Lower School Division News: September 5, 2024

By Dr. Debra Sass, Lower School Division Head

Dear parent,

John D. Rockefeller once said, “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” That quote certainly resonates with me as we move toward greater things in the Lower School this year. I highlighted many of these positive changes in the PTO meeting this week, but I felt they were worth repeating. 

First, the Lower School class structure has changed this year. We now have a blended K-1 class, which is more developmentally appropriate for an early childhood program. Grades 4-6 are thriving in the newly departmentalized setting.  

The curriculum has been enhanced in several ways as well. Beginning with math, the program is more vertically aligned for grades K-6 with a series called GO Math.  The corresponding math manipulatives have also been ordered for each grade level, complete with a cart to store them in.  

We’re boosting engagement in math by installing the Prodigy math program on student Chromebooks. Prodigy is fully aligned with state standards, and it helps our teachers track math progress. The program gives our teachers the data that they need to spot struggling students - as well as those who need a greater challenge. Prodigy reinforces over 1,500 math skills with varying degrees of difficulty. On the lower end, students practice fluency and knowledge of basic concepts - as well as routine procedures. On the higher end, students have the added benefit of learning to interpret and understand mathematical questions.

Grades K-2 are now utilizing the Scottish Rite reading program called Take Flight in the classroom. Built on the science of reading, Take Flight is a research-proven program that accelerates the development of literacy skills for students of all abilities. 

Every student in the Lower School may also access a literacy program called Lexia Core 5 on their Chromebooks this year. The research on Lexia speaks for itself. During the 2022-2023 school year, Lexia students working on skills at or above grade level increased from 41% to 85%. For students who started two or more grade levels behind, 41% ended the year on grade level and 54% gained two or more grade levels in one year. I am pleased to report that Lexia can be accessed from home as well as school. The Winston Language Lab is still available for students needing additional dyslexia intervention. Take Flight instruction in the lab is unique in the sense that it is designed to be used by certified academic language therapists or CALTS. We presently have three skilled and experienced CALTS working on the Winston campus.

Grades K-6 are using a program called Stemscopes in science. Stemscopes is an award-winning and comprehensive science curriculum that provides resources and tools for teachers and students to learn STEM subjects, which include math, science, coding, and engineering. Stemscopes was developed by over 200 teachers, science experts, and science professors. It is also tailored to meet state standards.

History Alive is now being used to supplement history instruction in grades 4-6. This interactive history program offers hands-on engagement in history. It is characterized by workshops that make history fun. History Alive textbooks are written by the Teachers’ Curriculum Institute.

Finally, I should mention that our students have physical education every day once again! PE offers enormous benefits for physical health, mental health, cognitive abilities and social skills. In many cases our students develop beneficial lifelong habits and have greater confidence.

Lower School teachers have already received a great deal of instructional training this year, and they will be getting more in math, reading, and science in the next few months.  

Last, but certainly not least, we’ve implemented a new division-wide behavioral management system in the Lower School which features a number of new incentives. You’ll be hearing more about this soon.

In the words of Thomas Edison, “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves..” Indeed.  The Lower School team looks forward to astounding you in the year ahead.

Dr. Debra Sass 

LOOKING AHEAD

Tuesday, September 10 @ 5 - 7 pm - Winston Parent Open House
This grown-ups only event (formerly known as Back to School Night), is a chance for parents, families, and caregivers to learn more about the curriculum, student experience, and ways to support their young people this year at Winston. We hope to see you from 5 - 7 p.m. for a wonderful evening of learning and connection.

Thursday, September 19 - North Texas Giving Day
Join the Winston community and others in North Texas in our most exciting day of philanthropic giving to organizations with which you share a passion! We’d love to be the beneficiary of your gift, and will also be grateful for the organizations, non-profits, or community partners that benefit from your generosity!

Friday, October 11 - Early Dismissal

Monday, October 14 - Indigenous People’s Day [NO SCHOOL]