Families,

It was a pleasure to meet so many of you yesterday; we continue to look forward to the start!

If you missed the memo, iPads will be handed out the first week of school. Being in the digital age, it's hard to imagine how different the school experience is now that information is at their fingertips with the simple touch on a screen. The iPads, in our eyes, are a learning tool that can really enhance instruction, but with that comes the need for responsible management. Understanding how to navigate the web and how to use a device to support learning is an essential skill for all students in the 21st century, and we deeply believe that it is all of our jobs to teach responsible usage.

Many of us did not have the luxury of being raised with personal devices, so it is sometimes hard to imagine the difficulties and pressures that are unearthed from this world. This year, we encourage you to have lots of open dialogue with your child in regard to how they use their iPad--or any electronic device for that matter. Consider setting clear rules/expectations, and possible punishments if these are not followed. If you haven't considered doing so already, familiarize yourself with the sites that students frequent, with the social media that they engage with, and the email addresses that they have. Although we may not fully understand what it is like to be raised in this generation, that doesn't lessen the need for all of us to keep up with the trends so that we can teach proper use.

Enjoy the TED talk below and let us know if you have any questions.

Best,

Derek & Christina

TED TALK

Welcome Back!

Families,

We are thrilled to be working alongside you this year as we prepare your child for the next step of their educational journey: middle school. Please join us in working together to make this a memorable year for your child. As you begin to prepare  your child for the first day of school, please check out the link below and consider what we all can do to put your child's learning and achievement first.

We can't wait to get started!

Best,

Christina & Derek

 Starting The Year Off Right