From the Lower School...

SHANNON FOREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER 26th, 2008

How much homework help should I give my child? If you have ever asked that question, let me offer a few guidelines. Most homework is designed for repetitive practice. Math and Spelling are key examples of this concept. This practice helps a child to master or “over-learn” concepts and facts. The process of repetition is what helps to cement information into a child’s base of knowledge. You can help by drilling Math fl ash cards or by allowing the child to spell for you orally and/or in writing. Let them work through the Math problems, offering support if necessary. Projects and reports are often assigned as homework. Remember that “Process over Product” is the key. Every assignment has an educational objective. The process of researching, writing, editing, etc. has lasting benefi ts, while the product is the result of that process. In the long run, the benefi t is in the process, not in the fi nished product. Be sensitive to that as you provide help to your child. Too much intervention denies them the opportunity to reap the benefi t of the process. They may need some guidance and direction from you, but should complete projects on their own. Intervening too heavily negates the objective. I hope this provides some guidelines on how much is too much.

Lower School Parent / Principal Coffee

Please join me for a Parent / Principal Coffee for Lower School parents (Grades PK3 – 4th). We will meet on Friday, October 3, at 8:15 a.m. in the SFPC Coffee Room. It is located in the Early Childhood Building, just past the Church Offi ce on your left. This is an informal time for us to get to know each other better and talk about Shannon Forest Christian School. I will share upcoming events and answer school related questions. It is not the time for concerns about specifi c students or classrooms, but ones that relate specifi cally to the Lower School. Topics to be discussed include but are not limited to:

• Book Fair
• Character Day
• Book Fair Family Night
• Grandparent's Day
• Fall Family Fellowship
• Parent/Teacher Conference Day

Thank you for allowing us to serve your precious children.

Mrs. Gasque’s K5 Class Wraps Up A Patriotic Week!

The Kindergarten class of Mrs. Gasque recently spent a patriotic week learning about United States symbols and maps. Students also learned the many facts about our country’s fl ag, including how many stars and stripes are featured as well as facts about the President. “I was very impressed by the number of students who knew, or recognized, the names of the two presidential candidates,” said Mrs. Gasque. “A few of our friends even knew who they were going to vote for!” The class also learned about making maps, followed a playground map to fi nd a “prize box” and made edible maps during snack time!

KT & K5 Classes To Visit The Popular Roper Mountain Science Center

The Shannon Forest Christian School Transitional Kindergarten and K5 classes will travel to the Roper Mountain Science Center for a lesson on the fi ve senses. Students will also learn about dental health and the body system. The trip is scheduled for Thursday, October 9.

SFCS Lower School Book Fair Promotes Generations Of Reading!

The Shannon Forest Christian School (SFCS) Lower School Book Fair is scheduled from Tuesday, October 14, from Friday, October 17. The theme for this annual event is Books Can Last Generations! • Family Night will kick off the week of activities on Tuesday, October 14, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. SFCS veteran teacher Mary Reinink will speak to families about the joy of reading. Reinink will also read aloud the classic story Corduroy – currently celebrating its 40th year in print. Appropriate, in that SFCS is celebrating its 40th year of service in education! Families attending this evening will have the opportunity to win a $25 gift certifi cate for the Book Fair. • Celebrity Spotlight Readers will be featured throughout the week. Currently the following readers are scheduled: PK4 – Mrs. Nahring’s class will hear from Anita Pacylowski-Justo from the Carolina Ballet on Wednesday, October 15. KT – Mrs. Patterson’s class will hear from Keisha Kirkland/WYFF 4 Weather and Levon Kirkland former Pittsburgh Steeler on Tuesday, October 14. The 2nd Grade class of Mrs. Stines will hear from Enrique Cruz, US Air Force on Tuesday, October 14. The 3rd Grade class of Mrs. McCanless will hear from former SFCS graduate Sara Margaret Fleming on a day to be announced. The 4th Grade class of Mrs. Sowles will hear from Dale Gilbert/WYFF 4 Weather on Thursday, October 16. • Character Day will be held on Thursday, October 16. This will be a fun day for students and teachers to dress up as their favorite book character. A showcase of costumes will take place in the Early Childhood classes from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and in the Lower School classes from 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. We do ask that all students follow the costume guidelines: • Please refrain from characters that are scary, represent the occult or unscriptural characteristics (i.e. Wicked Witch of the West, Harry Potter, Captain Underpants, etc…) • Please encourage those characters that are wholesome and represent Christ like values (i.e. Laura Ingalls, Little Bear, Nancy Drew, Encyclopedia Brown etc…) • Grandparents’ Day is Friday, October 17! The Book Fair will be open all morning to shop for your favorite stories.

Lower School Grandparents’ Day/40th Celebration Schedule Of Events

Shannon Forest Christian School (SFCS) has prepared a wonderful reception to honor our Lower School Grandparents. This event will be held in the Lower School Cafeteria. After the reception, our special guests will enjoy varied programs at the times scheduled below. Students may be dismissed with their grandparents if parent permission is sent to release them. Should you need assistance, a student volunteer will be happy to answer your questions. They will be easily identified by their Shannon Forest attire. These students are SFCS Key Club members.

Schedule of Events

Locations

Reception: Lower School Cafeteria

Programs: Church Sanctuary

Book Fair: Rooms 103 A & B in 300 Building of the Lower School Campus 40th

Celebration: Lower School Campus/Courtyard.

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