The Source by Greens Farms Academy

The Source

The Comprehensive Guide to Greens Farms Academy for Students and Their Families

2012-2013

well-lit, and comfortable. Study places should be “low stimulus” areas where the telephone, television, and other people are unlikely to interrupt concentration. Each child presents a unique blend of work habits, work styles, learning differences, thinking preferences, study skills, motivation, and experiences. For that reason, the length of time required to complete academic work, whether done at home or at school, will vary from child to child. If a parent finds that his/her child spends an inordinate amount of time on homework, please contact his/her teacher immediately so that a better plan can be formulated.

Evaluation of Progress

LOWER SCHOOL

Classroom teachers work with students to help them learn to evaluate their academic work in relation to their own abilities and talents, and to the academic standards of the school. Following the fall and spring semesters, parents will receive detailed written reports. In addition, parents and teachers will discuss the student’s learning during a formal parent/teacher conference in the fall and winter semesters. Whether written or spoken, the reports from teachers are always designed to evaluate a student’s academic strengths and weaknesses, a student’s progress in the basic skills of language arts and math, as well as social and physical development. If there is any significant change in a student’s level of achievement or effort during the year, parents will be notified immediately. If, in the judgment of the school, a child’s progress or development is not sufficient to predict success at the next grade level, the school may require that the child do academic work during the summer, or that the child repeat the grade. These decisions are made only after thorough review of the child’s progress, additional testing where appropriate, and conferences with the parents. Finally, standardized aptitude and achievement tests are administered to all students in grades 3, 4 and 5.

Conferences Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the year, once in early November and again in early March. These conferences are designed to enable the school and parents to exchange information and work together to maximize a student’s potential for growth and development in all areas at school. Should any student encounter serious academic difficulties in any academic area during the year, a conference will be scheduled with the parents, the classroom teacher, and any other pertinent people. At that conference, measures appropriate to the specific needs of the student will be arranged. In addition, any time parents wish a conference with one or more teachers and/or Ms. Ennis, they should feel free to contact those individuals to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Extracurricular and After-School Activities

Directed by Ann Cotter, the after-school activities program offers a number of interesting activities to children in grades K-3 for an additional fee. In the past, such activities as outdoor games, chess, cooking, and drama have been offered from 2:55 p.m. - 3:55 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Detailed information about the fall offerings, including fees and sign-up procedures, will be emailed to all Kindergarten - Third Grade families prior to the opening day of school. Fourth and Fifth graders participate in an extended day program from 2:40 p.m. until 3:55 p.m. each day which consists of music (chorus and instrumental) and athletics. Many parents choose to have their children involved in various activities outside of school. As it is important to help a child uncover and develop those gifts and talents which may not be addressed at school, GFA encourages this sort of activity. The school makes the precautionary suggestion, however, that it is easy to allow an active, motivated child to become over-programmed. We encourage parents of children whose afternoons are heavily scheduled to monitor their energy levels closely and make modifications to their schedules as necessary.

After School Care After School Care is offered 5 days per week, from 2:40 - 5:30 p.m., for students in grades K–3 for a reasonable fee. In addition to indoor and outdoor games and activities, students will be given time for snack, homework and reading. We ask that interested families commit to anywhere from one - five days per week prior to the opening of the school year so that we can plan accordingly. Questions should be referred to After Care Director, Andy Lindberg.