School

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870463150457553193275492251...

Lately, as I watch my 6 year olds struggle with printing letters, I've wondered what is going to happen when they attempt cursive... and do they even need to know cursive these days? Does anyone even use it anymore? Then I read this WSJ article, and can see some of the benefits to kids learning how to write their letters well. I'm still not sold on the idea that they need to know cursive but I might push them to at least learn how to print well.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/phys-ed-can-exercise-make-kids-...

This is an intriguing article regarding the connection between exercise and brain development. Two new studies point to the connection between aerobic activity and brain growth in children. Seems like a good argument for keeping phys ed going in our schools!

A seven year old west Portland boy named Kyron Horman went missing on Friday. As the investigation moves into day six, there are still no solid leads or information available. See the link for a photo of Kyron and more about his agonizing disappearance. We send his family and all concerned our best wishes for his safe return.
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/06/post_23.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tabby-biddle/kudos-to-jamie-oliver-for_b_5...

From the Daily Beast: "Kids benefit from more hours in school, studies show. So why are full-day kindergarten programs on the chopping block across the country? " All-day kindergarten programs have been steadily on the rise across the country and 60% of schools now offer a full-day program. Many parents and teachers believe attending school a full day helps kids tremendously and many studies have proven its advantages. Still, with school districts facing severe budget deficits, all-day kindergarten programs might be the targets of drastic funding cuts.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/education/01schools.html?hpw

If you are concerned about the education system and school performance, here's an interesting NYT article about "personalized student learning plans" — electronic portfolios containing information about atudents' learning styles, interests, skills, career goals and extracurricular activities.

Event Time

Are you considering schools for next year? If so, you might be interested in learning about Tucker-Maxon!

They are hosting a drop-in Open House on February 18 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at 2860 SE Holgate Blvd. It's a chance for families to get acquainted with the campus and teachers. Tours are also available. For more information on the Open House or to schedule a tour, contact TM 503.235.6551 or tours@tmos.org.

It seems like a standard rule at most schools, certainly all the ones I attended or my kids attend now, that children have lunch first then go out for recess. New studies are showing the benefits of the opposite schedule - first recess, then lunch. They say the flip-flopped schedule leads to better diets, greater attention spans and improvement in school performance overall. It's an interesting idea, and maybe one that more schools should consider. Here's a New York Times article about it:

Kindergarten Round-ups, or information sessions about the coming 2010-11 school year, are beginning. If you're a parent of a prospective kindergartner spring is the time to register your child at school. In SE Portland, the orientation for Llewellyn School is Feb 22, 6-8:30pm. For Duniway School, orientation is Feb 3, 1:30-2:30pm. Bring your Q's and meet the teachers and administrators of the schools. You can register your child then too.

If you know of other Kindergarten Round-ups, add them to the Activity list on this site to let others know!