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Middle Wing (Sopaan)

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Sixth Notch

As sixth notch students are now part of middle school program! Because they have experienced both rigor and success in previous grades, they transition easily to middle school. Sixth notch students have multiple teachers who specialize in individual subjects. Sixth notch studies include higher-level concepts and activities such as writing in active rather than passive voice; solving problems using measures of central tendencies like mean, median, and mode; evaluating the validity of arguments; modeling the Earth with globes and maps; interpreting the mood of a piece of music; and examining the effects of colonization and imperialism on world history. Sixth notch students take pride in their intelligence and accomplishments!

Seventh Notch

SSKPS seventh Notch students are fearless scholars! They approach even demanding assignments with self-confidence since they have been taught how to look at the relationships between things to find connections to what they already know. They are able to easily incorporate new learning because the new learning builds on already-acquired knowledge such as what factors influence patterns of heredity; how to recognize and avoid errors in logic; what events led up to the principle of the Monroe Doctrine; when it is appropriate to use standard and nonstandard English; and what can happen when illusion supplants reality, as in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Our students attain a high degree of mastery of the traditional subjects, preparing them for a productive life.

Eighth Notch

In eighth notch students study topics that many students don’t get to until college! They independently apply the concepts they have been taught to solve two-column geometry proofs, examine the corrupting effect of power in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, spike a volleyball, program arrays to store a collection of data, explain the circumstances that lead to inflation, correct dangling modifiers, and more. SSKPS eighth notch students exude confidence knowing they have bright futures ahead of them because they know with certainty that they have the tools to thrive and achieve in life!

frequently asked Questions

Would you like to know more about how you can help your child succeed in school? This answers questions frequently asked by parents of elementary and middle-school-aged children who—like you—want to help their children learn and succeed. It suggests effective ways you can support your child’s education.

Before the school year begins, find out as much as you can about the school your child will attend. Schools—even schools in the same district—can differ greatly. Don’t rely only on information about a school from other parents—their child might have different needs and expectations from a school than yours.

Ask the school principal for a school handbook. This will answer many questions that will arise over the year. If your school doesn’t have a handbook, ask the principal and teachers questions such as the following:

  • What teaching methods and materials are used? Are the methods used to teach reading and math based on scientific evidence about what works best? Are science and social studies materials up to date?
  • How much time is spent on each subject such as reading, math, science and history?
  • How does the school measure student progress?
  • What tests does it use?
  • Does the school meet state standards and guidelines?
  • Are teachers highly qualified? Do they meet state certification requirements?
  • Find out if the school has a Web site and, if so, get the address. School Web sites can provide you with ready access to all kinds of information—schedules of events, names of people to contact, rules and regulations, and so forth.
  • Talk with your child about school. Let her know that you think school and learning are important.

Although teachers’ expectations vary, here are some social skills and behaviors generally expected of children entering SSK:

  • Children should be able to follow school and classroom rules.
  • Children should be able to listen attentively to and follow instructions.
  • Children should be able to concentrate on and finish a task.
  • Children should show self-control.
  • Children should respect the property of others, share and take turns.
  • Children should do as much for themselves as possible, such as taking care of their personal belongings, going to the toilet, washing their hands and taking care of and putting away materials.

Set up a conference early in the school year. Let the teacher know that you are interested in your child’s education and that you want to be kept informed of his progress. If English is your second language, you may need to make special arrangements, such as including in the conference someone who is bilingual.

If possible, also arrange to observe the teaching in your child’s classroom. Afterward, talk with the teacher about
what you saw and how it fits with your hopes for your child and your child’s needs.

Before a conference, write out questions you want to ask and jot down what you want to tell the teacher. Be prepared to take notes during the conference and ask for an explanation if you don’t understand something.

Talk with the teacher about your child’s talents, hobbies, study habits and any special sensitivities he might have, such as concerns about weight or speech difficulties.

Tell the teacher if you think your child needs special help and about any special family situation or event that might affect your child’s ability to learn. Mention such things as a new baby, an illness or a recent or an upcoming move.

Read aloud to your child often. Start reading to your child when he is a baby and keep reading as he grows up. As you read, talk with your child. Encourage him to ask questions and to talk about the story. Ask him to predict what will come next.

Ask family members and friends to consider giving your child books and magazine subscriptions as gifts for birthdays or other special occasions. Set aside a special place for your child to keep her own library of books.

Get help for your child if he has a reading problem. If you think that your child needs extra help, ask his teachers about special services, such as after-school or summer reading programs. Also ask teachers or your local librarian for names of community organizations and local literacy volunteer groups that offer tutoring services.

The right amount of homework depends on the age and skills of the child. National organizations of parents and teachers suggest that children in kindergarten through second grade can benefit from 10 to 20 minutes of homework each school day. In third through sixth grades, children
30 to 60 minutes a school day.

If you are concerned that your child has either too much or too little homework, talk with his teacher and learn about homework policies and what is expected.

Talk with your child’s teacher about homework policies. Make sure you know the purpose of the homework assignments, how long they should take, and how the teacher wants you to be involved in helping your child complete them. Agree with your child on a set time to do homework every day.

Make sure that your child has a consistent, well-lit, fairly quiet place to study and do homework. Encourage your child to study at a desk or table rather than on the floor or in an easy chair. Discourage distractions such as TV or calls from friends.

Make sure the materials needed to do assignments—papers, books, pencils, a dictionary, encyclopedia,
computer—are available. Show your child
how to use reference books or computer programs and appropriate Web sites. Ask your child to let you know if special materials are needed and have them ready in advance.

Talk with your child about assignments to see that she understands them.

When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers. Doing assignments for your child won’t help him understand and use information or help him become confident in his own abilities.

Attend back-to-school nights, student exhibitions and other school events. Get to know the teachers and other school personnel. Listen to their plans, know what they hope to accomplish with their students, and understand why they chose these goals. Attend parent organization meetings. Voice your hopes and concerns for your child and for the school. Help organize parent-teacher meetings around your interests and those of other parents. Offer to tutor students. If you are comfortable with technology, volunteer to be a computer tutor for both students and teachers, or ask if there are other ways that you can help the school to use technology.