News from our Elementary Principal, Dan Trimble
Hello GAA Community,
What a smooth start to the school year! We are so happy to have your children back at GAA filling our building with life.
Your Elementary Community Handbook went home with students today. Thank you for signing and returning the last page to your teacher.
Please review the student dress code/uniform section, pick up and drop off procedures and late arrival/ early pick up procedures. If there is a change in your child’s pick up routine, please inform your teacher and Leonie Van Der Sluis <[email protected]> the day before. If the change is unexpected contact Leonie Van Der Sluis[email protected] and include your teacher. Teachers are busy engaging with your children and do not always have time to check their email during the day.
Thank you for attending the parent informational sessions. It was great to meet you and introduce our leadership team.
Dan Trimble
Elementary Principal
What a smooth start to the school year! We are so happy to have your children back at GAA filling our building with life.
Your Elementary Community Handbook went home with students today. Thank you for signing and returning the last page to your teacher.
Please review the student dress code/uniform section, pick up and drop off procedures and late arrival/ early pick up procedures. If there is a change in your child’s pick up routine, please inform your teacher and Leonie Van Der Sluis <[email protected]> the day before. If the change is unexpected contact Leonie Van Der Sluis[email protected] and include your teacher. Teachers are busy engaging with your children and do not always have time to check their email during the day.
Thank you for attending the parent informational sessions. It was great to meet you and introduce our leadership team.
Dan Trimble
Elementary Principal
News From Grade One
This week in Grade One has been so much fun! We have been working together and really getting to know one another, setting up our classroom routines and essential agreements. The kids have shown lots of enthusiasm and curiosity already! In the weeks to come, we will begin our ongoing inquiry into celebrations, beginning with birthdays and the upcoming Islamic New Year. Students will also be diving into literacy and math through hands-on activities in small groups fostering their independence and growing knowledge. We look forward to the year ahead!
Routines and Independence
One of our goals at GAA is to help all students become more independent. To support that goal in Grade One, we request that you allow your child to put away and gather their things at the beginning and end of the day. We also need you to respect our learning time by waiting outside the corridor until the students are dismissed at 2:55pm. You will notice that the bus students leave a few minutes before the rest of the class, and that is to allow them time to get in line for their bus. You may also see students at their cubbies preparing for the end of the day, but that does not mean they are ready to go just yet. Please wait for dismissal before entering the hallway.
Thanks, from the grade one team!
This week in Grade One has been so much fun! We have been working together and really getting to know one another, setting up our classroom routines and essential agreements. The kids have shown lots of enthusiasm and curiosity already! In the weeks to come, we will begin our ongoing inquiry into celebrations, beginning with birthdays and the upcoming Islamic New Year. Students will also be diving into literacy and math through hands-on activities in small groups fostering their independence and growing knowledge. We look forward to the year ahead!
Routines and Independence
One of our goals at GAA is to help all students become more independent. To support that goal in Grade One, we request that you allow your child to put away and gather their things at the beginning and end of the day. We also need you to respect our learning time by waiting outside the corridor until the students are dismissed at 2:55pm. You will notice that the bus students leave a few minutes before the rest of the class, and that is to allow them time to get in line for their bus. You may also see students at their cubbies preparing for the end of the day, but that does not mean they are ready to go just yet. Please wait for dismissal before entering the hallway.
Thanks, from the grade one team!
Assessment Information
The MAP assessment is just one point of information we use at this time of year. Teachers are also giving classroom baseline assessments to get a more balanced understanding of your students.
From September 24 to October 5, students in grades 2 through 10 will do the Fall NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments. Students will receive preparation including test-taking strategies and mindfulness.
NWEA MAP is a form of standardized assessment done on a computer that allow students and teachers to track progress as well as providing a comparison to school and international standards. The purpose of MAP is to see what students are capable of and to monitor and set goals for further learning. In addition, MAP results are one of the data points used for determining acceptance into the IB Diploma Programme. Grade 2 students sit three assessments: Reading, Language Usage, Mathematics. Grade 3 to 10 students take four assessments: Reading, Language Usage, Mathematics, Science. While MAP is untimed, each assessment takes about one hour and have anywhere from 40 to 54 questions.
This assessment is an opportunity for your student to show what they know. Please encourage your child to take their time on this assessment and to try their best - it is not a race! Ensure that your child is well rested the night before the assessment. (Students will have only one assessment per day and may have one or two days of rest in between). MAP assessments are unique in that they adapt the questions based on your child's previous answers; questions get progressively more challenging with each correct response. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed, show growth and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.
If you would like to look at some practice questions of how the test will look, follow this link with your child: http://warmup.nwea.org/map_student_menu.html
Please bare in mind these are questions that go up to Grade 5 so don't be alarmed! This is just to show you the format, not the exact questions given. The actual MAP assessment will adapt Results of the Spring MAP will be sent home at the end of the school year.
For more information visit: https://www.nwea.org/assessments/resources-for-parents/
The MAP assessment is just one point of information we use at this time of year. Teachers are also giving classroom baseline assessments to get a more balanced understanding of your students.
From September 24 to October 5, students in grades 2 through 10 will do the Fall NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments. Students will receive preparation including test-taking strategies and mindfulness.
NWEA MAP is a form of standardized assessment done on a computer that allow students and teachers to track progress as well as providing a comparison to school and international standards. The purpose of MAP is to see what students are capable of and to monitor and set goals for further learning. In addition, MAP results are one of the data points used for determining acceptance into the IB Diploma Programme. Grade 2 students sit three assessments: Reading, Language Usage, Mathematics. Grade 3 to 10 students take four assessments: Reading, Language Usage, Mathematics, Science. While MAP is untimed, each assessment takes about one hour and have anywhere from 40 to 54 questions.
This assessment is an opportunity for your student to show what they know. Please encourage your child to take their time on this assessment and to try their best - it is not a race! Ensure that your child is well rested the night before the assessment. (Students will have only one assessment per day and may have one or two days of rest in between). MAP assessments are unique in that they adapt the questions based on your child's previous answers; questions get progressively more challenging with each correct response. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed, show growth and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.
If you would like to look at some practice questions of how the test will look, follow this link with your child: http://warmup.nwea.org/map_student_menu.html
Please bare in mind these are questions that go up to Grade 5 so don't be alarmed! This is just to show you the format, not the exact questions given. The actual MAP assessment will adapt Results of the Spring MAP will be sent home at the end of the school year.
For more information visit: https://www.nwea.org/assessments/resources-for-parents/
News from our Elementary School Counselor, Ms. Melanie Moses
Welcome back to school!
It is always exciting to begin a new school year. It is time for new beginnings, fresh faces, renewing old friendships and the promise of knowledge – filled adventure.
My name is Melanie Moses and this is my sixth year at GAA. In my role as Elementary School Counselor I will be facilitating counseling groups focused on a variety of topics. I will be supporting students individually and through classroom lessons. I focus on the wellbeing of your child. My goal is to help your child succeed in and enjoy their time at GAA.
I believe in a collaborative relationship between you, your child, your child’s teacher and the counselor. This year we are launching our Positive Parenting Program and hope to see you September 18, 2017 at 8:15. I also look forward to see you “On Back to School Night” September 27, 2017.
Tips for Parents
The beginning of a new school year can be a stressful time for children, with new teachers and classmates, bigger classrooms, new routines and more schoolwork. This time can be particularly unnerving and overwhelming for children who are facing major transitions such as starting elementary school and moving to a foreign country. As a parent, here are some proactive steps you can take to support your child:
Take time to listen to your child and discuss aspects of the new school that he or she is worried about.
Anxiety and stresses about starting school is normal for a child and usually passes within the first few days or weeks. If your child continues to seem anxious or stressed, feel free to contact the class teacher or school counselor.
You may e-mail me at [email protected], you may also choose to call the receptionist and make an appointment to see me.
An Invitation
The Elementary Counselors would like to invite you to a Coffee morning on September 18, 2017 from 8:15 -9:30am in the Planetarium. Refreshments will be served. We hope to start a monthly Parenting Support Group. This initial meeting will be devoted to a discussion on possible needs that parents or students may have. Possible topics of discussion will be : The Power of Positive Parenting, Raising Resilient Children and Raising Confident Competent Children and We look forward to building a Parent/Teacher forum with you.
It is always exciting to begin a new school year. It is time for new beginnings, fresh faces, renewing old friendships and the promise of knowledge – filled adventure.
My name is Melanie Moses and this is my sixth year at GAA. In my role as Elementary School Counselor I will be facilitating counseling groups focused on a variety of topics. I will be supporting students individually and through classroom lessons. I focus on the wellbeing of your child. My goal is to help your child succeed in and enjoy their time at GAA.
I believe in a collaborative relationship between you, your child, your child’s teacher and the counselor. This year we are launching our Positive Parenting Program and hope to see you September 18, 2017 at 8:15. I also look forward to see you “On Back to School Night” September 27, 2017.
Tips for Parents
The beginning of a new school year can be a stressful time for children, with new teachers and classmates, bigger classrooms, new routines and more schoolwork. This time can be particularly unnerving and overwhelming for children who are facing major transitions such as starting elementary school and moving to a foreign country. As a parent, here are some proactive steps you can take to support your child:
Take time to listen to your child and discuss aspects of the new school that he or she is worried about.
- Take time to listen to your child and discuss aspects of the new school that he or she is worried about.
- Remember to let your child know it’s normal to feel nervous about the start of school.
- Spend time each day talking about what happened in school.
- Give your child positive feedback about his or her new experiences.
- Praise and encourage your child to become involved with school activities and try new things.
Anxiety and stresses about starting school is normal for a child and usually passes within the first few days or weeks. If your child continues to seem anxious or stressed, feel free to contact the class teacher or school counselor.
You may e-mail me at [email protected], you may also choose to call the receptionist and make an appointment to see me.
An Invitation
The Elementary Counselors would like to invite you to a Coffee morning on September 18, 2017 from 8:15 -9:30am in the Planetarium. Refreshments will be served. We hope to start a monthly Parenting Support Group. This initial meeting will be devoted to a discussion on possible needs that parents or students may have. Possible topics of discussion will be : The Power of Positive Parenting, Raising Resilient Children and Raising Confident Competent Children and We look forward to building a Parent/Teacher forum with you.
Dear Kindergarten Families,
Welcome to Kindergarten at Gems American Academy. My name is LaTanya Weaver and I’m the School Counselor for Kindergarten and Grade 1. Our mission is to inspire, educate, lead and innovate within a culture of kindness that promotes success for all of our students. My role as the School Counselor is to promote social and emotional growth. I have provided tips below to help your child transition to Kindergarten.
Helpful Ideas for Positive and Easy KG Transitions
Dad’s Instilling Confidence in their Daughters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hkqi3D-oN8Y
Regards,
Latanya Weaver
Welcome to Kindergarten at Gems American Academy. My name is LaTanya Weaver and I’m the School Counselor for Kindergarten and Grade 1. Our mission is to inspire, educate, lead and innovate within a culture of kindness that promotes success for all of our students. My role as the School Counselor is to promote social and emotional growth. I have provided tips below to help your child transition to Kindergarten.
Helpful Ideas for Positive and Easy KG Transitions
- Talk to your child about school child in a positive way
- When you remain calm and positive, your child will pick up on this and feel good about being at school Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep before each school day
- Your confidence will rub off
- Say statements like: I believe in you
- Make sure your child has had a healthy breakfast before coming to school
- If they haven’t eaten before school, pack them a healthy breakfast and they can eat in their classroom
- Play school as much as you can at home so that it encourages your child to want to come to school
- With your child, write a story about his/her first day of KG
- YouTube for “Kissing Hand” or book is with Latanya https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPUW1t9Gu4s
- Put a post-it note in lunch
- Don’t hang around the classroom looking in as it raises anxiety
Dad’s Instilling Confidence in their Daughters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hkqi3D-oN8Y
Regards,
Latanya Weaver
KG Corner
The Kindergarten team are very excited for the coming school year. We have had a fantastic week getting to know all of the new children and parents. Watch out for updates in the newsletter and on SeeSaw in the coming weeks!!
The KG team
The KG team