families were largely supportive of the community and the connection with faculty with several noting how much the teachers care about the students, understand the adolescent child, and exemplify the values that their families hold dear. One parent expressed concern about their child being teased in varying degrees throughout the years by other students, but is pleased that we have hired a school psychologist to help the students and teachers.
Most Middle School parents were happy with the balance of academics and athletics, and like the seventh period study hall provided for students that participate in after-school sports. Several parents would appreciate more communication from the athletic department about their child’s sports/games. A number of parents are happy with the amount of homework and like the emphasis placed on academics at Saint Stephen’s.
The majority of the parents who responded are pleased with the emphasis on academics. They note that Middle School teachers are focused on their child. Several commented that teachers know the coursework and inspire their children. Two parents noted that there is a need for online textbooks and more use of technology.
Parents are pleased with the extracurricular options, particularly the sports offerings at the Middle School level. Several parents are happy about the choice of PE or Sports at this level as a transition to the Upper School. One parent would like their child to have the “middle school study hall” option during seventh period even though their child is involved in an off-campus sport.
Many parents were happy with the communication from the Middle School. They like NetClassroom and consider themselves well-informed about what is going on at SSES. Again, they would like more personal contact from the athletic department. One parent would like more communication about what is going on at school in general because their child does not tell them much. Others are pleased with the emails that they receive from administration and faculty and find that they are well-informed about the activities at SSES.
One parent commented that they would like to see strict policies that deal with student disruptions in class, but the majority of the respondents are satisfied with how the school addresses discipline.
Parent feedback and suggestions are always welcome in the Middle School. We appreciate the interest in our program and the environment we provide for the children as we endeavor to make the “middle years” a smooth transition to the high school setting. We strive to hire excellent teachers who will contribute to our World Class education, and are working to provide more professional development opportunities to enrich the faculty, and, in turn, the students. We have coordinated a school-wide effort for clarity and consistency in communication.
9/29/11 9:34 PM in News and Events
Blessings
Everyone makes mistakes. Middle School students who make mistakes are sometimes sent to my office. They may have to wait to see me. During that time they have an opportunity to reflect on their behavior. That is beneficial in a variety of ways. They have time to figure out what they are going to say to me, to their teacher or advisor, and, in some cases, to their parents. They also have time to “stew.”
The first question I usually ask them is “Why are you here?” More often than not, thinking that they can avoid consequences, they tell me a version of what happened that includes excuses for their behavior. If I suspect that they are telling me a “modified version” of what probably happened, I remind them of the school’s Honor Code. Because they are honest children, they almost always tell me all about their involvement in the event. Allowing them to talk about what they would have done if they had it to do over or were ”in the other person’s shoes,” is the next step in the process of helping them work through the predicament.
I always end the time with the student by having them figure out what they are going to do to make the situation ”right.” With or without guidance, they usually figure out how to apologize. I tell them that the best part of making mistakes is learning from them. If we look at our mistakes as ways to learn, they are actually blessings in disguise that help us avoid repeating our mistakes.
Since your child has most likely made mistakes at home, this scenario may sound familiar to you. You probably follow a similar method or have found even better solutions to helping your child’s mistakes become blessings. I hope you will share your parenting solutions with fellow parents and with me. I would love to hear from you.
Have you read either of Wendy Mogel’s books? If not, I urge you to do so. She shares her wisdom about allowing children to make mistakes and experience failures by not rushing to rescue them and helping them learn from their mistakes. I think of this process as not wrapping your child in bubble wrap, instead allowing them to experience consequences for their actions to prepare them for the real world.
The Middle School faculty read The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children a couple of summers ago and had some lively discussions about her ideas. Wendy’s most recent book is The Blessing of a B-: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Resilient Teenagers. 
I hope you will look for these books, read them, and use the ideas to enhance your parenting skills. In my opinion, Wendy Mogel’s books are excellent reads. She has wise advice to share with parents and teachers alike.
Blessings to you as you navigate parenting your child!
9/8/11 9:31 PM in News and Events
Talking with your child about 9/11
Our Middle School Chapel topic on Monday, September 12 will be the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Your middle school child probably does not remember much, if any, of what happened ten years ago, but there have been numerous reminders on the news over the past week, and there will be even more over the weekend. If you are wondering what to say to your child about the event, you may want to refer to the advice of an expert who was involved in crisis counseling services in New York after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I found her suggestions knowledgeable and down-to-earth. I hope her advice will prove useful to you, too.
9/1/11 9:40 PM in News and Events
Setting Media Rules
Cell phone calls and texting have increasingly become a way of life for many adults and children. This past week, several middle school parents expressed concerns about the pressures on their children to communicate with friends via cell phone and texting after school and late into the evenings. With the start of school, they see their family time and their child’s homework time diminishing because of the time taken up with electronic devices. These parents were frustrated about what to do to counteract media pressures. As the more leisurely summer days end, setting limits for media use may seem difficult, but will prove beneficial in the long run. There will be more time for family and for studying. A family I know requires everyone to put their cell phones, IPods, and other electronics in a basket or charger by the door as soon as they arrive home. The items are off-limits for the evening. Common Sense Media - a helpful website for parents – has some practical ideas for setting limits. I hope it will prove useful for you, too.
8/16/11 9:09 PM in News and Events
WELCOME BACK!
The Middle School is having a Welcome Back Pool Party for parents and students at the Bradenton Country Club (4646 9th Avenue West) from 1:30 – 3:00 on Friday, August 19. We hope you can join us to meet old friends and welcome new friends and families. Parents, if you cannot stay, please pick your child up promptly at 3:00 p.m.
You should receive a call from your advisor by Thursday, August 18. Please call Mrs. Wolcott (746-2121, ext. 211) if you have not received a phone call by that time.
Orientation Day for Middle School STUDENTS AND PARENTS is Monday, August 22 at 12:30. When you arrive, we will be taking a photo of each student and their parent(s). We will put those photos into a slide show for our Middle School TV’s in the upcoming weeks. Be sure to bring your textbooks, supplies and summer reading assignment. You and your parents will be meeting your advisor and teachers and going to a “short” version of your classes. You may dress in casual, appropriate attire. We should finish by 3:00.
***Note for NEW families - please join Mrs. Pullen, Head of School, in the Middle School Art Studio at 11:30 on August 22 for a light “welcome” lunch. Our technology department will provide you with NetClassroom information and passwords at noon. NetClassroom is our online homework/grading program that allows you and your child to view their assignments and grades throughout the year.
Classes start for all students on August 23 at 8:00 a.m. sharp! Observe the dress code, please!
We can’t wait to see you at Saint Stephen’s!
Subscribe