Vantage Points

We’re entering into the most exciting and busiest time of the school year when learning in many forms is showcased. Over the next weeks and leading to the student-led conferences, students are reviewing an accumulation of work products completed since January. Video clips, final pieces of writing, math assessments, photos, audio recordings, writing drafts, thinking through various art media, and more. They are finding evidence of their learning that addresses several of the Learner Profile traits and taking the time to reflect on their choices—why is this an example of the learning profile trait? What did you do well? How could you have done better? This metacognitive process — thinking about their learning — is active year-long and especially during this time as they approach the end of the school year. The student-parent-teacher conference is an opportunity for students to advocate for their learning.

This week the fifth graders are putting together the elements of their Capstone. Each presentation on April 23rd, 5:30 – 7 p.m., is a highly unique exploration of who they are as learners by examining work products they have collected over the past few years in the elementary at Mid-Pacific or another school. It is a deep dive into their developing identity. Taking a look back can help them to look ahead toward the futures available to them.

Class inquiry projects are nearing the end of learning journeys with many places along the way where they have paused to take a close look at an aspect of their inquiry. If you’re keeping up with teacher blogs, you have a good idea of these “vantage points” along an inquiry journey. The unfolding narrative of an inquiry is always fascinating to me mostly because if teachers do a good job of listening to students’ questions and comments in discussions and carefully analyzing any writing or drawings, the inquiry is often joyful and surprising! Richer, deeper than any published curriculum.

Several students shared aspects of their learning at last week’s assembly —

At the preschool and elementary, this is where the action is!

E Kūlia Kākou! Let’s strive and aspire together!

For our children,

Edna L. Hussey, Ed.D.
Principal