Dear SPN Families,
Spring has sprung, and we all know that birth and blooming are anything but quiet. Buds open with a burst, and we are delighted with the flowers that reveal themselves. So it is with our students at school: they are bursting with new knowledge, new opportunities, and enthusiasm for learning and development. It is very common at this time of year for teachers to tone down that enthusiasm a bit so the students can remain focused on their goals and expectations. In upper grades, educators often comment on the “hormones” that begin kicking in, the discussions and insecurities that accompany them, and a realization that students will develop on their own timelines that may not be exactly in sync with everyone else.
Teachers are also noticing that students' shortcomings seem to be more social behavior- related rather than academic. Some of the classroom behaviors and routines that students learn at school were not necessarily practiced in the past 2 years due to distance and hybrid learning. We are now meeting the students where they are to help them make those behaviors and routines second nature.
Classroom teachers will begin teaching the Family Life curriculum in grades 1-8 during this third trimester. Family Life correlates with our religion curriculum, and focuses on students’ physical and emotional development as they grow. Teachers will inform parents of the topics that Family Life will cover for each grade level. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the classroom teacher.
A renewed attention to our school uniform and dress code is also occurring. During the height of the pandemic, faculty and staff were less vigilant in enforcing the uniform policy and dress code because we had a different set of priorities. Now that we are beyond the crisis of the pandemic, it’s time to adhere to those policies. Here is a link to the dress code from the SPN handbook.
We are also helping students to reflect on being mindful with their words and actions, as spring energy bursts forth on the playground and in the classrooms! Teachers are addressing behaviors that might result in harm to others with explicit lessons on kindness, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Our school philosophy affirms that we teach to the whole child, academically, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We continue to address the needs of the whole child each and every day. Thank you for partnering with us so your students can reach their full potential.
Warmly,
Julie Thomas
Interim Principal
