It is hard to believe we are quickly approaching the end of the first quarter at Nance! This issue of the Knights Parent & Family Newsletter summarizes a lot of updates happening around the building and spotlights some of the learning opportunities students are experiencing this school year. September was full of engaging opportunities for our students and I am proud to share that there is such a positive, warm energy throughout the building. We appreciate all you do to keep our students motivated and encouraged!
Here are a few important updates for parents for the coming month:
- Parent teacher conferences will be held on Tuesday, October 15th and Wednesday, October 16th from 3:30-6:45 PM. Teachers will connect with parents and families to schedule a conference time. Conferences are an important opportunity for parents and guardians to connect with teachers about areas of strength, growth, and ways to support your child in the coming quarter.
- Our Fall Festival and Literacy Night is scheduled for Thursday, October 24th from 4:30-6:30 PM! We have a lot of fun activities planned for our students to keep their excitement about reading up!
- There is no school on Friday, October 11th or Friday, October 18th.
We have several opportunities for our parents and families to partner with us in the coming month. In addition, if you are interested in volunteering to support in school activities or assist in your child's classroom, we are once again looking for committed volunteers. Please contact Ms. Green in the main office if you are interested.
I hope you have a wonderful fall season!
In partnership,
Dr. Archer
New Student Registration
New student registration is available at Nance every day from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. The following must be provided in order to register new students:
- Photo ID for parent/guardian
- Proof of residency (unpaid utility bill such as gas, electric, AT & T phone bill, cable bill, etc.)
- Child’s original birth certificate
- Shot record
- Copy of physical exam
- Copy of dental exam
- Report card (if coming from another school)
- New students who receive special education services need a completed release of information and provide the most recent IEP.
In order to ensure we have the most up to date information for your child, parents and guardians of returning students will update a student information form, pick-up authorization form, media release, and technology usage release for each student. Forms will be made available to parents at the beginning of the school year or parents can come to the main office and complete these updates.
School Buddies Program
This year at Nance we’re making an extra effort to build a stronger sense of community and belonging, to create a place where children feel comfortable and cared for. As a start, we are implementing a new program to help children get to know more of the other children at school.
Our first class buddies meeting was held on Thursday, September 19th. Students had an opportunity to meet with their buddy class, introduce themselves, and read our new Knights Book Club book, Mae Among the Stars, together. Throughout the year students will continue to work with their buddies on special projects and academic activities and to promote our core values of honesty, empathy, accountability, respect, and tenacity.
Quarter 1 Report Cards & Parent Conferences
It is hard to believe, but the first quarter of the 24-25 school year ends on Thursday, October 10th! Students will receive Report Cards for Quarter 1 during Parent Conferences.
Parent Conferences are held on Tuesday, October 15th and Wednesday, October 16th from 3:30-6:45 PM. Consult the Parent and Family handbook for more information about what to expect when you review your student's report card.
Literacy Workshops
Thank you to all of our families who came out and participated in our first to family literacy workshops of the year! There is still an opportunity for fourth and fifth grade families to join us on Wednesday, October 2nd!
- Fourth and Fifth Grade Families- Wednesday, October 2nd, 9:00 AM
Please join us for an opportunity to collaborate with teachers, receive take home instructional materials, and have a free breakfast with your child's teacher! Please contact Ms. Green or your child's teacher to RSVP!
Are You Interested in Volunteering This Year?
School Hours and Attendance
Daily, on-time attendance is critical for your child’s academic and social development. All students are expected to attend school 95% of the time or more! School hours for the 2024-2025 school year are 8:20 AM-3:17 PM.
Parent drop-off is at Door 2 in the Nance parking lot beginning at 8:05 AM. Breakfast is provided for all students each day.
The school day ends at 3:17 PM. Students who are pick-up may be picked up beginning at 3:17 PM from Door 3. If you need to change your child’s transportation on any given day, please communicate this change to the main office by 2:00 PM. No students may be picked up from the main office after 2:45 PM.
Preparing for the Work Force
It is important that we start now with preparing our scholars for the work force. Below is a checklist focusing on academic enrichment activities and social-emotional learning activities to help prepare elementary school age children for future workforce demands. Therefore, the next time you spend time with a scholar, practice one, or all the skill sets.
Academic Enrichment Activities: These activities develop foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking.
Reading & Writing Skills
Encourage daily reading. Select books that match their reading level and gradually increase the difficulty.
Engage in storytelling or creative writing activities to develop imagination and comprehension.
Introduce vocabulary-building games like word puzzles for flash cards.
Math & Problem-Solving Skills
Practice basic math concepts through fun activities (Counting games, simple addition/subtraction, puzzles).
Introduce logical reasoning games (like chess or strategy-based board games).
Engage in everyday problem-solving activities such as grocery shopping or cooking.
STEM Activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Provide hands-on STEM kits (i.e., building blocks, simple experiments)
Encourage curiosity through nature walks, where they can explore and ask questions.
Use educational apps to introduce basic coding or technology concepts
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities: SEL skills are essential for future workplace success and collaborative environments.
Self-Regulation
Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises to help children manage emotions
Use daily routines to teach responsibility (i.e., cleaning up toys, completing tasks on time).
Empathy & Social Awareness
Encourage cooperative play to teach sharing ad turn-taking
Use role-playing games to practice resolving conflicts or understanding other perspectives.
Discuss feelings and emotions openly to help children articulate their own and recognize those of others
Relationship Skills
Help children develop communication skills by encouraging polite greetings, good listening, and thoughtful questions.
Organize group activities or playdates to build teamwork and socialization.
Decision-Making & Problem-Solving
Present children with choices and help them evaluate the pros and cons of each
Engage in activities that require planning and decision –making, such as building something or creating a schedule.
By focusing on both academic enrichment and social emotional learning, parents and teachers can help children develop a broad range of skills that will set them up for success in school and, later, the work force. Emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking will be key to preparing them for the jobs of the future. This linear process of producing the next generation of doctors, lawyers, teacher, and police offices is possible with us working together.
If you are interested, please contact me about participating in the Career Fair here at Nance
on Friday, November 8th, 2024, from 9-11 AM.
Marilyn Jackson
School Counselor
Marilyn.Jackson@slps.org
Talking Math- Academic Discourse in Mathematics
This year our students are spending time developing their conversation skills as it relates to Mathematics. Several days per week, students are looking at and discussing images to promote finding math in real life. Some questions students are discussing are:
- Where do you see math in this picture?
- What questions could you ask about math based on looking at this picture?
- Write a math problem or equation using something you see in the picture.
These discussions help enhance students' understanding of mathematics in the world and helps to make it meaningful for their learning. Take a look at the picture below and try it out for yourself!
Knights Book Club- Mae Among the Stars
We are continuing the “Nance Knights Book Club” again this year and all Nance students will receive copies of free books to encourage reading at home, make connections to the community, and promote a love of reading throughout the school year! For the months of September and October, all students are receiving a copy of Mae Among the Stars, written by Roda Ahmed and illustrated by Stasia Burrington.
Mae Among the Stars is an inspiring picture book that tells the story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel into space. The book follows young Mae as she dreams of becoming an astronaut, despite the doubts of those around her. With the unwavering support of her parents and her determination to pursue her passion, Mae proves that with hard work and confidence, nothing is impossible. This story not only highlights the importance of following one's dreams but also encourages children to believe in themselves and to persevere, no matter the challenges they may face.
During the months of September and October, we will have activities planned at Nance and in classrooms to make connections to this outstanding book. We hope this book will inspire your family and reinforce the values of dreaming big, perseverance and determination, and belief in oneself.
Reading Success Plans
What is My Child Learning This Year?
Want to know more specifics about what your child should be know by the end of this school year? Check out our detailed grade level documents available at this link. A document summarizing the key learning in ELA and Math is attached below.
Contact Dr. Archer
Email: Tyler.Archer@slps.org
Website: https://www.slps.org/nance
Location: 8959 Riverview Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 867-0634