Lion's Pride
Parents' Curriculum Connection - September Edition
Welcome Back from the Curriculum Department
Hello from the Curriculum Department at Lindenwold School District! We’re thrilled to kick off a new year filled with learning and exploration.
Our team has been diligently refining the curriculum to deliver an engaging and enriching educational experience. We focus on nurturing critical thinking and creativity to ensure each student thrives academically and personally.
Students can look forward to exciting subjects, interactive projects, and opportunities tailored to their unique learning styles. Our goal is to inspire a lasting passion for learning.
Parents, your involvement is crucial. Keep in touch through communication channels, open houses, and conferences to support your child's educational journey.
Students, embrace each day with curiosity and determination. Take full advantage of the chance to grow, connect, and succeed with the help of your peers and teachers.
Let's celebrate the joy of learning and the unity of the Lindenwold community. Here’s to a fantastic and inspiring school year!
Dates to Remember
9/4 - MS Grade 5 Orientation 7pm-8pm
9/5 Preschool Open House (6-7 pm) and HS Grade 9 Orientation (9:45 am)
9/9 - Students 1st Day of School!!!
9/17 Schools 4 & 5 Open House (Early Dismissal Schedule - Schools 4, 5 & Preschool)
9/19 Middle School Open House (Early Dismissal Schedule - Middle School)
9/26 High School Open House (Early Dismissal Schedule - High School)
Elementary News - Report Cards are Changing
This year we will be using standards-based report cards in grades K-4! This is different than your traditional report card. Standards-based report cards are a great tool because they give you a detailed picture of how your child is progressing in school. Instead of just one overall grade, these report cards break down your child’s performance in different areas, such as reading, math, and science. This means you get to see exactly what your child has mastered and where they might need extra help.
For example, if your child is doing well in addition and subtraction but needs more practice with word problems, the report card will show that clearly. This helps you and their teacher focus on specific areas to support your child’s learning effectively. It also helps your child understand their strengths and know exactly what they need to work on.
Overall, standards-based report cards provide a clearer, more detailed view of your child's education, making it easier to celebrate their successes and work together on any challenges.
At your child's first conference the teachers will review this new format with you. Many elementary schools are using this type of grading to help focus parents, students and teachers on what your child needs. More information will follow in October!
Elementary News - New Math Program
This year we will be using a new Math program in grades K-4. We wanted a math program that not only boosts your child's understanding but also makes learning enjoyable! Envision Math stands out as the ultimate choice for fostering a deep grasp of mathematical concepts. With its interactive digital resources and engaging visual aids, Envision Math ensures that your child not only learns but delves into math with enthusiasm. Its comprehensive approach tailors instruction to individual needs, making it easier for students to master challenging concepts and build a strong foundation for future success. We are looking forward to watching your child's confidence and skills in math soar.
Don't Miss the Fun....Elementary Summer Reading and Math Incentive
Think our Teachers are at the Beach all Summer....NO
This summer our dedicated teachers continued learning and growing for your children. Below are some of the great things teachers have been working on:
- Math Workshop Model
- Using STAR Renaissance to help Struggling and Multilingual learners
- Effectively using Mimio technology
- Understanding and breaking apart the NEW Language Art and Math State Standards
- Scoring Standards-Based Report Cards
- Using the Corrective Math and Reading Programs
- Social Thinking
- Zones of Regulation
- Curriculum Writing
- And so much more......
Attendance is Important to Academic Growth
Supporting Your Child's Education at Home
Designate a Learning Space: Create a dedicated, organized, and quiet space for your child to study and do homework. This will help them focus and associate the space with learning.
Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Set a daily schedule for study time, breaks, meals, and relaxation to provide structure and balance.
Set Goals: Help your child set specific goals for what they want to achieve academically. It could be completing a certain number of assignments, improving a specific skill, or reading a certain number of books.
Communicate with Teachers: Stay in touch with your child's teachers to understand their curriculum, expectations, and progress. Regular communication can help you provide appropriate support.
Encourage Reading: Foster a love for reading by having a variety of books at home. Set aside time for reading, and discuss what they've read to improve comprehension.
Hands-On Learning: Incorporate practical activities related to what they're learning. For instance, if they're studying science, conduct simple experiments at home..
Teach Time Management: Help your child learn to manage their time effectively. This skill will serve them well both in school and life.
Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your child's achievements, whether big or small. Positive reinforcement boosts their motivation.
Support Problem Solving: Encourage critical thinking by discussing problems or scenarios that relate to their subjects. This can enhance their analytical skills.
Learning Through Play: Integrate learning into games and activities. Board games, puzzles, and educational toys can be both fun and educational.
Emphasize Self-Care: Teach your child the importance of breaks, physical activity, and sleep for optimal learning and overall well-being.
Remember, every child is unique, so tailor these suggestions to their learning style and preferences. By showing enthusiasm for learning and providing a supportive environment, you can make a significant impact on your child's educational journey.
How to Help Your Kids with their Math Homework
Title I Parent Information Night
We will be holding out Title I Parent Information Nights as part of each building's open house.
Title I is a federal program that provides funding for instructional services and activities. These supports help students in meeting state academic performance standards, and closing performance and opportunity gaps.
Be sure to check our Title I page to find out more information about Title I.
Middle School and High School Benchmarks
Benchmark assessments are assessments designed to measure your child's progress toward specific academic goals-- namely, the NJ Student Learning Standards Benchmarks are given four times per year, at the end of each marking period. Benchmark assessments provide us with snapshots of your child’s performance at various points throughout the school year, and we use their data to respond with instruction.
It's very important that your child gives his or her best effort on the benchmark. We take the data very seriously, and it the performance is not your child's best effort, it makes it very difficult to respond with instruction.
Please be sure to speak to your child about the importance of benchmarks and doing their best!
We will be introducing a parent portal into Linkit, the software we use to give our benchmarks. Parents will be able to see their child's performance, their performance by standard, their time spent on test, and their performance compared to their class.
We hope that the Linkit parent portal will help you talk to your child about their performance on these benchmark assessments.
More info will be forthcoming on the Linkit parent portal.
Curriculum Department
Secondary Director of Curriculum and Instruction (Grade 5 - Grade 12):
Marc Mancinelli
Elementary Director of Curriculum and Instruction (Grade PK - Grade 4):
Kathryn Agresta