November Peirce Family Newsletter

Greetings Peirce Families,
This school year our we have two major milestones in our work within the IB Program. Our Primary Years Program is going through the final stages of the authorization process - our application has been submitted and we will have a site visit in the Spring - we expect to be fully authorized in the Primary Years Program before the 2017-2018 school year. Our Middle Years Program is undergoing the self-evaluation process - this is a self study process designed to evaluate our progress in implementing the MYP and develop an action plan for growth. 

This year, alongside of our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) we are hosting a series of parent workshops and IB Behind the scenes tours as an opportunity to engage our parent community in understanding the IB Program and our students experience(s) in IB along with how to support children at home. Our first round of workshops will focus on PK-5th grades, with each meeting having a classroom visit for parents alongside of information on IB and an action plan to support learning at home. Please note the following dates & times:

Pre-K - November 16th, 8:00 - 9:15am (AM Group), 12:30 - 1:45pm (PM Group)
Kindergarten - TBA
1st Grade - November 7th, 9:15 - 10:45am
2nd Grade - November 17th, 12:30 - 1:45pm
3rd Grade - November 3rd, 8:30 - 9:45am
4th Grade - December 5th, 8:15 - 9:30am
5th Grade - November 1st, 1:45 - 3:00pm

The month of October was a busy one, below are a few of the highlights:

• Peirce School is now Level 1+, we achieved the highest rating on the CPS rating policy. We made significant growth in Reading & Math and are excited to continue that growth throughout this school year. Be sure to congratulate your child’s classroom teacher on their hard work in supporting each of our students.
• Our 6th-8th grade students participated in a high school fair at Senn High School - I encourage all Peirce families to consider Senn as a school of choice after graduating from Peirce - Senn has both an exemplary Fine & Performing Arts Program along with an MYP and Diploma IB Program - all of which develop students to be college ready.
• 10 students on our cross country team advanced to the City Finals - Congratulations! Our Flag Football, Soccer & Girls Volleyball teams are wrapping up their seasons with playoffs in sight for a few teams.
• Our Middle School Debate team began participation in the citywide debate league, good luck to our students as they continue to grow and develop while also advancing into a higher competition category! 
• We hosted a series of parent meetings ranging from informational sessions on our Behavioral Health Team & Restorative Approaches to discipline along with Coffee with the Principal - we will continue with parent education around IB & Restorative Approaches to Discipline throughout the year, sponsored by the Parent Advisory Council.
• After School All Stars began with over 500 students enrolled in programs Monday-Friday!
• Literacy Night was a huge success as Peirce Families engaged in a series of activities related to literacy - thank you to all of the parents and teachers who made this event possible. 
• Thank you to our Garden Volunteers who helped with our final harvest and putting the garden to rest for the winter.
• Our 4th grade students began their work with Barrel of Monkeys - their arts partner for this school year - this project will run through December with a final performance in January.
• For the first time, 7th & 8th grade students have been invited to attend a trip to Washington DC - our goal is to offer this trip every year - rotating locations between New York & DC. Students will begin fundraising shortly - be on the lookout for more information. If you are interested in making a cash donation to support the students fundraising please write a check to Peirce School with “Washington DC” in the memo line.
  
  

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