'Tis the season for Admission Playdates!

I want to start by saying our Saturday School Visit may just be the best day of my year. Something magical happens the day your children visit our school.

As a parent you might be opening the email invitation with apprehension, You could be thinking: will they separate without crying, will they participate, will they listen?!!!

This is what we are thinking on the other end: I wonder what they will love to explore in the classroom, I wonder how many smiles we will see and exclamations of joy we will hear when we start the hula hoop game, I wonder what friendships will be made?!!!

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. If you have any specific concerns prior to your child's visit please do let the Admission Director know. We have lots of years of practice and lots of tricks up our sleeve to help your child feel comfortable. 

Wishing you a wonderful start to this festive season!

Kindergarten Readiness

As parents, it seems we are always preparing for what’s coming up next. We have a hospital bag ready before the baby comes, we rig the house for when our babies start to crawl, we have a diaper bag ready for a wardrobe malfunction, and we have enough snacks in our cars to feed an army. You name it - we prepare for it.

Fast forward a few years and your child is four years old. A question is looming - How do we prepare them for Kindergarten?

What should you do if you have a child with a summer or early fall birthday? Do you send them to Kindergarten? How do you know if they are ready for this next step? Some of you be heading to Kindergarten. How do you help prepare them when the time comes?

I have read articles in the New York Times, The Washington Post, studied Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Outliers,” perused the National Association for Education for Young Children, and watched a piece on “60 Minutes.”

There is no single factor that can determine readiness for Kindergarten. It is rather a combination of factors – and we need to look at them all carefully.

There is research out there as to why some parents wait to send their child to Kindergarten.

Parents hold them back because they do not feel their child is ready for the academic, social and emotional demands of a kindergarten class.

In the admission process I meet with parents who have to make an important decision for their child. They can either enroll them another year in PK, continue their path to Kindergarten or find another transitional grade, i.e. Junior Kindergarten. I have met many parents who graduated from high school at 17. They would never want to delay their child’s growth by keeping them from moving onto the next grade with their PK classmates.

I have met with other parents who really want to give their child the gift of time. They like the idea of having a more mature child handle the complexities of school.

If you question your child's readiness talk to someone about it.

Talk to their preschool teacher or a trusted friend. Talk to your pediatrician.

Talk to parents who have waited and those who have moved their child ahead despite their late birthday.

Talk to me! I have met lots of children who fall into this category - we can talk through the pros and cons together. When children go through the admission process we look at lots of different factors and once we put together the puzzle pieces is a very strong case for one grade over the other. At SSSAS we are looking at the long-term journey which is why we have a Junior Kindergarten. There is no rush to the finish line.

Every child is different.

Take a deep breath and enjoy this special time. We do not have a crystal ball - be patient with your child and yourself. Sometimes time helps answer your questions.

Play

"Rain rain go away...." is a frequent song my toddler sings these days. On these rainy days a wonderful activity is dramatic play. 

Sometimes things can go a bit awry and you might have encountered some stumbling blocks when hosting a friend for a play day. 

Here is a wonderful article about the benefits to this treasured tradition - with some tips to help guide your children through their play and get it back on track. After all the whole purpose is for children to build resiliency by practicing sharing, taking turns, and listening to their friends. 

Warmly,

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 and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.

Back to School Tips

I know what you are thinking. How is it already that time of year?

The AMAZING news is - the school year is an incredible opportunity for a fresh start for children. New teachers, new friendships, new knowledge - it's all wonderful. It can bring on some nerves too so here are my top five tips to navigate the start to the year.

1. Get on a schedule...now. This means waking up a little earlier and going to bed a bit sooner. It will help them with the early mornings. 

2. Have a large enough backpack for your child. We want to encourage students to be independent. If your child is cramming all their wonderful art projects, library books and lunch box into a teeny tiny backpack - they don't feel independent...they feel frustrated. 

3. Encourage empathy, kindness and the importance of following directions. Instead of, "who did you play with or what did you learn", ask "how were you kind today."

4. Don't over schedule the first few weeks. Let them decompress at the end of the school day. Your child will be tired. Picture that work event where you are making small talk with dozens of people. That's what your child is doing everyday - all day. 

5. Take lots of pictures and try to jot down some of the wonderful stories they share. It's a magical time. 

Happy New School Year to you and your family!

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 and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.

Why would I test my four year old?

I am often asked the following questions when I meet with parents for the first time. Why do you require three and four year olds to take a test? What could we possibly gain from it?

The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) is a test your child will take if they are applying to SSSAS and most other local independent elementary schools.

Why do we require this?

As Admission Directors we hope to get a sense of how your son or daughter solves problems. Your child's development in the areas of verbal reasoning, visual-spatial problem solving, fluid reasoning, memory and visual-motor speed of processing are measured and compared with the development of same-aged peers.

What is a good score?
There is no such thing as a good or bad score. Independent schools all have ranges of scores that they serve. Our goal is to make sure your child will be in a setting that is right for them.

Do you ever not accept a child if they have a certain score?
The WPPSI is one piece of the puzzle. We look at teacher notes, playday notes and checklists from their current school as well. My admission committee has never denied a student based solely on their score.

When should I schedule this?

If you are hoping for your child to start school in the fall of 2018 you can schedule your child’s assessment today! Most schools in the area would like the results by mid to late January. Our deadline is January 12, 2018. Look carefully at your calendar and try to avoid days that might be hard for your child to focus (ex. the day of your child's birthday party)!

Where can I get a list of testers in the D.C. area?

Please click here, and then select Individual Testing for a list of testers.

How many times can my child take the WPPSI-IV?

Your child can take the test once per year.

If my child takes the WPPSI-IV and we decide to wait a year to apply will they have to take it again?

Not necessarily. Be sure you ask the admission office what you should do in this case.

The WPPSI-IV sounds interesting - is there a test my older child could take?

Yes! For the most part students after the age of 6 will take the WISC-V.

What do I do to prepare?

No preparation is needed or allowed. Just make sure he/she has breakfast and a good night's sleep. If your child wakes up the morning of the test and they are feeling under the weather - just reschedule!

Have a great week and Happy Halloween!!

Summer Plans

The summer has not yet begun, but I have a sinking suspicion your summer is already planned...and it's probably pretty busy. With summer camp registrations beginning earlier and earlier it is hard not to look ahead. I completely understand.

I do want to share some articles that help remind me that balance is key. Children need down time. 

The downside of no downtime for kids article highlights the wonderful benefits of unplanned family time. 

The Washington Post tackled the issue in their Don't overschedule kids in the summer article. I appreciated the reminder to keep a schedule for our children. This is something that we might overlook.

Finally, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is an incredible resource to learn about the benefits of play. Click here to read more. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Sincerely,
Katherine

Kindergarten Philosophy

Hello! It's nice to be writing again - I missed blogging, but had a good excuse for my absence. I became a mom! My daughter is now five months old and keeping my husband and I very busy. It is now even more important to me to keep you in the loop as you navigate the admission process! 

When I returned to the office after maternity leave I was happy to see a new natural playground/classroom on our St. Stephen's & St. Agnes Lower School campus. I was also delighted to see our Kindergarten philosophy in our Kindergarten classrooms. I wanted to share it because I feel it is important to understand what a school believes in - especially in these early years. 

Kindergarten is a magical year in a child’s educational journey.  It bridges the knowledge and experiences of their younger years to the beginning stages of elementary school.  At St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, we value every child and believe each child to be a capable and competent learner. Because we cherish the joy and wonder of this age, we provide opportunities for self-discovery through play and inquiry. Moreover, young children will learn how to intentionally bring themselves into their learning. We scaffold and intertwine cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional attributes into a developmentally appropriate and rigorous program. Our curriculum fosters their natural optimism, flexibility, persistence, resilience, and empathy. At St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, we treasure all children and the unique gifts they bring to our community.

Next week I will review the admission deadlines, discuss our admission committee and provide some tips about what to do now.

Sincerely,
Katherine

Summer camp!

It is hard to write this while I am wearing a wool sweater, but summer is coming! Online registration for our summer camp is now open!

We have over 130 different sessions of camp. There are day camps, sports camps, summer studies, specialty camps and more! Did I mention we have a New Camper Discount? We do!

One of the best ways to prepare your child for the new school year is to enroll them in a setting where they will get to meet new children. Our day camps can be just what a little one needs before kindergarten begins. They will grow a great deal and feel empowered to start a new adventure in September!

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
Katherine

The digital age

I feel very fortunate that at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School we are very thoughtful and purposeful with how we use technology. Click here to learn more about our approach. That being said the internet can be a little overwhelming and sometimes it helps to hear from an expert how to navigate this landscape as a parent. I have just the parent program for you! The St. Stephen's & St. Agnes Association of Parents & Teachers (APT) is pleased to present Dr. Carlotta Miles who will discuss Meeting the Challenges of Parenting in the Age of the Internet.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

7:00 pm – Coffee, cookies & informal conversation

7:30 pm – Presentation by Dr. Miles

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School

Chapel & Performing Arts Center

1000 St. Stephen’s Road, Alexandria, VA 22304

Free and open to the public.

R.S.V.P. by clicking here.

Here is a little more information: Carlotta G. Miles, M.D., Child Psychiatrist, is a nationally known speaker and writer on subjects related to the psychological development of school-age children and adolescents. Please join us for a presentation by Dr. Miles on meeting the challenges and leveraging the benefits of technology to promote the healthy development of children. The last decade has turned many American family and school traditions upside down. The growth of the internet has tested parents’ ability to maintain healthy control of their children’s psychological growth and development. We find that children have more trouble with deductive reasoning, postponement of gratification, and problem solving due to the expectations created by their experiences with rapid results on the internet. What are the new rules for social media usage? In fact, are there any? How can we best prepare and protect our children as they navigate their way through this maze? What do we need to do to properly socialize them for future success in life and in the workplace? We welcome all members of the community who want to learn how to protect and promote the healthy development of children in this ever-changing digital age.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Katherine

What happens now?

I have always been a fan of learning what happens behind the scenes. I think it's neat to know how a production comes together! You might be wondering what is happening in our offices right now. I am happy to share!

Our lower school admission office is preparing for our next two visiting days for our prospective students. We have a JK-1 school visit day on Saturday and a grade 2-5 achievement test/makeup JK-1 school visit later this January. As we are a JK- Grade 12 school our office is receiving materials for our JK- Grade 11 applicants and processing it daily. Our Lower School office will begin to audit all the files later this month. We email parents letting them know if the file is a. complete or b. incomplete and we will list what it is missing. We do this early enough for parents to follow up with their school if need be. 

We recognize how much work the application process is for you and we are so excited to be on this journey with your family! I will begin meeting with my admission committee later this month and we will continue to meet throughout February. My admission committee is made up of administrators and faculty members. On March 1 we will mail out our letters.

You might ask what can you be doing at this time ~ I have some thoughts! Think back to your visits to campus. Are there any questions that have come up since your tour? Make sure to make a note of them and ask the admission director. See if there are activities to get back on campus. Our Upper School is putting on the musical Beauty in the Beast! There are evening performances on March 4, 11 and 12 AND there is a matinee on March 5 at 2:00 p.m. It would be a fun opportunity to see our performing arts department first hand!

Happy Near Year!

Sincerely,
Katherine

The letter

Just recently I heard a story from a Saints parent that I had to share with you all. The parent’s oldest daughter is a sophomore in college and every year - on her birthday -  she receives a card from her St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Junior Kindergarten assistant teacher. For 16 years she has done this! The teacher included a birthday card in her envelope and asked if the mother could send the card to her college dorm - here is a part of the letter the teacher sent to the mother. (I did cover the child's name...)

She wrote earlier in the letter, “I debated sending a card this year. By now, she might think that it is totally silly to still be receiving a birthday card from her JK assistant teacher. I just believe that kids need to know that someone cares about them outside the family.” 

It's countless stories like this one that make St. Stephen's & St. Agnes such a wonderful community.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Katherine

Your child has been invited…

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! You have probably noticed on your admission checklist your child will be invited to visit and spend some time on campus. You might have received an invitation already or you might receive one in the next month or so. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the visit.

How can I prepare my child?

There are a few ways actually. Aim for an early bedtime the night before and a great breakfast in the morning.

What should I tell my child?

At SSSAS we ask 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.

At SSSAS prospective students will work one on one with a teacher, in a small group with other students, and in a large group as well. Sharing with peers, listening to directions from an adult, and following directions are important parts of their visit. Preparing them for this will help.

My child sometimes has trouble separating from me. How should I plan for this?  

Does your child separate from one parent or caregiver better than another? If so, consider having them drop off for the visit day/playday. In addition, at SSSAS we always have fun and creative ways to ease the transition.

Should I arrive early for the visit?

If you have any questions about the arrival time, please ask the Admission office. If you come too early your child may run into another group leaving or have to wait for their visit to begin - which can be overwhelming for your child. We recommend arriving a few minutes early - but no more than ten minutes.

What should they wear?

Check if there are any instructions on 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.

Helpful hint: Resist the urge to ask an adult how they did when you are reunited.

Your child will love a warm hug when you reunite. 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. 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!

What if my child is feeling sick or has a fever the morning of 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 you for another day, no worries! If a child is not feeling well during their visit we will reunite them immediately with their parent or guardian.

Final hint - 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 children each and every day. They will put them right at ease.

Wishing you a wonderful start to this festive season!

Sincerely,

Katherine

Kindergarten Readiness

On Friday I spoke to a wonderful group of parents about Kindergarten Readiness. I started off by asking parents if they were excited - AND if they were a little nervous about their child starting Kindergarten. It is perfectly normal to be both!

I want children to feel ready so they can take advantage of all the wonderful aspects of Kindergarten. Here are some resources I highlighted from my talk:

Apps to Explore

• A great website that reviews apps, games and programs: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
• Storytelling with a Felt Board app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/felt-board/id492342753?mt=8
• Letter and Number Formation with Handwriting Without Tears app: http://wetdrytry.com/

Media tips for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics

https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/Children-And-Media-Tips-For-Parents.aspx

Recommended new (and fun) reading from our Lower School Librarian

• Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast by Josh Funk
• Please Mr. Panda by Steve Antony
• Goodnight Already by Jory John and Benji Davies
• Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
• Waiting by Kevin Henkes

Helpful Articles

• Bedtime Stories for Young Brains (NYT, August 2015):  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/17/bedtime-stories-for-young-brains/
• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten (many public libraries--Arlington & Alexandria--are involved in this initiative):  http://1000booksbeforekindergarten.org/

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 & Financial Aid at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.

What do I do next year?

If your child has a late spring, summer, fall or winter birthday you might have been asked this question.

“Are you going to hold them back or send them to Kindergarten?”

It is a controversial topic with no easy answer and it seems everyone has an opinion!

Part of what I love about admissions work, particularly Lower School admissions, is helping parents sort through this very question. Here are some tips.

1. Determine the age cutoffs at the schools you are interested in your child attending.
2. If your child does not make the age cutoff see if there is a program for younger students. For example, we have a Junior Kindergarten with a later age cutoff than our Kindergarten cutoff.
3. If your child does make the age cutoff for Kindergarten, but you are curious about your options, talk to the admission office. Speak to your child’s preschool teacher, talk to a friend and/or your pediatrician. We do not have a crystal ball, but it does help to think it through with people you trust.  
4. Be open with the admission director or the school about your concerns. We are here to help you with this decision.

I will be discussing this and other topics associated with Kindergarten Readiness on our Lower School campus on Friday, November 13, 2015, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. To register, CLICK HERE or visit our Community Programs page. Bring your questions and join the conversation!

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 &Financial Aid at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.