Understanding Standards-Based Grading in Elementary School

I am excited to share insights into a transformative approach to grading that we believe will foster your child's academic growth and development—Standards-Based Grading (SBG). Our commitment to providing the best possible education for your child drives us to continually explore innovative methods, and we are confident that SBG aligns with our mission to nurture well-rounded, proficient learners.

In our ever-evolving educational landscape, traditional grading systems sometimes fall short of capturing a student's true understanding of the material. SBG, on the other hand, shifts the focus from letter grades to a more comprehensive evaluation of your child's mastery of specific learning standards. This method ensures that our students not only complete assignments but also truly comprehend the subject matter.

We recognize that understanding your child's progress is crucial. SBG provides transparency by offering detailed feedback on specific areas of strength and areas that need improvement. Rather than a generalized grade, you will receive valuable insights into your child's academic journey, helping you understand their strengths and where they can grow. 

Fostering a Growth Mindset

SBG encourages a growth mindset by emphasizing the process of learning over the final outcome. Students are motivated to view challenges as opportunities for improvement rather than obstacles to success. This mindset shift is essential for building resilience and a lifelong love for learning, instilling in our students the belief that effort and perseverance lead to success.

Empowering Students to Take Ownership

By providing clear expectations through standards, SBG empowers students to take an active role in their education. They gain a deeper understanding of what is expected of them and can set realistic goals for their own learning journey. This sense of ownership fosters a positive attitude towards education and promotes self-motivation.

Engaging Parent-Teacher Partnerships

We believe in the power of strong partnerships between parents and teachers. SBG encourages ongoing communication, enabling you to actively participate in your child's academic progress. Regular updates on specific standards, areas of improvement, and achievements will keep you informed and involved in your child's education.

GAA has been using standards based grading for years. We do so with a commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for your child. We believe that this approach will not only enhance academic achievement but also contribute to the development of well-rounded, confident, and resilient individuals.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in the education of your child.

With warm regards,

Leia Kraeuter

Elementary Principal

As our winter break approaches, the anticipation of festive cheer and quality time with loved ones is palpable. We have had such a wonderful first term- full of new learnings, super fun activities, and some great relationships being built amongst students, staff and families. We are grateful for you and you choosing GAA to be your educational home this year, and we look forward to continuing that after the holiday!

Amid the joy and relaxation of the winter break, it's essential to recognize the importance of maintaining a connection with academic pursuits during this break. The benefits of continuing to practice academic work over the school's winter break extend beyond the classroom, offering students a valuable opportunity to reinforce their skills and set a positive tone for the upcoming semester.

Winter break provides a golden chance for students to consolidate their learning, review key concepts, and engage in self-directed study. Rather than viewing this period as a complete detachment from academics, incorporating a moderate and consistent study routine can help students stay intellectually active. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility and discipline, laying the groundwork for a smoother transition back into the school routine when classes resume. Our GAA staff and students have put SO much work into their learning this term, making HUGE strides in their UFLI (phonics work) and learning big concepts to transform their thinking. We urge you to continue to support them and bring those concepts into their daily practice- keeping their minds active and engaged, even while there is a break. 

You can continue working with your child by: 

• Engage in Educational Outings:

• Plan visits to museums, science centers, or historical sites to make learning enjoyable.

• Discuss the significance of the places visited and encourage questions to stimulate curiosity.

• Incorporate Everyday Learning:

• Integrate educational aspects into daily activities, such as cooking together to reinforce math and science concepts.

• Read for 20-30 minutes each day with your child (or have them read independently): take time to talk to them about what they read, what happened, what was their favorite part, question vocabulary, etc. 

• Enroll in Workshops or Classes:

• Explore local workshops or online classes that align with your child's interests or introduce them to new subjects.

• Choose programs that offer a balance of fun and learning, ensuring an engaging experience.

• Embrace Technology Responsibly:

• Introduce educational apps or online platforms that cater to your child's academic level and interests.

• Set reasonable screen time limits and discuss the content with your child to ensure they are gaining valuable insights from their digital activities.

Moreover, the continuity of academic engagement during the break is instrumental in preventing the so-called "learning loss" that can occur during extended periods away from structured education. By dedicating some time to revisiting academic materials, students can bolster their understanding and retain the knowledge acquired during the previous semester. This proactive approach ensures they return to school not only rested and rejuvenated but also mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

As we embrace the spirit of the winter break, it's important to extend warm wishes to families for a joyful and rejuvenating winter break. May this break be filled with moments of connection, laughter, and shared experiences. Whether you choose to embark on exciting adventures, explore new hobbies, or simply unwind at home, the break offers an invaluable opportunity to recharge and connect with those who matter most. 

Have a wonderful Winter Break! 

Lauren Sargent Alkhalifah

PreK-Grade 2 Vice Principal

In KG2, we are inquiring into ‘Sharing the Planet’. We took a trip to SeaWorld to learn more about living things and how they change and grow. We learned a lot about dolphins and other sea creatures. We have been reading and making books all about them.

Grade 2E has had a very exciting week. We are currently close to concluding our non-fiction Reading and Writing units. We have learned about the text features that are found in non-fiction books. We have applied all the information we have gathered to write our own non-fiction books. We used our research techniques to search different animals and chose to write books about the Giant Panda and have achieved some amazing success. Take a look at our wonderful finished books.

We have had a wonderfully productive (but short!) week in Grade 5!

Students are beginning to finish-up their current Units, in Math. We finally completed our long-awaited Math Summative Assessment this week, on Multiplication & Division. Students have worked hard for six whole weeks on this Unit, and have covered many different sub-topics during this time. We are delighted with the work-ethic that students have shown!

Our current Unit of Inquiry topic, How the World Works, will come to an end with the beginning of Winter Break. Grade 5 have been exemplary in beginning the long road towards PYP Exhibition in the last few weeks, by tying-down their PYPx Topic and their PYPx Groups. The next stage was for Mentors to be assigned, who are made up of different teachers and Leadership Staff from all around the Primary, Middle and Secondary School. Each Group has been assigned one Mentor, whom they will meet with once before Winter Break! Finally, students have been identifying the Central Idea and Lines of Inquiry, for their PYPx Topic.

On Wednesday, we used our weekly Library slot to find books about our Topic. This was tricky, as we wanted to find the best, most applicable books related to our Topic, to inform our learning. We enjoyed this opportunity to research!

Students said goodbye to the Golden Recorder Award, awarded to Grade 5C for the month of October in our Music Lessons. The next Golden Recorder Award will be awarded during Grade 5 Assembly on Tuesday 14th December 2023, and will be for the month of November! Maybe Grade 5C might put their hands on the Golden Recorder Award one more time before the year is out?

We look forward to the Winter Break, and wish all students and families in Grade 5 and GEMS GAA, a wonderful, peaceful and safe Winter Break!

Performing Arts

Students in grade 5 Music classes are learning how to read and play music notation! They have learned about time signature (meter) and their latest piece is called ‘Meter Mix-Up’. In this piece they are playing 6/8 to 4/4 time signature. They have been working on reading the treble clef staff as well as rhythmic notation. I am so proud of the work the 5th graders have been able to master this semester!

Special thanks to the following classes: 5A - Ms. Roberta (September),  5C – Mr. Ronan (October), and 5B – Mr. Walter (November). Their classes won the Golden Recorder Award for the month listed. Their students have shown respect, focus, and creativity. They have positive attitudes and try their very best in the music classroom. Well done!

Visual Arts

5th Grade has been exploring the fun world of printmaking! For National Day, we looked at UAE symbols and icons. Students had to create their own stamp by carving into foam and then they were able to print their stamp as many times as they wanted. They rolled ink and used UAE colored paper to create their art. Check out their amazing creations. Great job 5th grade!

Friday December 15 will be Pajama Day (only Prek – 5) and Drop Everything And Read time (whole-school).  

For DEAR time, teachers and students will be asked to devote 20 mins of reading for pleasure time on the morning of December 15. This will be a whole-school directed time. Timing will be from 8:00 – 8:20. We want everyone to be reading at the same time - staff and teachers included.  

GAA hosted the Emirates NBD Poetry Competition in November, and we welcomed staff from the Emirates Literature Foundation and around 150 participants from schools around Abu Dhabi. 

GAA students Xinfei (Winnie) Meng Grade 5F, Amnah Alnuaimi Grade 5B and Rana Mohamed Mekki Ahamed, Grade 9 performed on Day 2 of the competition along with other performers of English Poetry, who were competing in the Semi Final Round.

On Day 3 GAA students Rashid Alketbi Grade 3E, Salama Al Ali Grade 4A and Zaid M. M. Abusrour – Grade 10 performed at the final day of the competition. 

We are waiting for the results of the competition.

• December 9: Last Show of Musical "Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition" @1pm.

• December 10: Secondary Band Winter Concert at Al Forsan Mall @5pm

• December 12: Band 1 Concert in the Auditorium @6pm

• December 15: Last day of Term 1. PreK-Grade 5 Dress Down Theme: Pajama Day

• December 18-January 1: WINTER BREAK (NO SCHOOL)