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We've added a few features in the sidebar of the newsletter, including a link to recommended reading. Have a look, and check back often, as updates are always in the works.
Understanding STARS
You may have heard about the STARS program through the VT Department of Children and Families. STARS stands for STep Ahead Recognition System, and serves as the the state's quality recognition system for schools such as ours. Schools that participate in the STARS program, go above and beyond state regulations to serve children and families.*
Mountain Village School is recognized by the STARS program, and we are in the process of applying for even more stars! So what does that look like? Back in September, we began a lengthy application process to evaluate a number of factors within our school.
Some of the criteria we're looking at include:
-Health and safety
-Curriculum (school-wide)
-Interactions and communication with children
-Learning environment
-Teacher credentials
The above list is only a small sample of the areas we're focusing on. To do that, we've invested quite a bit of time and energy on rigorous self assessment, in addition to working with consultants to improve our overall quality ratings. Simply put, our goal is to be the absolute best school that we can be, and that means constantly striving for improvement. At the end of the day, this kind of work translates into tangible benefits for the children.
We are proud of what we do, and appreciate your support as our young school grows and evolves. We could not be more thankful that you've chosen MVS and have entrusted us with the care and education of your kids; it means the world to us.
For more information on STARS, click here.
*Some information above taken from dof.vermont.gov/cdd/stars
Meet Danielle
Welcome Danielle to Mountain Village School! Danielle is a graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in Art Education. She has lots of experience in a variety of educational/childcare settings and has worked with children since 2007. You'll see Danielle between Infant I and Infant II, so stop in and say hello.
Scaffolding: What it is, Why it's Important
If you're unfamiliar with the term "scaffolding" or think it refers only to construction sites, we're here to give to a basic primer.
Scaffolding is an educational concept that can be defined this way: "The process of providing, and gradually removing, external support for learning. During scaffolding, the task itself is not changed, but what the learner initially does is made easier." (Bodrova/Leong from Tools of the Mind)
In practice, this means knowing a child and their development well enough to give them the minimal amount of support needed to find success at an activity or task. For instance, if a child is learning to "flip" their coat on, initially, you may see a teacher position the coat in front of the child correctly. Gradually, that support is taken away, as the child learns how to do this herself. Even if she does not master this technique right away, enough wait time is provided for her to figure out a solution. Jumping in to help or complete the task is something that we want to avoid. Instead of hitting the "I'll do it for them" button when a child is struggling, tell the child what you have observed. "I noticed your coat was facing the wrong way." Or, give them a suggestion, "Why not put the hood by your toes?"
These strategies allow children to develop greater autonomy and foster new learning. The ultimate goal is for the child to feel the satisfaction of a job well done…one that they did by themselves!
Classroom Happenings
Lots of movement this week with students changing classrooms and getting situated, very exciting!
Infant I: The class has changed significantly as three children have moved up to Infant II. But have no fear, we still see our friends right through the window. Many of the smaller children are working on rolling over on their tummies. And the class enjoyed a lot of one on one time this week spent with both books and blocks.
Infant II: One of our STARS goals is to improve hand washing! Beginning on Monday, we ask that ALL parents bring their child into the bathroom so they can wash their hands before entering the classroom. This is a requirement at drop off time. Thank you! The big news of the week is that we had three children sleeping on cots for the first time, and they did GREAT! Outdoors we practiced walking like polar bears and penguins.
Toddler I: Three new children in the classroom meant lots of learning about new routines! The new children really enjoyed their first go at morning yoga. We also had a birthday in the class this week and have been trying out some new puzzles.
Toddler II: Toddler II also had birthday this week and everyone really enjoyed singing "Happy Birthday" over and over again! At the beginning of the week there was water in the sensory table, and at the week's end the table was filled with sand. This was an exciting change and a big hit. A note for new families: Please send toothbrushes and toothpaste. And, don't forget to send fruit on Fridays! Thanks!
Pre-K: We're really looking forward to next week as we will begin studying a new author, Jan Brett. We will be making connections to winter, hibernation and bears. We will also be reading Brett's version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and comparing it to other versions of the same tale.
As Seen at MVS
Thanks for Reading
Stay warm out there! -Sam
We've added a few features in the sidebar of the newsletter, including a link to recommended reading. Have a look, and check back often, as updates are always in the works.
Understanding STARS
You may have heard about the STARS program through the VT Department of Children and Families. STARS stands for STep Ahead Recognition System, and serves as the the state's quality recognition system for schools such as ours. Schools that participate in the STARS program, go above and beyond state regulations to serve children and families.*
Mountain Village School is recognized by the STARS program, and we are in the process of applying for even more stars! So what does that look like? Back in September, we began a lengthy application process to evaluate a number of factors within our school.
Some of the criteria we're looking at include:
-Health and safety
-Curriculum (school-wide)
-Interactions and communication with children
-Learning environment
-Teacher credentials
The above list is only a small sample of the areas we're focusing on. To do that, we've invested quite a bit of time and energy on rigorous self assessment, in addition to working with consultants to improve our overall quality ratings. Simply put, our goal is to be the absolute best school that we can be, and that means constantly striving for improvement. At the end of the day, this kind of work translates into tangible benefits for the children.
We are proud of what we do, and appreciate your support as our young school grows and evolves. We could not be more thankful that you've chosen MVS and have entrusted us with the care and education of your kids; it means the world to us.
For more information on STARS, click here.
*Some information above taken from dof.vermont.gov/cdd/stars
 |
| Danielle in true MVS fashion: Bundled Up. |
Welcome Danielle to Mountain Village School! Danielle is a graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in Art Education. She has lots of experience in a variety of educational/childcare settings and has worked with children since 2007. You'll see Danielle between Infant I and Infant II, so stop in and say hello.
Scaffolding: What it is, Why it's Important
If you're unfamiliar with the term "scaffolding" or think it refers only to construction sites, we're here to give to a basic primer.
Scaffolding is an educational concept that can be defined this way: "The process of providing, and gradually removing, external support for learning. During scaffolding, the task itself is not changed, but what the learner initially does is made easier." (Bodrova/Leong from Tools of the Mind)
In practice, this means knowing a child and their development well enough to give them the minimal amount of support needed to find success at an activity or task. For instance, if a child is learning to "flip" their coat on, initially, you may see a teacher position the coat in front of the child correctly. Gradually, that support is taken away, as the child learns how to do this herself. Even if she does not master this technique right away, enough wait time is provided for her to figure out a solution. Jumping in to help or complete the task is something that we want to avoid. Instead of hitting the "I'll do it for them" button when a child is struggling, tell the child what you have observed. "I noticed your coat was facing the wrong way." Or, give them a suggestion, "Why not put the hood by your toes?"
These strategies allow children to develop greater autonomy and foster new learning. The ultimate goal is for the child to feel the satisfaction of a job well done…one that they did by themselves!
Classroom Happenings
Lots of movement this week with students changing classrooms and getting situated, very exciting!
Infant I: The class has changed significantly as three children have moved up to Infant II. But have no fear, we still see our friends right through the window. Many of the smaller children are working on rolling over on their tummies. And the class enjoyed a lot of one on one time this week spent with both books and blocks.
Infant II: One of our STARS goals is to improve hand washing! Beginning on Monday, we ask that ALL parents bring their child into the bathroom so they can wash their hands before entering the classroom. This is a requirement at drop off time. Thank you! The big news of the week is that we had three children sleeping on cots for the first time, and they did GREAT! Outdoors we practiced walking like polar bears and penguins.
Toddler I: Three new children in the classroom meant lots of learning about new routines! The new children really enjoyed their first go at morning yoga. We also had a birthday in the class this week and have been trying out some new puzzles.
Toddler II: Toddler II also had birthday this week and everyone really enjoyed singing "Happy Birthday" over and over again! At the beginning of the week there was water in the sensory table, and at the week's end the table was filled with sand. This was an exciting change and a big hit. A note for new families: Please send toothbrushes and toothpaste. And, don't forget to send fruit on Fridays! Thanks!
Pre-K: We're really looking forward to next week as we will begin studying a new author, Jan Brett. We will be making connections to winter, hibernation and bears. We will also be reading Brett's version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and comparing it to other versions of the same tale.
As Seen at MVS
Stay warm out there! -Sam