Making memories

We had our Lessons and Carols program this morning and it was wonderful. Our children sang in front of hundreds of parents and loved ones. I witnessed instrumental solos, teared up at Silent Night, and shimmied to a fun Jingle Bell Boogie song. I feel very lucky to be a part of a community that can talk about faith, wonder about faith and celebrate faith. 

As you gather with friends and family this holiday season your child will be making beautiful memories. What are some fun ways to help your little one journal their experiences?

Our youngest learners use a program called Writer's Workshop. Students are taught that we are all writers and writers edit. All you need are some markers and paper. Stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end. To journal a fun holiday experience you could start with one picture. Ask your child, what happened next and have them draw it. I once read a story about a child who lost a tooth in the backseat of a car - it was so wonderfully suspenseful as I turned the pages! 

Once your child has command of some letters they can add a letter beneath their picture, then perhaps the full words. Your child's fine motor will strengthen as they draw the pictures and write those letters. Why don't we use pencils? We feel that if they are truly writers they will edit a document - not erase their work. We love how our students take more risks with the knowledge that they are merely creating a draft on their way to making a final product. 

Hopefully you will also have some time to read some new books with your child over the holiday! Our Lower School Librarian will be speaking on January 14 at 10 a.m. about raising a book lover. All community parents are welcome. She will discuss the benefits of read alouds in developing vocabulary, suggest new authors and books to build fluency, and share how to best weave technology into literacy. I hope to see you there - we will be meeting in Lloyd House on the Lower School campus. 

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Katherine 

Originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she attended an independent school from preK-12th grade, Katherine Carbo earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a law degree before returning right back to the independent school world. With experience at four different schools from coast to coast, she writes insights and observations from the front line of independent school admissions.  Mrs. Carbo is the Director of Lower School Admission at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.

Supporting Documents & a few tips

I hope you all were able to enjoy our first snow of the season!

Part of the application process includes requesting a teacher recommendation and a release of records form from your child's current school. If you are applying for the 14/15 school year it is time to make that request. Why do we do this?

We want to hear from your child's teacher. Their input is so valuable because they are able to give us a window into your child's current setting. What skills have they mastered? What tasks are challenging for them? Are they supportive of their peers? Do they respect classroom routines? Can they be a friend? Are they curious? 

Please be sure you sign your teacher recommendation form before turning it over to their teacher. It certainly does not hurt to give your teacher a stamped envelope addressed to the school you would like the form sent.

Recommendations are confidential as we want teachers to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with us. Most independent schools guarantee the confidentiality of teacher recommendations and therefore do not make these accessible to parents. An admission decision at SSSAS has never been made solely because of a teacher recommendation, so please do not worry. It provides a helpful glimpse into their daily school life. 

For example, if a child is nervous on their visit day and their teacher recommendation shows they are comfortable doing certain tasks in their daily setting, we have more insight. 

A record release form gives us access to checklists or grade reports. Very few preschools have a transcript per se. Checklists of your child's developmental milestones are sometimes mailed to us - which helps give us more information about your child. If no forms are available, your preschool director will sign the form and return it to us. 

A tip or two:

If you have not scheduled your child's WPPSI-IV and you are applying for the 14/15 year, I would call a tester next week. The weather can turn quickly and you might need to reschedule. A bad cold could also lead to a reschedule, so it is best to have time on your side. 

If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your admission director! 

Happy Weekend!

Sincerely,

Katherine 

Originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she attended an independent school from preK-12th grade, Katherine Carbo earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a law degree before returning right back to the independent school world. With experience at four different schools from coast to coast, she writes insights and observations from the front line of independent school admissions.  Mrs. Carbo is the Director of Lower School Admission at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.

The school visit? The playday? What does this mean?!!

We have just finished decorating our campuses for Christmas! Everything looks so festive!

You might have received an invitation for your child to come for a "school visit" or "playday". You might have one tomorrow. Here are some tips.

Get your child to bed a little early
A good night's rest is so important. Even though the visit may fall on the weekend, treat Friday night as you would a night before preschool. 

Make sure your child gets a good breakfast
I know this goes without saying, but we all want your little one to be ready to go. A good snack or breakfast before helps a great deal. 

Have a quick chat with your child before hand
We ask that parents tell their child the following: 

 You and other children have been invited to visit a School.  You will work with some teachers and play with children just like you do at school.

Why do we use that wording? If they think it is only a play day they may get confused why their friends aren't there. They also need to be prepared that they will do some fun activities with a teacher. At SSSAS prospective students will work one on one, in a small group, and in a large group. Sharing with peers, listening to directions from an adult and following directions are important parts of their visit. Preparing them for this will help. 

Arrive at your designated time
We stagger our visits to ensure our groups are small which means we have multiple groups in a given visit day. Trust me when I say every minute is valuable and fun time spent with your children. If you come too early your child may have to wait for their visit to begin. 

Note what type of clothing your child should wear
We recommend children wear play clothes and comfortable shoes. On our visit they will have an opportunity to run around, transition to different rooms and play. Children who are able to be mobile tend to be more comfortable.  

Resist the urge to ask an adult how they did when you are reunited
Various educators will be working with your child. We are looking at different skills and recognize that your child is going to have wonderful strengths and areas where they need a little support. Your child will love a warm hug when you reunite. All of the information we gather will be helpful in determining your child's readiness for our program. We all want what is best for your child!

If your child is ill or if they get sick during the visit
If your child is not feeling well the morning of the visit we ask that parents call and let us know that their child is ill. We will reschedule for a different day. Please do not worry. If a child is not feeling well during their visit we will reunite them immediately with their parent. 

Take a deep breath
We will do all that we can to ensure they feel safe and secure. The teachers working with your child work with little ones each and every day. They will put them right at ease.

Wishing you a wonderful start to this festive season!

Sincerely,
Katherine 


Originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she attended an independent school from preK-12th grade, Katherine Carbo earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a law degree before returning right back to the independent school world. With experience at four different schools from coast to coast, she writes insights and observations from the front line of independent school admissions.  Mrs. Carbo is the Director of Lower School Admission at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.