Important Websites |
Homework My beliefs about homework are simple: It should benefit what we are doing in class and it should be a link between school and home so that parents see what their kiddos are learning. I have my own children and understand how busy the evenings can be transporting them to their extra-curriculars, I don't want homework to be another stress during this time that should be spent with family.
Work brought home by your student could be a home-school connection designed for students to directly talk to their families, class work that was not finished during the allotted time, and their weekly home journal to be returned on Mondays. At least 20-30 minutes every night should be spent reading. My goal in implementing this as homework is for students to become habitual readers, for this to become a normal part of their lives, for them to grow as lifelong readers. |
Professional Courtesy
The Springwater has been working together to better communicate with everyone involved in our students education. Here are some things to keep in mind throughout the school year so that we can have a successful year. (Jen was very kind to type this up for us.)
- Remember, together we are teaching your child problem-solving and conflict resolution. Let's make our interactions mutually respectful and collegial. We are a team, working together on behalf of your child.
- Please communicate concerns directly to us before bringing them to other parents, community members, or the Principal.
- We appreciate parents who communicate concerns early and often. The time to contact us is at the first inkling of a concern, not after you've become fed-up. Proactive concerns are much more productively addressed than reactive ones.
- Ask first. Please don't assume that we know about and are allowing or encouraging injustice in the classroom. If you feel that there is an injustice, briefly summarize it and ask "What's your view of what's going on here?" Please don't jump to conclusions.
- Take your child's report with a grain of salt. 10 and 11 year olds aren't always reliable reporters. They often misunderstand the context underlying a situation, or may present different stories at school than at home. Again... please ask our view.
- Let's meet. If emotions are running high and you find yourself writing a long, angry email, save it. Instead, send a short email that summarizes your concern and ask for a face-to-face meeting a.s.a.p. Bring your email with you so that we can talk about it.
- Email replies. Please understand that we do not typically check emails while we're teaching. We commit to responding to emails within 24 hours on weekdays, and 72 hours over the weekend. We ask that you acknowledge receipt of our emails within the same timeline, even if it is a simple "I received your email and will get back to you soon". That way no one is left wondering if the message got through.
About Amanda
I am so excited to be a part of the Springwater community for another year. I have always had a passion for education, science, and the outdoors, and now I have for a home where I can combine all three. Most of my life I have lived in the Portland metro area, for undergrad I attend Oregon State (Go Beavers!) and graduate school at Lewis and Clark College. I am married and have four wonderful children, two of which are with me at Springwater, and baby Jaxson who is our honorary River Otter. As a family we enjoy being outside as much as possible - at the pool, in the river, kayaking, hiking.