Every Day Is a New Journey!
... It is morning, and a distant rumbling comes deep from the ground as the trekkers drag their heavy equipment to the digging site where they will uncover and learn new things. The light-stepping eager ones and the ones trudging, half asleep, wanting to have been awakened at least an hour later, walk the narrow trail up the stairs in order to enter the hallowed, ornamented chambers where many have gone before. They know this expedition will last up to 10 months and that it will take courage, resolve, and endurance. Though arrival to the designated site takes only minutes each day, once there, the team works tirelessly for hours to uncover the treasures, the laughter, and the challenges that await them; they are up to the task. Their guides watch over their progress with great pride as does the village elder (well elder, mostly :o))... because these brave few, who explore many jungles and universes, understand well the goals, the boundaries, and the prizes to be had... and so all is well in the middle school village of St. Elizabeth of Hungary School.
Goals of the Expedition:
- Mastery of important academic skills
- Hands on faith-formation and service opportunities
- Personal responsibility and accountability
- Development of self-confidence and conscious citizenship
- Exploration of learning strategies
- Setting realistic goals & maximizing the use of self-assessment tools
- Experiencing a variety of approaches to learning
- Having fun while performing one's best!
Boundaries of the Village:
In addition to the rules set forth in the School Handbook, the village boundaries are simple:
1) Be Respectful.
2) Be Supportive.
3) Be Prepared.
Keeping the Eyes on the Prize:
Preparation for future academic work is key in the middle school experience. Retaining a maximum of what is learned in order to keep as many doors open as possible is "keeping the eyes on the prize." Students all bloom at different times and their interests and aspirations will likely change a lot over time; those open doors can make more of their dreams come true. Encourage your child to stay well-rounded and to develop strengths as well as to tackle and overcome weaknesses. Encourage positive self-talk to bolster them against the difficult challenges as well. Students of this village will come to value what they have built upon this year.
May each child come to realize the bright future they aspire to while learning to love the journey along the way.
Goals of the Expedition:
- Mastery of important academic skills
- Hands on faith-formation and service opportunities
- Personal responsibility and accountability
- Development of self-confidence and conscious citizenship
- Exploration of learning strategies
- Setting realistic goals & maximizing the use of self-assessment tools
- Experiencing a variety of approaches to learning
- Having fun while performing one's best!
Boundaries of the Village:
In addition to the rules set forth in the School Handbook, the village boundaries are simple:
1) Be Respectful.
2) Be Supportive.
3) Be Prepared.
Keeping the Eyes on the Prize:
Preparation for future academic work is key in the middle school experience. Retaining a maximum of what is learned in order to keep as many doors open as possible is "keeping the eyes on the prize." Students all bloom at different times and their interests and aspirations will likely change a lot over time; those open doors can make more of their dreams come true. Encourage your child to stay well-rounded and to develop strengths as well as to tackle and overcome weaknesses. Encourage positive self-talk to bolster them against the difficult challenges as well. Students of this village will come to value what they have built upon this year.
May each child come to realize the bright future they aspire to while learning to love the journey along the way.