The Circle of Courage
"The circle is a symbol of life…individual parts within the circle connect with every other; and what happens to one, or what one part does, affects all within the circle." (Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve)
We embrace the Circle of Courage philosophy. The Circle of Courage is based on the work of Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, and Steve Van Bockern. The model integrates the cultural wisdom of indigenous peoples and the findings of modern youth development research. As a school community we support a safe and caring learning environment for our students by creating conditions that promote the following areas in each child:
The Spirit of Belonging:
The universal longing for human bonds is cultivated by relationships of trust so that the child can say, "I am loved".
The Spirit of Generosity:
Character is cultivated by concern for others so that the child can say, "I have purpose for my life."
The Spirit of Mastery:
The inborn thirst for learning is cultivated; by learning to cope with the world, the child can say, "I can succeed."
The Spirit of Independence:
Free will is cultivated by responsibility so that the child can say, “I have the power to make decisions.”
This Circle of Courage language frames all we do at Buffalo Rubbing Stone School. Teachers and support staff have already engaged students in activities that promote the spirit of belonging. Through setting of school and classroom expectations, welcoming students, buddy programs, cooperative learning activities, leadership opportunities and school wide events. We help students feel a sense of belonging to a larger community, one that celebrates the variety of strengths each of us brings to the group.
We look forward to sharing our learning in these areas with you throughout the year.
Homework
Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s daily learning tasks and review together any activities, projects, books, or assignments that are brought home. Parental interest in school work is important and can be a motivational factor in a child’s success. Homework, done well, helps children develop responsibility and self-direction in studies. Most school work is designed to be completed in school time. From time to time, unfinished work will be sent home for completion. Please discuss the duration and frequency of homework with your child’s teacher.
It is expected that all students read with an adult or independently, and review basic math skills daily. Research is clear that reading to and with your child builds foundational literacy skills. Use the pictures to predict the story; ask what might happen next; have your child recall the story using the frame: first, next, then, finally. Pre-reading and post-reading conversations are as important as the reading itself. Using mathematics in everyday life to organize toys, prepare food, or in the context of current events helps children understand math in their world. Board games are a great way to enjoy math and reading in while learning important social skills.
The BRS Parent Association pays for Mathletics licenses for all students in grades one through five. They also pay for all students in kindergarten through grade five to have access to Raz Kids. These online resources are used at school and provide families the opportunity to engage in homework activities at their discretion.
