Dear Parents and Caregivers,
November always reminds me how much there is to be grateful for in our school community. At the top of that list is being part of a place where ideas become experiences that elevate student voices. The Learning Showcase was one of those moments, brought to life through the creativity of our teachers and the confidence of our students. I am incredibly proud of our students. They didn’t just present what they learned; they showed what true engagement looks like: curiosity, connection, and purpose. We see this every day in our ECLS classrooms, and we also measure it intentionally across divisions to better understand how students feel about their learning. Those indicators remain strong, and the Learning Showcase offered a joyful, real-world window into what engaged learning looks like at every age. Whether it was a three-year-old sharing their learning about the farm, second graders educating us on recycling, a middle schooler showing how they used data to find the best place to score on the soccer field, or two seniors explaining the impact of war on a region and the world, our students embraced meaningful challenges with a high level of support.
If your child did not participate in this Learning Showcase, there will be more opportunities in the years ahead. These events will continue to highlight student learning across divisions, and every child will have a chance to share and shine. We are also so appreciative of the many families who came out to learn from students of all ages, from Little Jags through 12th grade.
Max McGrath, Tara Reed, Dianna Webster, and Katie Nowack's second graders led a hands-on exercise to teach others about recycling at the Learning Showcase. This was after they gained their knowledge from a field trip to SWACO.
Learning Highlights for the Month
We are finding our rhythm in the classrooms as students dive deeper into their learning.
- In first grade math, students explored place value and learned to compare and order numbers in small groups with just the right level of challenge and support. By fourth grade, students extended those same concepts to multiplying multi-digit numbers into the hundred-thousands, applying reasoning built in earlier grades as they studied factors, multiples, and prime and composite numbers. A strong foundation in the early years clearly led to more sophisticated problem-solving and growing confidence.
- In language and writing, growth was just as evident. Prekindergarten students strengthened their pencil grip and learned the correct strokes for each letter through the Handwriting Without Tears program. Our second graders built on that foundation by adding prefixes and suffixes to base words, expanding vocabulary and understanding of how language works in their Fundations work. In fourth grade, students applied those skills as writers, drafting and revising original plays that will be voted on to be performed in the new year.
- Our fourth grade leaders met with Ms. McLaren to reflect on what it means to Be Ambitious, one of our core Wellington values. Together, they discussed setting goals, taking on challenges, and continuing to grow as learners and leaders.
This conversation was part of Cookies with Ms. McLaren, where Ms. McLaren meets with our fourth grade leaders to explore Wellington’s core values in depth. Similar conversations also happen with our eighth grade and senior leaders, giving students across all divisions the chance to reflect on leadership and what it means to live our values at Wellington.
Mark Your Calendars
EC Pancake Breakfast: Friday, November 14
The Wellington Fund Day of Giving: Tuesday, November 18
LS Pancake Breakfast: Friday, November 21
No School / Thanksgiving Break: November 24–28
First Grade Preview (for current Kindergarten families): Wednesday, December 10
Day of Joy: Friday, December 19
EC (Little Jags, Prekindergarten, Kindergarten) Parties at 10 a.m.
Lower School (Grades 1–4) Parties at 2 p.m.
ECLS Community Sing at 2:30 p.m. in the Gard Gym: all families are invited to join us as we sing our way into winter break
Winter Break: December 22–January 2
Classes Resume: January 5
As we look ahead, I am also grateful for the many ways our community comes together to strengthen our work. On Tuesday, November 18, we will celebrate The Wellington Fund Day of Giving, a day that reflects the care, commitment, and generosity that make our students' growth possible.
Best,
Shelley Brown
Head of ECLS
Assistant Head of School for Academics