Conant READS!

Welcome Conant Families to what promises to be a wonderful school year! Here are some points of interest that may be helpful to you. With the hope of providing current and helpful information regarding literacy and learning, please visit the Conant Families’ Website. Looking for a great family read, an idea for a family outing, how about a bedtime story from none other than our own, Mr. Sugrue; you’ll discover all this and so much more on the website. Please take a few minutes to explore.

Super Readers
If you are a returning family, then you are aware of the Super Reader initiative that was launched during the 2017-2018 school year. This community approach to literacy is based upon the work of Pam Allyn and Ernest Morrell where 7 Strengths of readers are cultivated through conversations and activities around literature. The Strengths include Belonging, Curiosity, Kindness, Friendship, Confidence, Courage, and Hope. With commitment and enthusiasm, our Conant Staff will continue this initiative during this school year. Click Here! for more information about the 7 Strengths and here for Tips for Parents from Pam Allyn.

This month, families can support our Super Reader initiative at home by selecting and discussing texts where a sense of belonging is a prominent theme. Click here for the Super Reader Family Guide related to Belonging, and click here for an extensive list of strength-specific texts organized by grade levels. This is a school community initiative, and your role and partnership in this endeavor is truly valued. Thank you!

Growth Mindset
Please join us as we continue our effort to foster a growth mindset among our students. This initiative is based upon the research of Carol Dweck, Ph.D. and others. Click Here! to hear Dweck speak about the research that impacts our students. Click Here! to see an interactive graphic that contrasts growth and fixed mindsets. Parents and caregivers can support this initiative by shifting comments to address the student’s process, rather than the product. Click Here! to see suggestions for how you can shift your language to communicate a growth mindset message to your student. 

Lunch Bunch Book Clubs
October marks the kick-off of Conant Lunch Bunch Book Clubs for this school year. The students exhibited so much enthusiasm for this initiative last year, that we are happily continuing the tradition. Currently,  third-sixth grade students may choose to participate. A number of dedicated faculty and staff, including our principal, Mr. Sugrue, have graciously offered to facilitate again this year. However, the students have ownership over the meetings and the topics discussed. It is hoped that this initiative will provide an opportunity for students to read as part of a school-wide community. This relates to the October theme, Belonging, of our Super Reader initiative. Due to overwhelming student interest, book clubs will be offered throughout the school year. 

This is a sampling of some of our recent purchases for book clubs.

Thank you for all that you do to support the students and our school. Our shared passion for our school community is an essential component of what makes Conant such a special place.

~Mrs. Pastor, Conant Reading Specialist