Editor’s Note: The Parent Education Committee asked Dagmara’s family group to comment on how some key aspects of our program have worked for them personally. Here are some of the quick essays the students wrote for us. They show the students really understand the Chugach Philosophy and how it works in their lives. And they also show that the philosophy works, because these 5th and 6th graders express themselves clearly and well. The essays have received very little editing.
Thank you, kids. You are an inspiration to us adults!
Not Having Grades
by Ursula
I like not having grades, because they don’t put extra stress on your shoulders. I always try to do my best and when I feel good about my work, that is enough for me. I don’t want anyone to put a value on my work. If my teacher graded it a C, I would feel horrible. I would doubt my ability and my work would possibly get worse, not better. At the same time, getting a bad grade might make me try harder.
Lately 5th and 6th graders have been put in wagon trains for pretend travel across the west with fate cards (either good or bad). In a wagon train, each member relies on every other member. Everyone has to get their work in on time and we get points, kind of like a grade. I have noticed that more students are getting our work in on time. Although sometimes it is rushed and sloppy, sometimes it is amazing work. The point I am trying to make, is that someone’s opinion sometimes can make you feel down in the ditch. Getting no grades but comments from the teacher, is just fine for elementary school. Extra stress in elementary school is not necessary.
Why is it Valuable to have Parents Work in our Classroom
by Kipp and Coltrane
It’s very important to have parents in our classroom because when parents are in the Classroom they can help us kids do our math work and help us learn new things. They can also work with the teachers and help them with jobs so they have more time.
Parents can also help with the writing work when we are having trouble. Teachers are good, but having your dad work with you is best. I think that having your parent in the room motivates you because when your parents are here you want to show them that you can work hard without stopping. I would want my parents to be in the room.
We think parents are very helpful in this school and that without them I would think that I would not be doing as good well I am doing right now.
Parents Are Part of Learning
By Rachael
My parents are part of my learning at Chugach because they come into the school and work with my class on big projects and sometimes they help with math lessons. And they volunteer to help with the big parties like the Halloween Carnival and the Science Fair. Parents also help at home with homework or if you’re sick and need to get work done for the next day. Occasionally there is some concept that I don’t understand so I ask my mom and she explains it to me in a different way than my teacher did. That always helps.
All parents help in some way even just getting kids to school on time. And everyone's parents have been helping them since they were born, school is just somewhere they need to step up a level of help. Parents have a pretty big part in our school because it provides opportunities for lots of different events, like minicourses, world celebrations, and Outdoor School, which couldn’t happen because teachers don’t have enough time to run everything.
What being an in charge learner means to me
By Grace
I think being a in charge learner is getting work done, by planning what you’re going to be doing for the week, and doing it. In charge learners challenge themselves, they put their ideas into their work and find opportunities to share their ideas with others. Anybody can be an in charge learner; you just have to work harder and put your mind to it.
At Chugach, you really have a chance to participate in our learning and you take it or you don’t. I think I am still working for my goal which is being a in charge learner, but I have one more year and once I achieve my I goal I will feel good about myself and my teacher will smile and when she does, it will make me feel even more happy. Being an in charge learner is not impossible. You just have to try, do your best and you will probably be an in charge learner.
How I feel about working with older and younger kids
By Maya Stevens
I think working with older and younger kids is a really great opportunity. I’m in 5th grade and I have been at Chugach ever since Kindergarten. Here at Chugach we have combination classes with different types of kids, and even different grades.
I have an older sister, who has been in Chugach and is now in 7th grade. She has helped me a ton with making friends, and stuff like how to solve problems with friends. I also have a little sister in kindergarten and I hope to do the same for her. Chugach has taught me that you should help the younger, and listen to the older.
How I feel about working with younger and older students.
By Roxanna J. Reynolds
I mostly love working with all kids and it helps me have fun with my work. It’s like working with my little brother or my older sister. This is a great thing when you help other kids (older or younger) and it might help you. I took a survey a few weeks ago about this same topic and hardly any kids said they don’t like it, so it must be helpful in this school. I do like this school and I hope it stays that way.
There are so many things I want to learn out there in the world and some of those things I can learn from other kids in my school, like my sister. I have so many friends here and they really help me and show me how to do this and that, so maybe working with younger and older kids can help you because they help me.
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