TA News

The following letter accompanied student report cards for first quarter, which were sent home with students on November 1.

Dear TA Parents and Guardians,

We hope your student had a good first quarter and is feeling acclimated to the routines and expectations of our renewed full-day experience and daily schedule. While Covid continues to cause certain compromises and challenges this year, we can all celebrate a return to the richer academic experience of in-person teaching and learning.

Enclosed with this letter is your student’s first quarter report card. I encourage you to take time with your student to carefully review the grades and comments together and to ask questions that invite reflection and discussion. What did your student enjoy the most? What was their biggest challenge? Which teacher did they especially connect with? What goals do they have for 2^nd quarter? Any one of these questions might open up a conversation that leads to deeper understanding of your student’s school experience this fall and reminds your student of your care and interest and desire to support them.

One big question to be sure to ask: If your student were to proudly put on display one example of their learning and growth for first quarter, what would it be? Let them identify their “fridge-worthy” experience to showcase at home. Perhaps it is the whole report card, maybe it is just the grade and comments from a specific class, or one assignment or photograph of a project. No matter our age, we take pride in receiving accolades and knowing that our successes are spotlighted. Help us and help your student celebrate their good work from first quarter.

Please stay connected and reach out to school staff with questions you might have. Your student’s advisor and counselor are especially helpful school liaisons; both names are listed in the heading section of the report card (‘homeroom’ = TA advisor). 

Here’s to a productive and engaging next quarter of learning!

Sincerely,

Carrie Brennan, Head of School