Dear Parents,
We often hear the analogy of a three-legged stool representing a healthy organization, as it provides a solid balance with no wobbling. In schools, and at Agnes Irwin, that three-legged stool is often referred to as “The 3 As.” Academics, Athletics, Arts. These three disciplines provide a perfect balance for students to receive a liberal arts foundation upon which they can build their college and working careers.
In the next three weeks, students will be immersed in all three disciplines. First, we will celebrate , the traditional rivalry that is showcased with a pep rally, bonfire and enthusiastic cheering for our various teams. So, put on that spirit gear and get ready to watch our girls take on their opponents on the courts, fields and running course!
Second, return to the 1980s with the cult classic musical, "Xanadu," replete with familiar songs, roller-skating and a twist on Mt. Olympus. The cast promises to provide us with a nostalgic evening of impressive acting, staging, lighting and costuming!
Third, the end of the first trimester is just steps away. Now is the time for your daughter to think about pacing her studying, organizing her notes and asking her teachers for guidance on how to approach upcoming assessments. Recently, in The Wall Street Journal, Sue Shellenbarger shared her answer to “What is the Best Way to Study?”
- Testing yourself repeatedly before an exam teaches the brain to retrieve and apply knowledge from memory
- Sleep: review the toughest material right before going to bed the night before the test; don’t wake up earlier than usual to study (sleep allows easier recall; early rising interferes with REM that aids memory)
- An all-nighter impairs reasoning and memory for up to 4 days
- Yes, a hearty breakfast the day of the test helps; what you eat a week in advance matters, too! A balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables, provides a constant supply of energy
- No distractions = better retention
- Anxiety on test day? Visualize a successful accomplishment and transfer that feeling to taking the test
- Ten minutes before the test, write down what worries you; this transfers your anxiety to paper and unburdens the brain
We all look forward to seeing you at , in the audience singing along to "Xanadu" and calmly supporting your daughter as she prepares for the last leg of that stool – the end of the term!
- Anne