Lower School Principal Newsletter 10-6-2020

October 5, 2020

Dear Parents,

My daughter turned 16 this past June, and I did what I do every year on her birthday. I pulled out her baby book that chronicles her growth over the first year of her life, and I reminisced at the various stages of her development through pictures and milestones. I recall when she was 11 months old being stressed out that she couldn’t walk yet. A colleague at school told me not to worry because she was quite sure that Sarah would walk down the aisle at her wedding. I laughed realizing that I wanted her to accomplish walking on my timeline. Today, we completed a driving lesson in which we were working on parking between the lines. She isn’t there yet, but she is closer than the last time.

Children and adults alike are on a journey of growth – the place between not yet and accomplishment. In some cases, the goal is one of achievement that can be crossed off a list like parking between two white lines. In other cases, it is a perpetual journey of growth like learning more about who Christ is through the reading of scripture and prayer. In both, the journey requires action and commitment. In the classroom, children too easily comment that they aren’t good at this or that or make sweeping statements that they will never be able to achieve something. The adults in their lives need to help them realize the power of ‘yet.’ They can’t write in cursive yet. They can’t figure out how to do long division yet. They can’t do a push-up, or draw a flower, or play an instrument yet.

I had the pleasure of listening to Jessica Bassett, our Lower School science lab teacher, share with faculty members about growth mindset versus fixed mindset this past Wednesday morning. She shared that a fixed mindset avoids challenges, ignores feedback, and gives up easily while a growth mindset realizes that effort improves performance, embraces challenge, and learns from feedback. A growth mindset recognizes the process of learning. Teachers know that learning happens over time and that children gain confidence through practice, feedback, and the belief that their effort matters. With conferences next week, the focus can be on the grade achieved or on the child’s journey of learning. Over the years, I often hear parents proclaim that they weren’t very good at math or writing. While this may have been true, it does not mean that their child can’t be successful in those areas; it just means that they aren’t there yet. With encouragement from the adults in their life, children are more likely to lean into hard things. Practicing a growth mindset at school and at home helps children realize that none of us arrive at perfection. Instead, we work toward improvement with practice and through seeking and using feedback.

Whether teaching my daughter to drive or growing in my walk with the Lord, my mindset matters. In Philippians 1:6, we are reminded that God isn’t finished with us yet. “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” How can we help our children – and ourselves – see our learning as a journey? Let’s begin with, “I can’t do it yet!”

In Him,

Maryellen

Speech-Language Screenings
Whitefield Academy is offering speech-language screenings by licensed speech therapist, Samantha Tucker, M.A., CCC- SLP. Permission slips are coming home on Thursday for all students PreK-2nd grade. If you would like for your child to participate in the screening, complete the requested information and return the sheet to your classroom teacher by Friday, October 16. The screenings will be held on campus Thursday, October 22. If your child is in 3rd or 4th grades and you would like to have him or her screened, or for general questions, please contact Eden Gulledge at 678-305-3048 or by email.

Jeans Day
On Friday, October 30, students and staff may wear a Whitefield t-shirt and jeans to school. Jeans should not have holes or rips.

Save the Date!
Mothers and sons, you won't want to miss out on this at-home scavenger hunt experience with a mystery twist. On Saturday, November 7, you're invited to find the clues, solve the mystery, and return the stolen goods back to the rightful owner. Dinner and dessert plans are built-in to this playful and socially distanced version of our annual event. Registration information will come home in next week's Thursday folders as well as in the WolfPack Weekly.

I Love to Read Books
Lynn Handley has arranged with the bookstore Little Shop of Stories for families to purchase one or more of the books being featured this year for I Love to Read Week. The link will be on your child’s Google Classroom page. Through October, mention Whitefield Academy in the comments and we will get 20% of the sales.

Spirit Week
Lower School students join the fun during Homecoming week (November 2-6) by wearing an outfit every day that coordinates with the theme for the day. If your child wishes not to participate, they may wear their uniform instead.

10-8-20 Registration ends for After School Programs, 3 p.m.
10-12-20 No school - fall break
10-13-20 No school - fall break
10-14-20 Lower School Conference Day
10-15-20 All Lower School students in Brostrand Hall
10-22-20 Optional Speech-Language Screenings
10-29-20 Yearbook photo re-takes
10-30-20 Jeans Day
11-2-20 Spirit Week (through 11-6-2020)
11-7-20 Mother-Son Scavenger Hunt

Ten Thousand Reasons Grant
Calling all Whitefield students in grades 1-12! You can request grand funds for a charity your family serves. Through the Ten thousand Reasons (TTR) grant application program, Whitefield students have secured over $315,000 in life-changing grant funds to impact the lives of others in need. Click here to see the ‘how-to’ video, then submit the Student Participation Pledge online through the website no later than October 30. Grant applications are due February 1, 2021. The entire community is invited to empower children to change the world. Email questions to Erin Glover.

Night of Worship
Join us for a Night of Worship on Thursday, November 5 from 7-8 p.m. in the WolfPack Stadium. This night is a time for our community to be united for worship, to be poured into, and to be reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness in a safely distanced outdoor environment. The North Point worship band and alumna Hannah Rae Faulk (’12) will be leading us in a variety of worship from hymns to contemporary music. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be offered in a variety of seating options to best suit your family. Click here to reserve your space today!

2020 Whitefield Fund
The Whitefield Fund for 2020 is in full swing and we are asking for your participation. EVERY gift is important and helps us get to our goal of 100% participation. Even though the way we gather as a community looks different and many of the activities that our students and families enjoy will look different as well, school and student life opportunities are going strong! We are family and your support of the Whitefield Fund is important in continuing to provide those things we love. You will be hearing from your Grade Representatives this week – please help them out and participate today. Who will be first to reach 100%?
EVERY gift. EVERY family. EVERY year. Makes a Difference!