Dear Spanish Lime Families,
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break! I had an enjoyable holiday and birthday. Thank you all for the surprise celebration. I truly cherished the cards, letters, homemade books, gifts and new class t-shirt! I am honored to be a part of your home life and it tickles me that “I am” a catalyst for redirection and problem solving. Your kindness, generosity, support and humor this year has reminded me how thankful I am to live among my island family.
Throughout the month of December the Spanish Limes will be busy preparing for student led conferences. This meeting between parents and student is on Friday, December 8th with two sessions: 2:00-2:45 and 3:00-3:45. Please use sign up genius to reserve a session. I added a few more slots for flexibility.
Why student led conferences?
Student accountability
Opportunity to see work in progress
Motivates students
Opens up communication between school and home
Practices real life skills; communication, organization, leadership
Teaches self evaluation, self reflection skills
Focuses on learning
Goal setting process has buy-in by all involved
Creates an authentic evaluation
I want to re-share a paragraph from an academic article posted last year pertaining to the student led conferences. Enjoy!
“..this practice is the biggest breakthrough in communicating about student achievement in the last century. When students are well prepared over an extended period to tell the story of their own success (or lack thereof), they seem to experience a fundamental shift in their internal sense of responsibility for that success. The pride in accomplishment that students feel when they have a positive story to tell and tell it well can be immensely motivational. The sense of personal responsibility that they feel when anticipating what it will be like to face the music of having to tell their story of poor achievement can also drive them to productive work.” Rich Stiggins, November 1999
You child has selected work sample from all areas, analyze their strengths and weaknesses as a learner and set possible goals for the remainder of the school year. Please come to this conference prepared to listen, ask questions and acknowledge their efforts and growths. You will also be asked to help complete the goals your child has set and develop a plan to achieve them. Successful students are supported by involved parents. Thank you for attending this conference. The Spanish Limes are eager to share their school year with you.
Wednesday, December 20th I look forward to caroling and lights on the Holiday Conch Train!
Many Thanks,
Ms. Sally
