The Flying Condor Posts

ELEMENTARY school

 

Greetings, Elementary Families!

Please carefully read these announcements for information about:

• Upcoming Events
• Student Learning Conference Parent Tips
• Parent Information Night - School Uniforms
• ES Athletics Thorpe and Mathias Track & Field Date Change
• Student Learning Conferences in April
• Fall Break March 30 - April 3

 

Upcoming Events

• March 30 - April 3: No School - April Break
• April 10: PAL Sunset Social
• April 14: Parent Information Night - School Uniforms
• May 1:  National Holiday - Labour Day
• May 9:  ES family fun library
• May 11-15: ES MAP testing (G2-5)
• May 14: ES Athletics - Thorpe and Mathias Track and Field - NEW DATE

 

Student Learning Conferences Parent Tips

We are excited for student learning conferences coming up next month! All of our students have been reflecting about their learning and growth this year. Some families may be new to the student-led conference structure that we use each April. Here are our top 5 tips for parents at student-led conferences:

1. Enjoy the Moment
   1. Remember that student-led conferences are a chance to connect and celebrate your child’s growth. Be present, and enjoy the opportunity to learn from them.
2. Let Your Child Lead
   1. Resist the urge to interrupt or correct. Allow your child to take ownership and guide the conversation, building their confidence and self-reflection.
3. Practice Active Listening
   1. Maintain eye contact, nod, and provide verbal affirmations like, "That sounds interesting!" or "I see how hard you’ve been working." This encourages meaningful sharing.
   2. Ask questions like "What part of your work are you most proud of?"; "What was the biggest challenge for you?"
4. Celebrate Successes
   1. Acknowledge their achievements and effort. Positive and specific reinforcement motivates future growth.
   2. If challenges arise, frame feedback positively: "What can we do together to help you improve?" or "How can I support you?"
5. Stay Engaged by Supporting your Child at Home after the Conference
   1. Follow up on any goals your child sets. Regular check-ins reinforce progress and show that their efforts matter to you.
   2. This could include reading together, practicing math facts, encouraging strategies for emotional regulation, or building routines.

 

Parent Information Session

Please join us for our next parent information session on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 pm, online only. The theme will be School Uniforms, this is a great opportunity to include students in the Zoom session! There have been numerous 5th grade advocacy projects for consecutive years advocating for a review of our elementary uniform guidelines. The Parent Information Session will be an interactive discussion to explore their proposals, the current research and practices around the world regarding elementary school uniforms, and a way to start the conversation with our parent community.

• Tuesday, April 14 @ 6:00 pm
• Online only
• Join Link:  https://zoom.us/j/94812014423 
• Recorded, the recording link will be shared in subsequent Flying Condors

Previous parent information sessions: 

• How do we teach digital citizenship at school?
• What are MAP tests and why do we take them?
• Maturation and Sex Education
• Expeditions
• Overview of elementary curriculum

 

ES Athletics Thorpe and Mathias Track & Field Date Change

We are moving the date for the ES Athletics Thorpe and Mathias Track & Field event one week later than originally planned. The event will now take place on Thursday, May 14. 

 

Student Learning Conferences Coming Up

We look forward to welcoming all families to school to share in your child’s school experience and celebrate their learning and growth!

• We will have two time periods available for Student Learning Conferences in April:
  • Wednesday, April 22 after school (2:15 to 4:15)
  • Friday, April 24 all day (08:00 to 3:00)
• During our conference day, April 24, there will not be classes for students. 
• Students are expected to attend the conference with their family at the conference time they will arrange.
• Families will arrange a conference appointment time with their child’s teachers using the same platform we used earlier in October (“Conference Manager”).
  • Sign-ups will open on April 13 at 8:00 and close April 20 at 4:00 pm.
• We will have staff available to provide childcare for siblings while their parents attend the conferences of their other children. Please note this is only for Lincoln students and only for the time that parents are on campus attending conferences.
• Our Technology Department will send instructions on how to sign-up for conferences through our “Conference Manager” platform soon. 
• More details will come in future newsletters from your child’s teacher and a direct email from Mr. Derek on April 9.

Fall Break - No School March 30 - April 3

We hope everyone enjoys their fall break coming up on March 30 - April 3. There will not be school during that week.

As always, please contact Mr. Derek, Mr. Chris, or any of our elementary team if you have any questions or concerns!

derek.dalasta@lincoln.edu.ar 
chris.horton@lincoln.edu.ar 

Thank you for the support!

Mr. Derek and the Elementary Team