Message from the Principal

October 10, 2014

Dear Sunrise Families,

We are looking forward to meeting with you next week for conferences.  If you have not connected with your student’s teacher to set up a conference time, please send us an email.  We look forward to a collaborative discussion with you about your child’s learning.  We will follow the conference schedule for October 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th.  First through fifth grade students will attend school from 8:00-11:30.  Kindergarten sessions are from 8:00-9:30 and 10:00-11:30.

If you have not accessed the newly published Deep Learning Proficiencies (DLP), you may find them on the CFSD website at www.cfsd16.org.  Click on Academics and Programs and then select Deep Learning Resources using the drop down menu.  You will find the rubrics for each of the Deep Learning Proficiencies: Citizenship, Creativity & Innovation, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Systems Thinking. These are the rubrics that we will use with your student as we integrate the Deep Learning Proficiencies with the content to provide high quality learning experiences.

The CFSD strategic plan, Envision 21 Deep Learning Goal 2 includes a commitment to the following as we raise student engagement:

Develop positive academic mindsets so students are more confident

learners who feel they belong to the CFSD academic community,

succeed in their learning, grow their competence with effort, and find

value in their work.

Directly related to this is the notion of developing GROWTH MINDSETS in our children.  Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck published a book entitled, Mindset:  The New Psychology of Success.  Dr. Dweck describes a very simple, yet powerful idea – the idea that people can improve through dedication and hard work.  She explains, in a fixed mindset, “people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits…They believe that talent alone creates success---without effort.  They’re wrong.”  In a growth mindset, “people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work --- brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.  Virtually all great people have had these qualities” (mindsetonline.com).

What can parents do to foster a GROWTH MINDSET?  Focus on your child’s effort and the strategies used when completing a task or engaging in learning. This will support your child’s productive motivation and willingness to take risks and persist when facing challenges and obstacles. Be a role model for your child by sharing your own learning.  This can be learning to follow a new recipe, improving your skills of a favorite sport, or learning how to knit.  Share your thinking and insights as you work to develop the new knowledge and skills.  Your child will be interested to learn about your thinking process as you solve problems, overcome challenges, keep trying, and celebrate success.

I will share more information about growth mindset at our upcoming FFO Meeting on Tuesday, October 28 at 8:15.  At our November meeting, we will delve into academic mindsets. In addition, I will be facilitating a book study of Nurture Shock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman.  We will convene in the library from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on the following Thursday evenings: November 13, January 8, March 5, and April 9.  We will begin with the selection, The Inverse Power of Praise on November 13. The sessions will be designed to facilitate a meaningful conversation.  All are encouraged to attend, whether you are able to read the selection or not.

It is a pleasure serving the Sunrise Drive Elementary School Community.  I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!

Sincerely,

Andrea Davidson

Principal

adavidson@cfsd16.org