Congratulations to Rosita and her husband  on the birth of their lovely baby boy, Robin. Mother and baby are doing very well.

Assessment at ISY in a Virtual Learning Context

All assessment practices at ISY are designed to provide a fair and accurate picture of a student’s achievement and progress in relation to the ISY curriculum standards. 

In a virtual learning context, insofar as it is practical, teaching and learning will cover the same content and skills as in a traditional face-to-face classroom setting. However, the unique methodology and challenges of online teaching and learning requires a unique approach to assessment. 

Assessment at ISY in a virtual learning context will be: 

• Fair to students, 
• Strive to develop an accurate picture of what a student is capable of in relation to ISY curriculum standards,
• Compassionate to students and acknowledge the unique challenges that each student faces in a virtual learning context.

It is important for teachers to assess student work and to provide feedback to students so they continue to grow academically. However, ISY teachers acknowledge the fact that teaching and learning virtually might not allow for the development of a fair and accurate picture of what a student is really capable of. ISY teachers are also very aware that circumstances beyond the control of the students may mean that students cannot always complete work to the best of their abilities. 

In assigning final grades to students, ISY teachers will show compassion to students. This means that teachers will consider past academic performance to assign grades. This permits grades to better reflect what a student’s current academic performance would be in a traditional face-to-face classroom setting. In assigning final grades, ISY teachers will also take into account any other circumstance beyond the control of the students that will adversely affect academic performance. 

COUNSELOR’S CORNER

Play is Important for All Ages

Many of us know and understand the importance of play for children.  We know that children learn through play, therefore we expect and encourage them to expel their energy while exploring their worlds.  Conversely, many adults minimize the importance of play in their own lives or put play off for “more important” activities.  With the campus closure, many families have had to balance work and family.  I know I have had moments when I have been torn between playing a “frivolous game” with my children or completing my work, chores or daily tasks.  So I thought it might be good to remind us all why it’s important for adults to play as much as children.  

Studies have shown that the following benefits play has for adults:

• Improves our relationships: Playing helps build trust and develops communications. When we play we open ourselves up emotionally, laugh and show our vulnerable side.  These qualities invite our play partners to build bonds with you, better enabling positive regard in difficult situations.

• Make us smarter:  Having fun can improve memory and concentration.  Fun activities can expose us to new ideas and can allow us to develop risk taking skills.

• Reduce stress:  This may seem obvious but studies have shown that laughter and the simple act of smiling can increase feelings of happiness, reducing stress.

• Provide youthful energy:  Fun activities can trigger hormones within the body that combat the hormones that are increased when under stress, causing a better balance. Thus boosting vitality. 

• Build Bonds with our Children: Perhaps the most important benefit.  Play allows us to teach, challenge, provide safe risks, demonstrate failure, model social skills and many other character building attributes for our children. 

George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing.”  I challenge you to play.

Patty Amundson-Geisel

Elementary Counselor

See some pictures below from this Wednesday’s Kelso Choices activity.

Virtual Learning

Below you can see some of the pictures from our Global Citizens, Virtual Wednesday.

Blogs
Secondary School
Elementary School
Athletics & Community Education
Service Learning
Global