Longo in da Hood
Welcome to LGMS and to Grade 6! We am looking forward to getting to know you and your child in the coming months. Good communication between parent, teacher and student is very important for your child’s overall growth and success and with that, please ensure that you are checking and signing/initialing your child’s agenda each evening. The agenda is a great place to communicate any upcoming events, appointments, or any other information you feel I might need to be aware of.
A Little Bit About Mme. Hood
After a short stint in North Vancouver, I started my full time teaching career in 1993, right here in Canmore. Initially I was a French Immersion teacher but transitioned into working in the English program about 6 years ago, hence the Mme instead of Mrs. I really love teaching and hope that I can help inspire your child to love learning too. My main goal in Grade 6 is to help your child learn to embrace their unique learning style and to be an excellent self advocate in their educational journey.
A Little Bit About Mr. Longobardi
This is my fourth year teaching, but my first year here at LGMS. My previous three years of teaching were in Calgary, at a school focused on helping students with learning differences. I strive to make the classroom a safe and caring space, where all students can feel included and comfortable taking risks and exploring new concepts! My goal is that your child will become their best self in the 10 months we have together and to be engaged in their learning.
My wife, Megan and I have recently moved to Canmore, and we are so thrilled to be a part of this wonderful town! Together, we love the outdoors, especially mountain biking, rock climbing and skiing. We have a new puppy named Lucy that we are excited to take on our future mountain adventures.
About Homework
It is recommended that learners at this age read for 20 minutes each evening. For some this is an easy task. For others, it is more challenging. Try to encourage reluctant readers by modeling reading, spending time together reading and sharing stories and by asking open ended questions about what your child is reading. The link below is an interesting read about the importance of reading and brain connectivity.
Ultimately, any reading is good reading. If you have a reluctant reader at home, try encouraging them to read magazine articles, websites, comic books etc... that may be more in line with their interests, until reading for pleasure becomes one of their hobbies.
Homework that is assigned will only consist of work that hasn’t been completed during the school day. Learners at this age need time after school for unstructured free play, time together as a family and to be active and creative in their other interests.
The foundation of our work together is based on a growth mindset. Your child will be learning about this in health. Based on Brain research Growth Mindset challenges your child to view obstacles in a new way. Rather than feeling upset that they encounter obstacles, your child will be learning to embrace problems as ways to grow their neural pathways and learn. This new way of thinking will carry over into all aspects of your child’s life and are fundamental for understanding what type of learner your child is becoming.
Snacks
We are asking that students try to eat their snacks during recess and lunch to avoid distractions and unnecessary mess in the classroom. If students are unable to finish their snacks during assigned breaks, short snack breaks in the gathering area will be allowed once we have transitioned into our work period of the class. Please refrain from sending sugary morning snacks with your child. Eating healthy snacks in the morning greatly increases student engagement and focus which will help your child’s learning. Children are encouraged to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Footwear and Clothing
There is no such thing as poor weather but poor choices of clothing. We like to teach and go outside when possible so please ensure your child always has a proper jacket for whatever the day may bring. In winter, your child should have mittens, a warm hat and warm waterproof boots. Making sure your child is prepared for all types of weather will allow us to get outside as much as possible throughout the school year. Students are also encouraged to have appropriate, supportive footwear during gym and Daily Physical Activity (DPA).
Parent-Teacher Communication
As mentioned, students are responsible for communicating homework and reminders, such a field trips and special days, in their agenda at the end of each day. Please ensure that you chat with your child about the day and initial the agenda each night. Your child will write every afternoon in this agenda, even when there is messages or assignments. When this happens, they will be required to write, No Homework and still have it signed. At any time, please feel free contact us by email at: laurie.hood@crps.ca and patrick.longobardi@crps.ca
Discipline
Mr. Longobardi and Mme Hood want all children to have equal access to learning. In this, we sometimes encounter behaviours that affect the learning environment in the class. Should you child display disruptive, rude, challenging behaviours that are affecting learning, they will be warned. Should the behaviour continue then they may be sent out of class to think about their choices. This will include filling out an accountability sheet. When the teacher has time they will talk to your child about their choices and the sheet will go home for you to review, discuss and sign. Then it is to come back to school. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FAhmVSKwxPgKdPymTnmL1tWdFOL246ICSZT_2MG_Sm4/edit?usp=sharing