“ With an understanding that each boy learns differently , our team approach is to help students identify the appropriate tools they need to learn and grow .”
hear supports and strategies that have worked in the past , and collaboratively brainstorm actionable steps to implement in the classroom .
On the student side , Learning Specialists utilize these Student Services Meetings to invest in meaningful relationships with those “ under the wing .” Throughout the Lower School , Learning Specialists frequently observe , support , and teach students in preprimary and primary grades . In addition to morning and afternoon check-ins , Learning Specialists provide a wide range of learning tools and strategies to create a positive learning environment for students . For example , a third grader working on sustaining focus in class may benefit from a check-in and check-out system , where targeted goals are identified at the start of the day and celebrated or reviewed at the end of the day . Meanwhile , a pre-primary student who is easily overstimulated by his environment may use a sensory tool to help him refocus and tune in to the teacher . It is with much collaboration and communication that each support is carefully designed for an individual student .
Separately , Boost is a program that began at Saint David ’ s to give young learners an extra “ boost ” in developing their reading skills . The program utilizes a systematic and multisensory approach to reading instruction , in which literacy skills are taught in a fun and hands-on way . Each Boost class is highly targeted to student needs and includes components of phonemic awareness , phonics , high frequency words , letter formation , and fluency . There has always been a fun , positive energy about Boost among the boys at Saint David ’ s , and teachers are supportive and encouraging in setting that tone . In fact , the boys ’ enthusiasm is so infectious that other boys often ask if they could join Boost as well .
As Saint David ' s boys move to Upper School , increased academic rigor creates opportunities for the development of important organizational , time management , and executive function skills . Officially , select students in Upper School are recommended for two classes : Student Support and Language Enrichment . Each course has a slightly different focus . In Student Support , Learning Specialists aim to optimize boys ’ learning with a small group of students . During these daily 30-minute sessions , we differentiate instruction for each boy and provide them with skills and strategies that are specifically targeted to their learning goals . Through repeated practice of and exposure to the taught skills , students begin to develop confidence , as they apply these strategies to their own learning in the classroom and beyond . Furthermore , Student Support offers opportunities for boys to hone organizational and study skills .
Language Enrichment is a course offered in seventh and eighth
grades . Boys enrolled in this course develop key study skills they will utilize in seventh grade , eighth grade , secondary school , and beyond . The instructor of this course targets specific skills related to comprehension , writing , studying , test taking , organization , and time management . At the seventh-grade level , there is an emphasis on note-taking techniques , a skill that is crucial for all Upper Schoolers . Boys also learn how to segment long-term assignments and prepare for assessments by breaking them down into manageable steps , documenting these action plans in their planners . The course also focuses on preparation for quizzes and tests , by teaching active study techniques to effectively plan and prepare for cumulative assessments . Joyful balance is discovered in both of these classes in which structures and systems engage students to maximize how they complete their academic responsibilities to then participate in after-school extracurriculars .
Beyond the school walls , the Learning Services Team prides itself in establishing trusting , caring , and transparent partnerships with boys ’ families . All efforts would be in vain if this connection were fractured . Second to their home , school is where students spend the majority of their week , and it is in carefully understanding both arenas that the Learning Services Team can provide meaningful support to the students under their care . To achieve this , Ms . Vita Russo and the team of Learning Specialists proactively reach out to families at the beginning of the school year to reintroduce their function and to hear about the boys ’ summer activities and development . Subsequent monthly check-ins are scheduled throughout the school year to ensure open lines of communication are established between families and the school . At this juncture , outside support from a team of adults may be introduced , such as evaluators , therapists , and tutors . Essentially , a team of adults is created for students “ under the wing ,” who care about the boys ’ best interests and seek to foster a nurturing and engaging environment where students can be their best selves - aspiring good men .
These past few years have been difficult for all of us and may continue to present resultant challenges for some of our boys . It is in these times that the Learning Services Team , a small subset of Saint David ’ s remarkable educators , seeks to help all types of learners discover their joyful balance . •
Melanie Blackmon , Jennifer Kim , David May , Meg McVey , Vita Russo , and Kat White are members of the Learning Services Team at Saint David ’ s School . Ms . Russo is the Director .
Winter 2023 • 21