Dear Spectrum Families,
We are in full swing, with the teachers rested and refreshed. It is typical in early January to regroup and get more intensive for the winter months. My principal coach referred to January-March as “academic prime time.” Given that, there are several topics I want to share with you, some new and some reiterated.
- Look for a change in the format and content of progress reports. Teachers have worked to streamline this reporting and make the social responsibility and project-based/plan-do-review reporting coherent across grades. Please be sure to sign up for February 1 Conferences once teachers get their Sign-up Genius out.
- Our Angelic Organics partnership is looking to be AMAZING! During our planning yesterday, it became clear there will be some “extras” to keep in mind for the January excursions. Please look for these from the teachers and please sign up to drive and chaperone if you are able. (January 23 Preschool, Early, Intermediate; January 30 Upper and Middle)
- We have been building capacity towards a shift to the Raise Responsibility System which will provide a common language to address both problematic and exemplary behavior. We are rolling this out to students this month and practicing with them how to reflect on behavior and make positive choices. I will be providing parent workshops on this system during conferences on February 1. More details will be provided.
- We received a grant to support our World Language/World Culture program. We are hoping there will be interest in cultural exchanges with international students from Rockford University and Rock Valley College. If you have international friends and family who may like to contribute, please let me know. We want to bring international or internationally-minded friends in during the school day as micro-interest groups. Perhaps families can host or participate in luncheons or dinners with a country theme. Please look for more information and let me know if you have interest in helping plan and/or lead any of this.
Have a great weekend!
Dr. Mary Beth Cunat
