Dear Families,

I hope that this message finds you well!  This week I am sharing a little bit about our social studies standards, in my ongoing series about our curriculum. 

As parents, we understand the importance of a strong foundation in math, reading, and writing. But what about our children's understanding of the world around them? At ACS, we believe that our social studies curriculum helps students to learn more about the world around them while practicing the skills they are learning in reading, writing, and sometimes even math. We utilize the C3 Framework to guide our social studies curriculum.

What is the C3 Framework?

Think of it as the "Common Core" for social studies. Just like the Common Core sets clear expectations for literacy and math skills, the C3 Framework outlines what students should know, understand, and be able to do in civics, history, geography, and economics.

More Than Just Facts

Unlike traditional social studies curriculum that focused on memorizing facts and dates, the C3 Framework encourages critical thinking and active participation. Students aren't just learning about the past; they're analyzing primary sources, debating historical events, and applying their knowledge to real-world issues.

Four Key Dimensions

The C3 Framework rests on the following four key pillars:

1. Developing Questions & Using Evidence: Students learn to ask their own questions, research like historians, and use evidence to support their claims.

2. Civic Engagement & Participation: They explore different perspectives, participate in mock debates, and understand how citizens can make a difference.

3. Disciplinary Understanding: They gain a deeper understanding of each subject area, like analyzing maps in geography or understanding economic systems.

4. Connecting to the Present: They learn how history, civics, geography, and economics impact their lives and the world around them.

Benefits for Your Child

By engaging with the C3 Framework, your child will:

• Develop critical thinking skills: They'll learn to analyze information, form their own opinions, and communicate effectively.

• Become informed citizens: They'll understand how government works, participate in civic life, and advocate for change.

• Gain a global perspective: They'll appreciate different cultures, understand diverse viewpoints, and see how the world is interconnected.

Additional Resources

• National Council for the Social Studies: https://www.socialstudies.org/

• The C3 Framework: https://www.socialstudies.org/standards/c3

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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