Parent Message of the Week

In order to be the school I know iLEAD could be — the school I think it works so hard to be — iLEAD most definitely needs more parent support and involvement. Out of 25 first grade learners I know of, maybe five families really give of their resources like volunteer time and donations. There are a plethora of other ways to assist the school and I think if every family truly fulfilled their minimum 40-hour obligation the school would improve dramatically.

We came to iLEAD to give our now first-grade learner, Nathaniel, an opportunity to advance academically in areas he already excels in, while he continues his mastery of social and developmental age level skills.

This year our son has continued to grow in his love for learning in reading, writing and arithmetic; he excitedly shares with us the facts and observations he has obtained through his presentations of learning (P.O.L.). For example, just this morning, completely unsolicited, he taught my husband (and I) that friction is what gets germs off your hands when you wash them, that we are born with 270 bones, and there are 206 bones in an adult body. How did he learn this? His facilitator Ms. Geri taught it to them of course, but she did it using several methods that helped to individualize the experience for the various learners.

In first grade, I have observed my learner: research various facts about the solar system and the human body, take notes, interview experts, and grasp a deep understanding of his universe and his body. Not to mention, learn how to work through problems and when to get help.

I am fortunate enough to be on campus daily and see the facilitators’ commitment and passion for teaching. When I have a problem or idea, I have been met with open doors and ears by the various school leaders and parents to create solutions. I hope I will begin to see more solutions as a result of increased involvement of learner families and the school community as a whole.

– Patricia Margosian Terrel