A Year of Exploration and Achievement
Hello, Philomath community! It seems like the 2023–24 school year just started, but we’ve already reached the end of our final academic quarter! That means it’s time for two last essential parts of the learning process: 1. reflecting on what we’ve achieved in our studies over the last year, and 2. having a nice, long rest! 😄🏖🌴
Here are some of the achievements our students can be proud of from the last ten months:
In ELA our Lower School class developed and refined their essential reading and writing skills through authentic learning activities. They shared their prior knowledge through informational and opinion writing, crafted and revised complete narratives through genres including comics and kamishibai, and learned about their family history by conducting and sharing an interview about a family photo. Meanwhile, ELA Independent Study students attempted some in-depth literary analysis by reading and comparing two novels of their choice this spring, building on their previous puppet theater adaptations of grade-level works and their advanced application of persuasive and informative writing structures.
Our Social Studies units in the first and third quarters focused on a wide range of digital and interactive activities to learn and share about different world cultures. We also dug into U.S. history with a particular focus on the struggles and celebrations associated with important figures in African-American history.
In Math the Lower School students practiced and developed their skills in adding and subtracting with regrouping, measuring in different units (even metric!), partitioning shapes to form fractions, telling time precisely, drafting statistical questions and surveys to collect data for tables and graphs, solving real world problems, and classifying shapes. Our Math Independent Study students are working above grade level and have just been introduced to algebraic concepts and variable equations.
Our Science units in the second and final quarters focused first on space exploration and experimentation and then moved a little closer to home as the students studied biodiversity, genetic variation, and environmental conservation. As we wrap up the quarter, they have designed action plans in an effort to inform and enact big changes.
As a reminder, there will be no classes or tutoring on Monday, May 27th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Our last day of the Lower School program for the year will be on Friday, May 31st. After that, it’s time for a couple of months of rest and relaxation! Some of the most valuable things a child can learn happen outside the classroom, experiencing new things and engaging in free exploration and play, and we hope you can make the most of the opportunity this summer presents for learning and fun. Limited tutoring options will be available this summer for review, extensions, or fun extracurricular subjects, so be sure to reach out if you’re looking to minimize learning loss over the next few months.
The 2024–25 Philomath Microschool virtual school year will begin in early August. The exact nature of our classes will depend on enrollment, but we’re hoping to return to our previous schedule of three 50-minute classes per day. Further details about the next school year will be coming out in late June. For now, though, the enrollment deadline for the 2024–25 school year is June 15th, so if you haven’t already reached out confirming your child’s participation in our program, make sure you do so before that deadline! We’ll be making our plans based on the number and level of students who have enrolled, and contacting us ASAP will help make sure we can accommodate your family’s schedule and preferences to the best of our ability.
We’ve said this all year long, but it absolutely bears repeating: this online learning community only happens because of the effort and dedication of all of its members, including students, parents, and teachers. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything you’ve done to help make this school year happen. See you in the fall!
