St. Nicholas Academy: Math Enrichment Program
Dear Parents and Guardians of First through Fourth Graders,
As we move into the second semester of the school year, we’d like to share some
of our findings and explain our expectations for one area of our curriculum.
First, we are extremely pleased with how both the teaching methods and skill
emphasis have blended; teachers are dedicated and have worked to make sure that
what is presented in our new school is a strong continuation of the Archdiocesan
Graded Course of Study. We have additionally made a school commitment to
teaching Constructed Response techniques in grades K-8; this program teaches
students tools that enable them to respond to written/oral questions with a plan
that organizes their knowledge. Students use this sequential process on
daily/weekly assessments and on standardized tests now. They will also use this
process as they progress through high school and beyond.
After looking at Terra Nova results for all students, we looked specifically at
language and math. Our scores are in line with other schools in the Archdiocese
of Cincinnati; at this point, we could be proud of that and move on. After
talking with teachers; however, it is our desire to give our kids an extra edge;
simply put, we think our students can do better, and we’d like to propose a
program that we think will accomplish that goal.
Our direction will be in math; we looked at specific skills that research shows
to make a significant difference in a child’s developmental mastery of that
subject. The skills we wish to focus on are those that prove to be stumbling
blocks as children move from grade to grade; they are skills that need to be
mastered along the way or they prove to be huge impediments that frustrate and
create problems for teachers, families, and most importantly, the student.
Without specific developmental skills at hand, progress is slow at best. We want
to provide an environment where all children are eager and happy to move forward
because they are confident. Obviously, we have many students who know their
basic skills; we will support their learning with additional curriculum. In
short, all students can move to the next step with enrichment.
We are asking for your help. Beginning Wednesday, February 13, students will be
taking home a Math Enrichment Folder. Papers included will be specific to your
child’s skill level; they are intended to help make your child a strong math
student as he or she progresses through grade school. We’re asking you, as
parents and guardians, to spend an extra ten minutes Monday through Thursday
with your child as the work is completed. This is certainly above and beyond
helping students learn the addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts,
which are central to success. The completed papers need to be returned on Friday
and will be checked. Students will receive a chart sticker for returning their
folder.
Talking with your child about his or her work is always important; however,
getting in the habit of using travel time to go over number facts will make a
much needed impact; the repetition is essential. Enlist your student in
measuring, estimating, counting or any critical thinking that uses numbers!
Between your additional help and the enrichment provided, we think
we can give the students of St. Nicholas Academy a great chance at being their
best.
We would appreciate it if you would sign the paper below so we are aware that
you have seen this letter. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me
or your child’s teacher.
Your support is indeed a huge factor in making our curriculum as strong as
possible for our students’ success; we feel this program can help us reach that
goal, and your help in this rather large undertaking will make a difference.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carol Graler
Curriculum Coordinator
Mr. Gerry Myers
Principal
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