Today your children were released early to provide time for their Elementary School teachers to engage in professional development and curricular work.  Today, many of our teachers recertified in first aid/CPR, while remaining teachers attended to curriculum work.  ICS requires that its faculty and staff working directly with students to have this training so they would be ready to take lifesaving action in the case of an emergency or injury within or outside the school campus.  As the year progresses, the school will also carve out time to invest in ongoing teacher training and work on curriculum and instruction.  Our focus this year is the cognitive science that supports learning, biblical integration and excellence in Christian Education, and the ongoing work of Standards based learning, assessment and grading. 

Elementary education plays a crucial role in shaping a child's academic and personal development. To ensure the delivery of high-quality education, elementary teachers need to have dedicated time for curriculum work and professional learning. The school is able to provide some time within the daily schedule that same-grade-level teams can meet.  However,  implementing an early release time several times a year for two hours and reserving four full professional learning days annually extends that opportunity for all Elementary School teachers to collaborate for the purposes stated above, which can significantly benefit both teachers and students.

If you have ever visited the Elementary school during the school day, you will know how fast-paced and tightly packed the day can be.   Between the multiple preparations for classes, daily instructional time, and nearly constant pastoral care, the day is quite demanding and leaves little time for school-wide focused work on Curriculum & professional learning during the school year.  Much of that is done after school during faculty meetings.   

This is why we use these additional release days to give focus to the following kinds of work.

1. Curriculum Development:
   Creating effective, aligned, and engaging curriculum materials is a time-consuming process. Early release time allows teachers to collaborate, reflect, and refine their curriculum, ensuring that it is up-to-date, relevant, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of their students. This dedicated time promotes thoughtful planning and enhances the overall quality of instruction.

2. Professional Learning:
   Continuous professional learning is essential for teachers to stay updated and aligned with well-researched, evidence-based teaching methodologies and best practices. Early release time allows elementary teachers to engage in meaningful, often work-embedded professional learning activities at a schoolwide level. 

3. Collaboration and Peer Support:
   Collaboration among teachers is a valuable component of professional growth. Early release time facilitates collaboration across grade levels by providing teachers with an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, share ideas, and exchange best practices. Through collaborative planning and reflection, teachers can benefit from the collective expertise of their peers, fostering a supportive and collaborative school culture. 

4. Assessment and Data Analysis:
   Assessment and data analysis are crucial aspects of effective teaching and learning. Elementary teachers are responsible for evaluating student progress.  There are times throughout the school year when teachers will work together to analyze assessment data, that will be used to inform their instructional practices. 

5. Work-Life Balance:
   Elementary teachers have demanding workloads that often extend beyond regular school hours. They spend significant time grading assignments, preparing materials, communicating with parents, and attending meetings. By implementing early release time, teachers can gain additional hours for curriculum and professional development tasks during the school day. By allocating additional time it helps to create some margin that can lead to a healthier work-life balance, reducing stress and enhancing job satisfaction. Ultimately, teachers who feel supported and have time for professional growth are more likely to be effective educators in the classroom.

While we do not do all of these things simultaneously, implementing a release time of two hours several times a year and three full days each year for elementary teachers to focus on curriculum work and professional learning has numerous benefits. It allows teachers to engage in comprehensive curriculum development, participate in meaningful professional learning activities, collaborate with peers, analyze student data, and achieve a healthier work-life balance. By prioritizing these elements, teachers can enhance their instructional practices, promote student achievement, and contribute to a positive and effective learning environment. Ultimately, the investment in early release time for elementary teachers yields long-term benefits for both educators and students alike.

September & October Calendar

September 8  - September 12

(Elementary "A" Week)