A New Quarter: Growing in School By Looking Back, Looking Around, and Looking Forward
Written by Dr. Connie Lawrence, Dean of Academics
Getting Better
We are already two weeks into our second quarter, and finishing off the first quarter was a milestone in the 2021-2022 school year!
These new beginnings allow us to look back, look around, and look forward, always seeking to grow into better learners so that we can become all that we are created to be. I encourage you to read the article below and discuss with your child areas in which he or she wants to grow. Praise God for His goodness and for your children!
Looking Back
First quarter has come to an end and it is time to look back on how much has been accomplished!
We streamlined arrival / dismissal, seen new students integrate with current students, established class routines, all while learning math, history, literature, and writing.
Spiritually, we focused on letting the love of Christ shine forth and seeking God in all things.
Academically, the work your students completed and their report cards only tell part of the story. Prayerfully, we worked to maximize your child’s potential. Every day our faculty strives to support and encourage your child’s academic growth.
Looking Around
The end of a quarter is also a time to look around at where we are. While reflecting causes us to ask, “What have I learned,” looking around causes us to ask, “Where do I need to improve so that I can learn better?” “What have I learned; where do I still struggle?”
We want to hear from parents on what they feel can be improved just as much we want students to look for what they can improve upon.
Looking Forward
St. Jerome coined the poem for children that encourages this type of growth:
“Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best.”
We celebrate all that has and is taking place, but as we look forward to the remainder of the second quarter, I encourage each student to seek improvement in some area that will help him or her become an even better learner. The following suggestions may help:
- If you haven’t already done so establish nightly study time.
- Set small process goals in areas of weakness (e.g., neatness, attitude adjusting, organizing).
- Small goal should be measurable and achievable. Focus on anything that inhibits learning.
- Strive to get all work in on time, even if it is not perfect.
- Celebrate when you reach your goal!
If you need help in any of these areas, please do not hesitate to reach out. Partnering with parents is one of our most cherished opportunities!