
NYA Newsletter
School-Wide News You Can Use
Summer Learning Fun
Summer reading and learning experiences are critically important. Students often lose academic ground if they are not engaged in a reading routine and a variety of learning experiences over the summer. This phenomenon – sometimes referred to as summer learning loss, summer setback, or summer slide – has been of interest to education researchers going back as far as 1906.
Consider the following research-evidence conclusions:
- On average, students’ achievement scores declined over summer vacation by one month’s worth of school-year learning
- Declines were sharper for math than for reading
- The extent of loss was larger at higher-grade levels.
The question becomes, “What can we do about it?”
Many of the recommendations for solutions come in the form of expert opinion. Common suggestions include:
- Establishing a daily reading routine
- Blending academic learning with hands-on or recreational activities
The National Reading Panel emphasizes the importance of daily independent and shared reading, followed by open-ended discussions prompts as simple as, “What do you think?”
So, be sure to read to and with your children this summer! And, schedule some creative learning experiences as well!!
Teacher Appreciation Week at NYA
Teachers are very, very important to the health of our society. This cannot be understated. Teachers have a tremendous impact on the lives of children across the formative years of their development.
Teachers develop relationships with students that are not easily forgotten; so often we hear ourselves reflect upon the impact a teacher has had on our lives. Our teachers guide students to develop character traits such as respect, honesty, and self-discipline by modeling the same. Teachers are patient, caring, and kind. They impart knowledge and guide students to “learn to learn.” The teachers at New York Academy work tirelessly, dedicated to the academic, social and emotional growth of their students.
Consider the following research summary:
Research has shown that students who were placed with highly effective teachers for three years in a row significantly outperformed comparable students. Teacher quality has a lasting effect on student learning. Data also reveals that a student who has an outstanding teacher for just one year will remain ahead of her peers for at least the next few years. It is clear that the most powerful factor in student achievement is the teacher. - Educational Research Newsletter, 2003
New York Academy teachers grow healthy cultures in their classrooms as they build a warm environment, knowing the important role they play role models.
The New York Academy School Community says, “Thank You!” We are grateful for our teachers’ commitment to the success of our children.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Wednesday, May 30: NYA Math Olympiad
Friday, June 1: NYA Spring Performance, Graduation, and Social
(Change of Date)
Thursday, June 7: NYA Fathers' Appreciation Breakfast