September Newsletter
St. Dominic School 22-23
Principal's Message
We've had a smooth start to the 2022-2023 school year. During the month of September, teachers will be establishing important classroom routines and teaching skills that are a review of what students learned last year but are more challenging. I want to use this space each month to give parents a peek at the pedagogical approach we take at St. Dominic School. This month, I'll focus on the standards-based approach.
Standards-based teaching and learning means that assessments and lessons are based on a set of standards that the students are expected to master at each grade level. The Diocese of Cleveland has identified priority standards in ELA and math for each grade level. Our K - 2 teachers have had the most training and are using it fully this year. Teachers in grades 3- 8 will have at least one unit that is standards-based, and they will communicate that to parents and students as they begin it. How will this look different?
1. In a standards-based unit, students aren't accumulating points for classwork or homework. The grade they receive is based on their mastery of the standard.
2. Executive functioning skills like turning in work on time or participating in class are not part of the overall grade and are assessed as separate skills.
3. Students may have multiple opportunities to show mastery of the standard. Their final grade will be based on their best performance.
Last year, teachers participated in a book study on standards-based learning to find the "why" behind it. In brief, it is the best way for teachers to clearly communicate to students and parents where students are with their understanding of each concept or skill. The biggest change for parents is that you will have a clearer sense of what your child is learning and how he/she is doing with that skill or content. Look for more communication from teachers and use FACTS to check on what standards are being taught.
September includes many important events, such as Back to School Night, and our all-school retreat day. If you want to print an event calendar, I've attached one below. Don't forget to download the school Google calendar. There is both an iPhone and Android version. See bottom of newsletter.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the Back to School Night.
God bless you,
Mrs. Maureen Covington
First Day Movie
September Dates Printable
Tomorrow's Leaders Start Here
Teachers, parents, and fellow students are encouraged to identify students who lead in worshipping, learning, serving, and connecting. These are students who go above and beyond by giving of their time, recognizing a need, and putting others ahead of themselves.
The Family Education Association
A Message From FEA President Katie Sislak
Our first big event is our candy bar sale. At Back to School Night, each family will receive a box of candy bars for your family to sell. There is a letter attached to each box with directions, including directions for opting out of the sale. The money raised from the candy bar sale funds all of the student field trips through the year, so it is an important part of our budget.
Also at Back to School Night, we will have signups available for lots of volunteer opportunities. I encourage you to get involved during the year. Thank you in advance for your help!
Bulldog Club Information
A Message from Athletic Director Treye Johnson:
Fall sports season is officially underway as several St. Dominic sports teams had their first games and meets this past weekend. In total, more than 125 boys and girls will compete on our cross country, flag football, and soccer teams this fall. The kids are working hard, so we encourage you to go support them. There are games most weekends between now and late October. To see schedules and other important info about St. Dominic’s teams, please visit our Bulldog Club website at www.stdominicbulldogs.com.
Community Outreach Corner
New Community Outreach Coordinator, Meredith Manning, will share parenting tips, community engagement ideas, and much more in this space each month.
New Community Outreach Coordinator, Meredith Manning, will share parenting tips, community engagement ideas, and much more in this space each month.
September
How Was Your Day?
Do you ever find yourself frustrated by the lack of information garnered from, “How was your day?” Instead, try these conversation starters to elicit a bit more insight into your child’s day:
Two Truths and a Lie – Ask your children to say three things about their day, one of which is a lie. Then try to guess which statement in the lie.
High, Low, Buffalo – Everyone shares a high from the day and a low from the day. Finally comes the “buffalo” which is any random piece of information each person would like to share.
This or That – Ask your children what they liked better between two different choices. For example, “Did you like art better today or P.E.?” or “What did you enjoy more today: math or reading?”
For more suggestions about how to draw out important information from your kids check out this article.
After School Tips
The beginning of the school year can bring up many different emotions for children. Consider these helpful tips from the blog Toddler Approved to help weather those big feelings, which are true for both big kids and little kids:
Change is EXHAUSTING. New routines require a lot of mental energy. There are a lot of rules to learn and expectations in school, especially at the beginning of the year, and it can be an adjustment for kids, even if they love it.
Here are a few tips:
⭐️ Expect a meltdown. Some kids hold it all together all day at school and once they’re safe in your car they just release it all. Let them.
⭐️ Find a way to connect at some point each day. Whether it’s right after school or at bedtime, find some 1:1 time to check in, read together, or give a big hug and ask about their favorite part of the day.
⭐️ Make time to PLAY every day after school. It is so important–more important to me than getting homework done or going to sports practices or anything else.
Partners in Faith
Helping our children grow in their Catholic faith.
Catholic Education in the News
Family Calendar
Here is the link for ical: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/info%40stdominicschool.net/public/basic.ics
St. Dominic School
Email: info@stdominicschool.net
Website: www.stdominicschool.net
Location: 3455 Norwood Road, Shaker Heights, OH, USA
Phone: (216)561-4400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stdominicschool/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @StDomShaker