Dear Parents, August 2019
Young School is an incredibly special place to learn about self and others, the interaction between the two, and the challenges that we anticipate will be encountered by our students in the short and long term. We are certain that we, alone, cannot prepare them fully for such, so we welcome you as partners through your child’s journey through Young School.
We have learned that in order for students to fulfill their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical potential, they need to be immersed in a “responsive culture”. As a guide to lead our students to these desirable results over the course of three years, we embrace seven guiding principles, as follows:
Social curriculum is as important as academic curriculum
How children learn is as important as what they learn.
Great cognitive growth occurs through social interaction.
School success requires social and emotional skills.
Knowing the children is as important as knowing the content.
Knowing families is essential to children’s education.
How adults work together is as important as individual competence.
A “gift” to your child from you will be to ensure that they are “present” at school each day that they are feeling well. Attendance matters! When a child arrives to school, mentally, physically, and emotionally ready to learn, they will have a great experience. You will know because they will be sure to share the news!
Your involvement at Young School, to the degree possible, is welcomed. Opportunities to “make a positive difference” for our school family will be available through the Young School P.T.O., and your child’s classroom teacher.
We will provide information specific to the Mathematics Curriculum and English Language Arts Curriculum on dates to be announced in a future correspondence. You will have opportunities to listen to an overview of the curricula, engage in activities similar to those that your child will experience, and ask questions of our professional staff. The information that you gain from such an experience will prepare you to become a valuable resource to your child, as they work through homework tasks.
We look forward to working with you and your child! Our best wishes to you for a happy, healthy, and positive school year!
Sincerely,
Peter E. Harrison, Ed.D.
Principal
Young School