News From Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, 9/8
Tuesday, 9/9  Curriculum Information Night, K-2, Cafe 6:30 pm
Wednesday, 9/10
Thursday, 9/11  Curriculum Information Night, 3-5, Cafe 6:30 pm
Friday, 9/12

Monday, 9/15
Tuesday, 9/16  Roberts Night @JerryBuilt, 5:00-8:00pm
Wednesday, 9/17
Thursday, 9/18
Friday, 9/19  Staff Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by PTO Board


Curriculum Information Night **This Week**
Please join us this week to learn more about the curriculum your child will be learning this school year.  We will begin in the Cafe with a short update on Roberts, and then meet your teacher in the classroom.  This is a parent-only event.  No childcare is provided.


What is the School Improvement Plan?
Each year we complete a comprehensive needs assessment to determine areas of strength and areas in need of improvement. Each year we identify a goal for improvement in reading, math, attendance and safety. With the implementation of the district wide survey last spring, we will also be considering areas for improvement related to the perception of effectiveness by stakeholders (students and parents).

The School Improvement Plan is reviewed and approved by the Site-based Decision Making Committee (SDMC). After approval, the school improvement goals are shared with the full school community. Later this month the school improvement goals for the 2014-15 school year will be shared with you. It takes the whole community working together to continue to improve.


Spotlight on IB:

What is the IB Learner Profile?

An excerpt from IB Learner Profile Booklet…

The IB learner profile is the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century. The attributes of the profile express the values inherent to the IB continuum of international education: these are values that should infuse all elements of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme and, therefore, the culture and ethos of all IB World Schools. The learner profile provides a long-term vision of education. It is a set of ideals that can inspire, motivate and focus the work of schools and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose.

IB programmes promote the education of the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth through all domains of knowledge. By focusing on the dynamic combination of knowledge, skills, independent critical and creative thought and international-mindedness, the IB espouses the principle of educating the whole person for a life of active, responsible citizenship.

IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers. They develop their natural curiosity. The acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning with be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable. They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers. They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators. They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled. They act with integrity and honestly, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded. They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feeling of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers. They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Balanced. They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective. They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.