SCHOOL PROFILE
PHOT OTO TO COUR OUR RTE TES TESY OF G GRA RAC RA R RACE A AC ACE CE CE LUTHERAN LUTH ERAN SCHOOL SCHO O OL
a concern they should let go of,” she says. “Usually by the year end, all students have begun to learn the decoding skills needed to become fluent readers.”
At home What parents do at home can have a big impact on their little one’s school success. Children pick up on their parents’ feelings, so it can make a big difference when you are excited and positive towards their school and education. “Having a positive attitude helps children adjust to social and academic elements that they will encounter throughout their educational careers,” Johnson says. Healthy habits are also crucial for children’s success. “I can’t stress enough how important it is for students to get enough sleep and have a balanced breakfast every day,” says Johnson. “When students come to school without enough sleep, their developing bodies and brains cannot process, and it puts unnecessary stress on them that they do not understand. This causes tantrums and melt downs. When students don’t have a proper diet, they often burn out early in the day and don’t have the energy to maintain daily routines.”
Yoko Avramov, director of Montessori Language Academy in Forest Park, says parents can also help by working on social skills. That can be done with family and by meeting peers in play groups or even at the park. Even playing a game of catch has numerous benefits, both physical and social, because it illustrates how the back and forth of conversation works. Playing catch is also a model for sharing—each person gets a turn to throw, Avramov says. Asking kids what they think and why also helps build their ability to think deeper. Doing so helps kids make connections and create stories on their own, which Morrison says are hugely powerful, especially at the preschool and kindergarten ages. The teachers all said that encouraging reading at home is an important way for parents to get kids ready for school. Avramov suggests sticking with actual books rather than tablets or e-readers and says that parents shouldn’t rush reading. While it is an opportunity to work on letter recognition and sight words, reading with your child simply for pleasure is important and can instill a love of books that lasts a lifetime.
Special Advertising Supplement
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St. Benedict Preparatory School 3900 N. Leavitt St., Chicago (773) 509-3814; stbenedict.com Email: jgallagher@stbenedict.com Grades served: PreK-Grade 8 Total enrollment: 714 Student to teach ratio: 15 to 1 Average class size: 20
on the Run, Mad Science Parent/Child Activities, Service Learning Opportunities, Strings and Band Lessons, Student Council Summer Camp.
What sets your school apart from other schools: We are devoted to preparing students for learning, achievement and service in the 21st Century global society. Our commitment to inclusive and rigorous challenge creates a dynamic, innovative and active learning experience. The strengths of each child become an inspiration to others to learn fearlessly, lead responsibly and serve joyfully.
Community involvement: Class Activity and Event Planning, Bitty Sports Coaching, Family Mass, Field Trip Chaperone, Home & School Association (HSA), Leadership & Committee Opportunities, Lunchroom/Recess Monitor, Room Representative, Parent Ambassador Program, St. Benedict Prep Advisory Board, St. Benedict Prep Athletic Association.
Extracurricular offerings: Athletics for Grades 4-8, Bitty Sports for Grades PreK-3, Boys & Girls Scouting, Chess Club, Children’s Choir, Dance Classes, Enrichment Clubs for Grades PreK-8, Family Activities, Girls
Your message to prospective parents: Academic excellence, enhanced technology and small class sizes in a vibrant Catholic community. Call to schedule a personalized tour of St. Benedict Preparatory School.
MAKING THE GRADE 2019 11
12/14/18 11:02 AM