Welcome to the Sixth Grade! This will be an exciting and challenging year. For the last six years the students have been nurtured in a family like environment. They have been supported and encouraged to grow and develop both academically and socially. Eleven and twelve year olds are undergoing tremendous physical adjustments, social awakening, and a desire for independence. Therefore Sixth Grade is a time of change and growth.
In addition, here at the Day School, it is a year of privilege and responsibility. Since they are the oldest students in the school- a situation that many have been looking forward to for some time- they will be looked to as role models and examples. This is a heady feeling. For this year, they can be the oldest -- the top dogs. Next year they will be in a less familiar situation and at square one again. One of our main goals is to prepare the children for movement into a more independent school environment next year.
Our other major goal is to make learning fun, exciting, and inner-directed. Students should take an active role in their education. If they can feel more in control and have more choice in their learning, it truly becomes their learning. When students experience ownership, both their interest and sense of responsibility are engaged. This is true in both educational and social areas. Our ideal role is more of a mentor or facilitator for students’ self-investigation. Not that they are left adrift, but students are encouraged to try to work through problems on their own and trust their own thinking.
Even so, students are encouraged to ask questions. So are parents. If you have any questions about your child’s work, progress, or grades, please call and let us know. Often parents see a different aspect of the learning situation, and a strong parent-teacher connection always aids the child. We are happy to meet at any time and insure that your child has a happy and successful year in Sixth Grade.
Mrs. Smith