We Have Such a Cool School!
The faces in these photos don't look like students pushed out of their comfort zone! Rest assured though, each student found themselves challenged and pushed to new levels. Each student experienced success and the incredible empowerment that comes from knowing for yourself, that you did something that was hard. You carry that with you for a life time.
As you scroll down through the photos you also get a sense of the developmental progression of these experiences. Please always keep in mind that while we rejoice in being able to get our students into the great outdoors, the primary goal of our Adventure Education program is to push kids' limits, provide them with support and strategies to discover that they can push through perceived boundaries and fear.
The experience doesn't end at the end of a Voyage. Through careful facilitation, teachers assist students in transferring what they are learning about themselves into all areas of their life - both socially and academically.
There's a way for you to hear directly from the kids about how this is shaping how they think about themselves as people and as learners. Come participate on a 3rd or 6th grade Portfolio Showcase. Listen to our kids tell you what they are discovering. Come listen to their passion for learning. Please check the school website for dates and times and get involved in Portfolio Showcases! We need you to be involved in this unique experience. You will leave with a deeper clarity about how students learn and what is unique about the learning experience at Renaissance.
It's also that time of year when we start planning for next year. It is inevitable, in an every changing world, that we will have some staff changes. Noreene (instructional specialist), Cheryl (music) and Bill (social worker) will be retiring this year. Andrea, our Speech Language Pathologist, will take a full-time position at her primary school, Chris (school psychologist) will reduce his work week eliminating his day at Renaissance, and Ann (moderate needs teacher) will be working closer to her home. Forrest (5th grade teacher) will pursue his passion for teaching at the middle school level. We will be adding a fifth grade Discovery teacher for one year. I will be announcing an informal celebration to honor these people toward the end of the year.
In May we will make decisions about Crew configurations. This is a complicated process with things to consider at many levels. We have come to know your child well, as it is such a high priority at Renaissance to develop close relationships. We know those relationships make all the difference in whether learning will occur. We consider personalities, friendships, learning styles, and the unique needs of each student and teacher. We collaborate across the school to do this. Many voices participate in the decision. Parents often want to know the 'process' for requesting a teacher. We would rather you not send a letter with a request, and trust us with making this important decision.
We are only two short weeks away from our Spring Break. Nothing slows down around here! We are finishing up the required state testing and looking forward to Student-Led Conferences next week. Conferences are an opportunity for students to share with you, in an authentic and meaningful way, their journey as a learner.
Warmly,
Ms Deborah
Renaissance was recognized by the State of Colorado
and is ranked among the top performing schools in Colorado.
