by Mistral Dodson | Jan 5, 2024 | Blog, Leadership, Social Emotional Learning
Working with students of different ages contributes significantly to a child’s social-emotional growth in various ways. We notice these benefits daily at our school:
- **Peer Relationships:** When students of different ages interact, kids develop relationships with peers who may have diverse perspectives, experiences, and interests. They learn to navigate various social dynamics and build a broader network of friends.
- **Empathy and Understanding:** A mixed-age environment promotes empathy as children learn to understand and appreciate the differences in age, abilities, and backgrounds. They develop a more nuanced understanding of others, fostering compassion and tolerance.
- **Mentorship and Role Modeling:** Older students serve as mentors and positive role models for younger ones. Younger children inadvertently teach patience, communication, and problem-solving skills to old students. We see a sense of responsibility and leadership in the older students as they model behavior, skills, and attitudes toward learning.
- **Social Skills Development:** Interacting with peers of various ages teaches them how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with individuals of different age groups, preparing them for a variety of social situations in the future.
- **Adaptability and Flexibility:** In a mixed-age setting, children encounter different communication styles, learning paces, and social expectations. This helps them become more adaptable and flexible, as they learn to navigate diverse social environments.
- **Increased Confidence:** Younger children feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence when they are able to engage with older peers successfully. Older children, in turn, gain confidence and self-esteem by taking on leadership roles and providing support to younger students.
- **Social Problem-Solving:** A classroom of mixed-aged students exposes kids to a range of social situations and conflicts. This allows them to develop problem-solving skills and learn to navigate social challenges independently or with minimal guidance from adults.
- **Community Building:** A mixed-age environment fosters a sense of community and belonging. Kids learn to appreciate the strengths and contributions of each member, creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
We invite you to step through our doors and become immersed in an interactive and engaging large, open space filled with a rich array of opportunities for authentic learning for Kindergarten through 8th grade.
by Mistral Dodson | Jan 5, 2024 | Blog
🍎✨ Welcome back to school! It’s 2024, and we’re in our intensive reading block. 📚
Students, already committed readers both in and out of school, have just started the annual six-week Readathon! 🚀 Pages are devoured, sponsor letters are written, beautiful notecards are drawn and students diligently log and make predictions on the number of pages they will read.
Our main goal is to amplify each student’s reading fluency. To us, fluency means reading with speed, precision, and an understanding of proper expression. This boosts comprehension and enriches their overall reading experience, be it aloud or silently.
Like every subject we tackle, our curriculum embraces an interdisciplinary approach. Beyond fostering literacy skills, it’s a gateway into computational math. Students excitedly tally up their pages, calculate class and school-wide totals using place value, explore averages, and dive into measures of central tendency—tailoring their learning to their individual capacities.
By blending knowledge from multiple disciplines, we equip our students with versatile skills applicable to real-life scenarios, fostering a comprehensive learning experience. Students write exciting and engaging sponsorship letters to family and friends. They send them inside a card decorated with colorful artwork.
The Readathon is not just about cultivating a love for reading; students are raising money for meaningful school excursions and projects and our EarlyAct Club (sponsoring local and global charities) all of which the students have some say within.
Last January we read 82,137 pages…can we beat that?
Stay tuned on our social media platforms (Facebook & Instagram) for updates on the number of pages we are collectively reading each week! 🌟📖
by Mistral Dodson | Nov 22, 2023 | Blog
As Thanksgiving approaches, the Phoenix School comes alive with the delicious aroma of collaboration and the spirit of gratitude. At Phoenix, the week leading up to Thanksgiving is marked by a unique tradition that involves students from kindergarten to eighth grade coming together in multi-age teams to prepare a Thanksgiving Feast. This culinary adventure not only teaches valuable life skills but also strengthens the sense of connection within the school community. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Phoenix School transforms cooking into a meaningful learning experience that goes beyond the kitchen.
Cooking Across Generations: The Thanksgiving week at Phoenix is a celebration of connections—connections between students, alumni, teachers, and friends. The collaborative cooking experience fosters a sense of family within the school, bridging the gap between current students and those who came before them. The annual Thanksgiving Feast becomes a shared experience that unites different generations, creating lasting memories and traditions.
Learning Beyond the Recipe: Cooking, as it turns out, is more than just a culinary skill. Phoenix students delve into the sciences, mathematics, discovery, taste, and textures while preparing the Thanksgiving Feast. From mastering fractions in action to observing the physical changes of cranberries during sauce-making, students engage in a hands-on exploration of various subjects. The kitchen becomes a classroom where real-life learning happens, instilling practical skills that extend far beyond the school years.
Team Building and Leadership: The multi-age teams in the classroom kitchen are a microcosm of the collaborative nature of the Phoenix community. Older students take on leadership roles, guiding and sharing their knowledge with their younger peers. This dynamic not only teaches valuable team-building skills but also instills a sense of responsibility and mentorship among the students. Younger participants actively contribute to the cooking process, learning how to measure, cut, and cook under the guidance of their older counterparts.
Dining Etiquette and Gratitude: The culmination of the cooking extravaganza is the Thanksgiving Feast, where students gather around one long table to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Beyond the delicious food, this event provides an opportunity for students to learn dining etiquette in a kid-friendly setting. The feast becomes a moment for reflection, gratitude, and sharing of family traditions. Students express thanks for everything from family support to global events, fostering a sense of mindfulness and awareness.
Giving Back to the Community: Phoenix School’s commitment to community extends beyond its walls. In the spirit of giving, students donate extra food to Lifebridge, a local shelter. This act of kindness is a testament to the school’s ethos of instilling values of compassion, empathy, and community service from a young age. As active members of the EarlyAct Club of the Salem Rotary Club, Phoenix students understand that giving takes various forms, all aimed at creating a better future.
At Phoenix School, Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it’s a week-long celebration of learning, connection, and gratitude. The Thanksgiving Feast brings together students of all ages, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and skills that will last a lifetime. As the Phoenix School community gathers around the table, they not only savor the flavors of a delicious meal but also the richness of a collaborative, caring, and giving community. Wishing everyone a safe and grateful long weekend from the Phoenix School Team!
by Mistral Dodson | Oct 27, 2023 | Blog
Private schools have long been known for offering exceptional educational experiences. They provide individualized attention, innovative curriculum, and unique opportunities that can significantly impact a student’s growth and development. However, maintaining the high standards and diverse programs that make us stand out often requires significant financial resources. This is where fundraising plays a pivotal role for The Phoenix School. In this blog, we will explore why our school needs to fundraise to support our programs, with a particular focus on the importance of funding financial aid initiatives.
- Financial Aid for Inclusivity:
One of the core values of our school is creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Financial aid programs are essential in achieving this goal. Our program allows students from various socio-economic backgrounds to access a high-quality education that may otherwise be financially out of reach. Fundraising helps us bridge the gap and ensures that deserving students have the opportunity to thrive within our school’s enriching community.
- Enhancing Academic Excellence:
We are known for our commitment to academic excellence. We provide students with a well-rounded & holistic education that goes well beyond standardized testing. This includes investments in specialized faculty, innovative teaching methods, and resources that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking. Our fundraising efforts directly contribute to the enhancement of these academic programs, ensuring that students receive the best education possible.
- Enrichment Beyond the Classroom:
We offer a wide range of hands-on, minds-on activities, including arts, sports, and cultural experiences. These opportunities help our students develop into well-rounded individuals with diverse talents and interests. Fundraising supports these enrichment programs, allowing students to explore and excel in areas outside of traditional academics.
- Maintaining Competitive Advantage:
To stay competitive in the educational landscape, we need to continuously adapt and innovate. Fundraising enables us to invest in cutting-edge technology and professional development for faculty. This not only attracts our top-tier educators but also ensures that students are prepared for the challenges of the future.
- Preserving Independence:
We value our independence, which allows us to continue to develop unique educational philosophies and curricula. Fundraising helps us maintain our autonomy and financial stability, ensuring that we can continue to deliver an exceptional educational experience free from external pressures.
Fundraising is not just a means of financial support for us; it is a lifeline that allows us to fulfill our mission of providing exceptional education, fostering inclusivity, and preparing students for success. By investing in The Phoenix School, you are supporting us to continue to offer transformative experiences that shape the lives of our students and contribute positively to the communities they serve.
by Mistral Dodson | Oct 13, 2023 | Blog, Leadership, Social Emotional Learning
Leadership Week gives us unique educational and developmental opportunities that go beyond traditional academics. Here are just a few reasons why we chose to host Leadership Week at the beginning of our school year!
- Character Development: Leadership Week is our platform to instill values such as integrity, responsibility, and empathy. It offers opportunities for our students to practice leadership in various situations and make ethical decisions.
- Leadership Skill Development: We nurture leadership skills in our students, as these skills are valuable not only in academic settings but also in real-world situations. Our Leadership Week includes activities that focus on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Community Building: This helps us build a sense of community and unity among our students. It fosters relationships and camaraderie, which leads to a more positive school culture.
- Preparing for the Future: Leadership skills are essential for student success in the future. We provide students with a well-rounded education that equips them with the skills and confidence to excel in both academic and non-academic endeavors.
- Empowerment: Our Leadership Week empowers our students to take initiative, be self-motivated, and become agents of positive change in our school and, later, in their communities.
- Confidence Building: Engaging in leadership activities boosts students’ self-confidence, encouraging them to take on challenges and explore their potential in a safe and supportive environment.
- Problem Solving: Leadership often involves addressing complex issues and making decisions. Leadership Week teaches our students how to analyze problems, develop solutions, and make informed choices.
- Life Skills: Leadership skills, including communication, critical thinking, and decision-making, are valuable life skills that extend beyond school and into adulthood.
- Fostering Innovation: Encouraging leadership inspires our students to think creatively, generate new ideas, and innovate in various aspects of their lives.
- Personal Growth: Leadership activities can be an avenue for personal growth and self-discovery. They encourage students to identify their strengths and areas for improvement.
Phoenix offers a well-rounded education that not only focuses on academic excellence but also on nurturing responsible, compassionate, and confident individuals who are ready to face the challenges of the future.
