Good afternoon!

I wanted to thank all the families that attended the SJA IB Information Night this past Tuesday.  It was nice to see so many parents with an interest and connection to their children's education.

The night started with a power point presentation with an overall summary of the IB PYP (Primary Youth Program) and the way it is run at SJA.  We then had an opportunity to have a question  and answer period with parents to help wrap up any outstanding questions.

Here are a few of the main topics that were brought up in the question and answer period:

What are the different programs IB offers?

There are three different programs that are part of the IB program.  These 3 programs operate in a continuum with one program directly linking to the next.
The Primary Youth Program focuses on children aged 3 through 12.  This is the program of which we are in the final candidacy stage at SJA.  This program focuses on whole-child education, with a focus on inquiry in the classroom and the outside world (ibo.org).
The Middle Years Program (MYP) is based on children aged 11 - 16. With the Diploma Program being designed for students aged 16 through 19.  SJA is currently in the candidacy stage for the PYP program only.

What does action mean in the world of IB?

The PYP program is very concerned with action.  It is a way for children to demonstrate that the learning they have been doing in their classroom and around the school is meaningful to them, and significant in their lives outside of the school.  When a child is involved in an IB unit about living things, and at your trip to the park they pick out a number a living things to show you- this is learning in action!  They have taken the concepts they have explored in the classroom, and used them to make decisions and interpretations in the world.  As students develop in the program, their actions will become larger and more significant.  Students involved in a unit about homelessness might start encouraging their families to contribute to a food drive, or may volunteer at a homeless shelter.  This is how education helps make a difference in the community.  This is why student led action is so crucial to the IB program.

How can a parent help their child reach their educational goals at home?

You are already doing it!  By staying up to date on IB topics and information, you are helping your child by being aware of what is going on in their school.  My blog, our monthly newsletter and your child's classroom teacher's blog are all ways that you can be aware of what is going on with the IB program at SJA.
Keep up to date about what is happening in your child's classroom.  Watch your child for evidence of action at home.  This shows that the learning they are doing in their classroom is real and significant to their outside world.  Encourage them to continue learning at home and in the outside world!

If you have examples of your child putting their learning into action, please send me an email at cnelson@stjudesacademy.com so that they can be nominated for the IB Action Star for the month of January.

Also please let me know if you have any other questions I may help answer.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Nelson

Good evening!

I am very much looking forward to tomorrow night when I am going to get a chance to meet with SJA parents from all grade levels about the IB program at SJA.  I understand how the IB program may need further explanation when first presented with the terms, units and other fundamental pieces of the program.  I want to be sure that any questions you might have about the program as a whole, and the journey your child will be going on while undertaking the IB program at SJA are fully answered.

Our monthly newsletter, my weekly blog updates and your child's classroom teacher are all great sources of information about the PYP.  But I also wanted to create an opportunity for parents to come together to chat, ask questions and discuss topics pertaining to IB that are important to them. 

Tomorrow night at 7pm we are having just that opportunity with our IB Information Session.  If you are interested in attending the event, please send me an email to cnelson@stjudesacademy.com.  I hope to see you all there tomorrow night!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson