THE LIGHTHOUSE - May 12, 2010
2009-2010 Theme Verse
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-35
NEWS AND UPDATES
Update From The Head of School
I wanted to update you on some changes that will take place next year with school personnel.
The school has been exploring the option of outsourcing our technology support. This would obviously effect Dave McPherson's position as Director of Technology. Dave and I have been talking about a revised job description for him that would replace the tech support portion of his position with other administrative responsibilities. I regret that we have been unable to reach an agreement relative to the needs that the school has to fill, and that also meet Dave's interests. The effect of this is that Dave will be seeking new opportunities for next year. Dave and his family have been a vital part of SSCA and will be greatly missed. Please pray for Dave and his family as they seek God's leading.
Also, I regret to inform you that Barbara Twohig has decided not to return as the kindergarten aide next year. Barbara has been at South South Christian Academy for a number of years in various roles and we gratefully thank her for her excellent work. We wish her well in her future endeavors!
Diana Barreto will be unable to continue as a part time nurse next year due to her other work commitment. While Diana has been with us only a short time, we appreciate the professionalism she has brought to SSCA in her role as school nurse.
Chris Guenard, our business manager, has sold her house and will be joining her husband and family in Virginia where he is currently residing. It will be difficult to find someone with Chris's expertise and dedication to take her place. We will continue our search for her replacement with renewed urgency.
Paul Moses has been our science teacher this year teaching physics and earth science four days a week. The fifth day is a lab and is taught by former SSCA student Dave Kleberg. We have decided to make the position full time next year and since Mr. Moses does not wish to be full time we are searching for a new science teacher. While Paul has been here only a year, he has made a positive impact on his students and will be missed.
Employment Opportunities - SSCA seeks qualified applicants for the following openings:
- Grade 7, 9 science teacher
- Kindergarten Aide
- Part-Time Computer Instructor for Grades K-8
- Part-Time School Nurse
Please contact Dr. Ted Chamberlain to find out more information or to submit an application.
Junior/Senior Prom Tickets
Juniors and Seniors who are attending the Prom should purchase their tickets by Friday, May 14th. They are only $30.00 per person, thanks to everyone who helped with the Talent Show. The Prom is Saturday, May 22nd at the Black Rock Country Club. Tickets can be purchased from Mrs. Stiles.
ERB Testing Grades 1 - 6
It's that time again. The time when seniors look forward to internships and graduation, juniors look at colleges in anticipation of next year, sixth graders eagerly wait moving to Upper School, and students in grades 1 - 8 take their standardized tests - the CTP4. Grades 7 and 8 took these important exams the end of April; grades 1 through 6 will take them the end of May.
We gain a lot of useful information from these tests. Every year, our teachers and administrators review student scores. Scores clustered together tell us that the student is performing evenly in all areas and working up to his/her ability level. Scores widely varied tell us that the student may need a boost in certain academic areas. These scores, however, also tell us something else.
As a school, we receive additional reports from the testing bureau. These reports help us evaluate the effectiveness of our curriculum when compared to other independent schools, public suburban schools, and all schools taken together. Every summer, we review these reports, to look for ways to refine and improve our academic program.
Two years ago, our staff made the decision to focus on improving our mathematics program in the Lower School. Using data from the CTP4, we studied areas of strength and weakness as demonstrated by the tests to make a commitment to advance the teaching of mathematics at SSCA to a more rigorous level. As a result of this commitment, teachers have attended professional development opportunities, enabling them to share insights, learn new methods of instruction, and provide enrichment opportunities for all students.
The results of this commitment are already evident. Walk through the hallways and you will hear students discuss the latest estimation station problem, share problem solving techniques, or even create their own problems to solve. Excitement is high as evidenced by the number of students who attended after-school math sessions or worked to attend the Math Olympics recently held in Rhode Island.
You can see students working with algebra tiles, fraction tiles, geometric shapes, unifix cubes, Cuisenaire rods, and other "manipulatives." Starting with concrete items helps our students move into the higher levels of thinking necessary for advanced mathematics. We have instituted grade level benchmarks for fluency in number facts. Mastery of addition and subtraction is now expected by the end of second grade, multiplication and division by the end of fourth grade. Teachers are currently working on establishing new methods and timelines for teaching these important facts.
Of course, the final proof of these improvements will be in the data collected from your child's CTP4 exams. After one year of this initiative, last year SSCA students scored higher on the mathematics portion of the CTP4 than in previous years with the majority scoring in the proficient to highly proficient range. Our goal is for all students to score at high achievement levels with total mastery of mathematics. We are excited about last year's results and eagerly wait this year's.
With this in mind, we ask that you assist us in preparing your child for these important tests. Proper rest, food, and exercise are important for excellent performance as is your encouragement. It is also important that students arrive at school in a happy frame of mind and early enough to relax prior to the exams. Thank you for working with us to ensure valid results.
Linda White, M. Ed.
Teacher, Grade 4
ERB testing for students in grades 2-6 will begin on Friday, May 14. Grade 1 will start their testing on Monday, May 17. All students will do a practice test beforehand.
Elementary Spanish Beginners Group Only (Wed - Fri)
This is a reminder that the last day for beginners Spanish is Fri, May 14.
Summertime Kids 2010
Did you miss the Deadline for Summertime Kids? Don't worry...There is still space available for weeks 2 - 6 for you to join in the fun! Choose a day or two or even a full week!
- Week 2 - June 28-July 2
- Week 3 - July 12-16
- Week 4 - July 19-23
- Week 5 - July 26-30
- Week 6 - August 2-5
We're looking forward to having a great summer together! Please contact Pam Todd if you are interested at ptodd@southshorechristian.org
Six Flags Grade 9 - 10 Social
Students who have submitted a permission slip for Six Flags should meet at SSCA no later than 8am this Saturday for the grade 9-10 social. Please make sure to bring sunscreen, money, and snacks for the bus ride (no food or drinks are allowed in the park). Students should also remember to dress appropriately. The estimated arrival time back at SSCA is 6:00pm. Also, any students who owe money for the trip should pay Mrs. Warner by this Friday.
Christian Athletic Association
We are looking for a parent to help with the organizational piece for SSCA as members of the Christian Athletic Association. This will be for the 2010-11 soccer and basketball seasons. If you are interested and want to know more about what this entails please contact Toni Eaton or Mrs. Warner.
Night of Worship
REMINDERS:
A Note from our Nurses
This is a reminder for you to schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician for a physical for the 2010-11 school year. All students entering grades Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1, 4, 7 and 10 MUST have a new physical dated no later than 9/1/10. Students in grades 9 - 12 who are interested in playing sports must have an updated physical. Please don't hesitate to call the Nurse's office if you have any questions at 781-331-4340 x3309.