Pre-K- 2 parent meeting CHANGED!!
Due to a conflict with the Meadow Drive PTSA on the same evening I will be holding TWO meetings. One on February 1st at Meadow Drive School at 7:30 and a second meeting on February 15, 2012 at the Hampton Street school at 7:30
At last night’s board meeting several parents expressed their concerns over next year’s schedule, particularly the amount of recess time for grades K, 1 and 2. I promised then that I would hold a meeting to explain the issues and limitations surrounding some of the decision making. Therefore, there will be a meeting on Wednesday February 1 in the Willis Ave cafeteria at 7:30pm. All parents are welcome to attend.
Posted in Around the District 12 years, 10 months ago at 1:35 pm. 3 comments
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Lori, my opinion is that the learning of a second language (be it Spanish, French, or any other) now may not be obvious at first. We may be even worried that it causes confusion in our kids. But I am pretty sure kids embrace new languages really well and, besides the added skill, it can make them more confident learners and open to other skills, even learning other languages later.
I attended the Feb 1st meeting at Meadow regarding the new schedule and appreciate the time Dr. Nagler took to explain the issues surrounding the new schedule. Like many other parents, I too am a fan of recess and am concerned about the limited amount of time our young students will have for unstructured activity and socialization. I do however, understand that we are ultimately trying to improve reading levels for our students.
What I am still struggling with is the addition of the Spanish program for the elementary students. While I am happy to hear that we are adding SPANISH to the curriculum, if our goal is to improve reading skills…I am not sure how the Spanish program will help accomplish that goal. I was pleased to hear that the Spanish program will continue for the students until they go into the HS, however if our students then choose to take a different language when in HS (Italian, French, Latin), will the Spanish be helpful? Or…will it have been a waste of time at the expense of recess?
Recess in the Pre-k to 4 grades and even 5-7 grades is so important on so many levels.It is very imperative that they get unstructured physical activity everyday. It provides social development, interacting with their peers, and the release of containment. The fresh air and sunshine they get from being outside provides a renewal and relief with brain function. It helps to recharge the body and mind. Children of any age need a break from stucture and containment to be able to fully function in the afternoon, otherwise, by 1pm they turn into either monsters or mush. They need to run around, scream, laugh and what ever else to release pent up energy. I’m just saying….(I’m an mother of 3 children and a pediatric physical therpist)