Upper School Division News: Oct. 3, 2024

By Mr. Chris Ames, Upper School Division Head

Dear Parents and Families, 

First - if you have a chance, please click on Dr. Debi Sass’ (Lower School Division Head) Personal Note this week.  She has written a wonderful explanation of October’s focus on Learning Disability Awareness and how Winston seeks to foster the growth of Executive Functioning skills across our student population.  

Dr. Sass’ note reminded me of an article that came out a few years ago in an independent school journal, entitled, “The Purpose of School and Bringing Joy into the Classroom.”  The author, Denise Pope, a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, remarked that her Introduction to Curriculum class focused on the Why, What and How.  The “Why” reflects the purpose of school - you can’t design a curriculum if you don’t have this question under control.  “What” should be taught follows from the “Why” and the “How” is teaching methodology.  Ms. Pope’s study of 75,000 kids from public and independent schools found most students “doing school” - in other words, learning vast amounts of content, completing hours of homework each night and hoping to pass lengthy tests.  This is often code for “academic excellence” or “rigor”. Unfortunately, the skills that our students need for today’s jobs and the jobs that will exist twenty years from now are not dependent upon this definition of “academic excellence.”  

At Winston, in addition to Executive Functioning components, we attempt to teach our students critical thinking skills, leadership traits, an understanding of teamwork and how to deal with complexity and stress.  Today’s workplace and hiring managers aren’t seeking those who have memorized twelve years of facts, but rather they look for those who can synthesize new information, work well with a group, exhibit leadership qualities and think critically and independently.

At the end of the day, we also hope to instill a bit of joy in the process.  You’ll notice that on October 2, the Upper School will have its first Fall Field Day - a series of class-building activities that will culminate in a spring tournament.  Our Wednesday Community Flex Times are dedicated to Community Service opportunities, TED talks on Social and Emotional well-being and finding ways to contribute within our community.

I hope you read Dr. Sass’ note and much like her “Wall of Wins” suggestion, I hope you take time out to instill a little joy in the learning process at home.

From the Upstairs,

Chris Ames

A LOOK AHEAD 

Wednesday, October 9 - 3rd Grade Fieldtrip: State Fair Livestock, 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Wednesday, October 9 - Fire Emergency Practice, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, October 10 - End of Quarter 1

It’s hard to believe we’ve nearly finished the first quarter! Please work with your students to make sure they are finishing strong and keeping up with their schoolwork and assessments.

Friday, October 11 - Early Dismissal (Professional Development)

Our amazing faculty will have the afternoon engaged in professional learning. Please make arrangements for Lower and Middle School students to be picked up at 12 p.m. Upper School students will be dismissed at 12:25 p.m. 

Childcare is available for students in Kindergarten through sixth grade. You can register here to reserve your spot. 

NOTE: There is no childcare/aftercare supervision offered for students in grades 7-12.

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

Wednesday, October 16 - PSAT Administration (Juniors)

Thursday, October 17 - Admission Coffee

If you know someone who is looking for a new school home for their bright student who learns differently, please share our information and encourage them to join us for one of our monthly admission events! Our best referrals come from our current families and we would be honored for you to share your successes and love for Winston! Share our inquiry form with any potential future Eagles!

Friday, October 18 - Fall Conferences [NO SCHOOL], 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus to share with you insight into your student’s journey this year at Winston. These conferences are for parents and teachers only.

Tuesday, October 22 - Class of 2025 Pictures and K-11 Retakes

Tuesday, October 22 - Varsity Volleyball Senior Night, 5 p.m.

Monday, November 4 - Friday, November 8 - Homecoming Spirit Week

Details coming soon!

Friday, November 22 - Grandparent & Special Friends Day

Lower School: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Middle & Upper School: 12 - 3 p.m.

Friday, November 22 - Lower School Fall Concert, 11 a.m.

Friday, October 25 - Senior Lunch + Event