Dear Parents,

The past few weeks I have been sharing  information about our standards. This week I am sharing a little bit about our science standards. 

Science is all around us, from the tiny microbes in our gut to the vastness of the universe. At ACS, we ignite curiosity and nurture a love for science through the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). But what exactly are these standards, and how do they benefit your child's learning?

Think Beyond Textbooks

Unlike traditional science programs focused on memorizing facts, the NGSS emphasize a deeper understanding and application of scientific concepts. This hands-on, inquiry-based approach cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. These are skills that students will use across all disciplines. 

The NGSS are built on three key pillars

1. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs): These are the big ideas of science, like the structure and function of living things, the interactions of matter and energy, and the history of Earth.

2. Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs): These are the skills scientists use, like asking questions, designing experiments, analyzing data, and communicating findings.

3. Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs): These are the big ideas that connect different scientific disciplines, like patterns, cause and effect, and systems thinking.

Engaging All Learners

The NGSS standards are designed for all learners, regardless of their background or interests. They offer flexibility for teachers to tailor lessons to different learning styles and abilities. This ensures that every child has the opportunity to explore science, ask questions, and develop a love for discovery. Our teachers work together to write units that encourage students to think like scientists. 

Connecting with Your Child

Wondering how you can support your child's science journey? Here are some tips:

• Ask questions: Encourage your child to share what they're learning and ask questions about their projects and experiments.

• Engage in science together: Visit museums, conduct simple experiments at home, or even watch science documentaries together.

• Connect with teachers: Don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher for more information about specific NGSS standards or projects.

Beyond the Classroom

The NGSS go beyond traditional science concepts, preparing students for real-world challenges. They learn to think critically, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively – skills essential for success in any field. By embracing the NGSS, we are equipping our children with the tools they need to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens in an ever-changing world.

Let's spark curiosity and ignite a passion for science in our children together!

Yours,

Michelle

Please note that we are making a change to our rainy weather guidelines. We believe that outdoor play is essential for children's physical and mental health, so we want to provide opportunities for students to go outside as much as possible, even on rainy days.

To maximize outdoor play time, we ask that you please send your child to school with weather-appropriate gear, including:

• Raincoat or poncho

• Rain boots or waterproof shoes

• Hat

We will only cancel outdoor recess if weather conditions are deemed unsafe, such lightning, thunderstorms, and extremely slippery surfaces.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide the best possible learning environment for your child.

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