By Ally St. Pierre, Admissions and Marketing Manager at the Strelitz International Academy
On Tuesday, October 16, 2024, our fourth-grade students engaged in an exciting blend of STEM education and cultural exploration as part of our International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Incorporating themes from recent Jewish holidays; Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, students applied their inquiry skills in a series of creative, hands-on experiments, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.
Lena A. observes the chemical reaction taking place in the water.
Andrew D. carefully pours the honey into the jar while other students watch and wait to see what happens!
One highlight of the afternoon was a science activity inspired by the symbolic “Tashlich” tradition. In this experiment, students dropped cubes of baking soda into vinegar, resulting in a fizzing chemical reaction. This visual display represented the act of letting go of the old, much like the traditional casting off of sins into flowing water. The fourth graders also explored the concept of density with a sweet twist. Using honey, oil, and water, they observed how these liquids interacted, discovering how each layer was based on its density. The experiment also linked back to the holiday symbolism of honey, representing a sweet start to the new year.
The grand finale was a structural challenge: building sukkot, traditional booths, out of marshmallows and other materials. Each group designed and constructed its sukkah, testing its strength and stability against simulated desert storms. This activity highlighted not only their creativity and engineering skills but also the PYP’s focus on fostering open-minded, reflective learners.
This engaging afternoon of science and cultural connection allowed our fourth graders to deepen their understanding of both key scientific concepts and the rich traditions that inspire community and reflection—hallmarks of our IB approach to education. Schedule a visit!
Helping an elementary school-aged child succeed requires steady support at home and a strong partnership with the school. Consistent routines, reading, healthy habits, emotional support, teacher communication, and growing independence all contribute to academic and personal development.
These strategies become even more important when a child is transitioning to private school or changing schools during the academic year. Parents can support a smoother transition by visiting the school, asking specific questions, communicating with teachers, maintaining familiar home routines, and giving their child time to adjust.
Whether your family is considering an immediate mid-year change or planning for the next school year, focus on finding an environment that matches your child’s academic needs, learning style, emotional well-being, and long-term growth.
Helping Your Child Succeed During a School Transition
Helping your elementary school-aged child succeed involves creating consistent routines, supporting reading and emotional development, communicating with teachers, and encouraging age-appropriate independence. These steps are especially important when your child is transitioning to private school, changing schools mid-year, or preparing to start at a new school in the upcoming academic year.
As a parent, helping your elementary school-aged child prepare for success at school involves more than just buying supplies and ensuring they complete their homework. It’s about creating a positive environment that fosters learning, emotional well-being, and healthy routines. Here are practical steps to help guide your child toward academic and personal success.
1. Establish a Consistent Routine
Children thrive on structure. A consistent daily routine helps lower school-aged kids feel secure and focused. Set regular times for waking up, meals, homework, and bedtime. Having clear expectations for how each day unfolds reduces anxiety and creates stability, which positively impacts school performance.
2. Create a Learning-Friendly Environment at Home
Your home environment should be conducive to learning. Designate a quiet, well-lit space for schoolwork where your child can concentrate without distractions. Stock it with essential supplies like pencils, notebooks, and other materials so that they can easily access what they need to complete assignments.
3. Foster a Love for Reading
Reading is a foundation for success in all areas of education. Read with your child regularly to build strong literacy skills and ignite a love for books. Encourage them to read a wide range of materials, from storybooks to educational magazines, and provide opportunities for them to engage in conversations about what they read.
4. Encourage Curiosity and Questions
Help your child develop a natural curiosity about the world by encouraging them to ask questions and explore their interests. Be patient and open to their inquiries, and find ways to connect their interests to what they are learning in school. This fosters a growth mindset and motivates them to seek knowledge beyond the classroom.
5. Support Social and Emotional Skills
Success at school isn’t just about academics; it’s also about social and emotional development. Help your child build skills such as empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation. Teach them how to manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with peers and teachers. These skills are essential for creating positive relationships and thriving in a school environment.
6. Communicate with Teachers
Maintaining open communication with your child’s teachers is key to their success. Attend parent-teacher conferences, stay updated on your child’s progress, and ask for feedback on how you can support their learning at home. By working together with teachers, you can address any challenges early and celebrate your child’s achievements.
7. Develop Healthy Habits
Physical health directly affects your child’s ability to concentrate and succeed at school. Make sure they get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and have time for physical activity. Encourage outdoor play, limit screen time, and emphasize the importance of self-care and rest.
8. Build Independence and Responsibility
As children grow, it’s important to help them develop independence and responsibility. Encourage your child to take ownership of their schoolwork by establishing a homework routine and allowing them to make decisions about how they organize their time. Celebrate their successes and teach them how to learn from mistakes, building resilience and self-confidence.
9. Set Realistic Expectations
While it’s important to encourage your child to do their best, setting realistic and achievable goals helps prevent stress and burnout. Focus on their individual progress rather than comparing them to others. Celebrate small victories and remind them that learning is a journey that takes time.
10. Stay Positive and Encouraging
Above all, provide positive reinforcement and encouragement. Let your child know that you are proud of their efforts, regardless of the outcome. When they face challenges, remind them that struggles are part of learning and that you are there to support them every step of the way.
Transitioning to Private School
Transitioning to private school may involve new routines, academic expectations, teaching methods, classmates, and school traditions. Parents can make the adjustment easier by helping their child understand what will change and what will remain familiar.
Before the transition, schedule a school visit during a regular school day when possible. Seeing classrooms, meeting teachers, and observing students can make the new environment feel more predictable. Ask the school how it welcomes new students, communicates with families, and supports children who enter after the academic year has already begun.
You can also help your child prepare by:
Talking openly about what they are excited or nervous about
Reviewing the new daily schedule together
Practicing arrival, dismissal, and homework routines
Encouraging questions about classroom expectations
Giving your child time to form new friendships
Maintaining familiar routines at home during the transition
Avoid placing pressure on your child to adjust immediately. Some children settle in quickly, while others need several weeks to feel comfortable. Regular communication with teachers can help you distinguish between a normal adjustment period and a challenge that requires additional support.
Considering a Mid-Year School Change
Parents may consider changing schools mid-year because of a move, an academic concern, an unmet learning need, social difficulties, class size, school culture, or a desire for a different educational approach. Although changing schools during the year can feel disruptive, the right preparation can help a child transition successfully.
Begin by identifying the specific reasons for considering a change. Determine whether the concern could be resolved at the current school or whether a different environment would better meet your child’s needs. When visiting a prospective private school, ask how teachers will evaluate your child’s current progress and help bridge differences in curriculum, pacing, or classroom expectations.
Seasonal Decision Points for School Changes
The right time to explore a school change depends on your child’s needs and the admissions timeline of the schools you are considering. Families often evaluate school options at several points during the year.
Fall: The first months of school may reveal whether a child is comfortable with the classroom structure, pace, social environment, and level of support. If concerns appear, speak with the teacher before assuming a school change is necessary. Document patterns and discuss possible solutions.
Winter and Mid-Year: Winter can be an important decision point for families considering a mid-year transfer or planning for the following academic year. Review your child’s progress reports, teacher feedback, emotional well-being, and attitude toward school. Contact prospective schools early to ask about space, application requirements, and transition support.
Spring Enrollment Season: Spring is often a key period for researching private schools, scheduling visits, submitting applications, and preparing for the next school year. Visiting while classes are in session can help families see how teachers interact with students and how learning takes place each day.
Summer Preparation: Once a school decision has been made, summer offers time to establish routines, complete required paperwork, review reading recommendations, and help your child become familiar with the new campus and expectations. Keep preparation positive and manageable rather than turning the summer into an extended academic test.
Helping Your Child Prepare for an Upcoming School Transition
When a school change is planned for the next academic year, preparation can begin well before the first day. Share information gradually, answer questions honestly, and allow your child to express mixed emotions. Excitement and nervousness can exist at the same time.
Ask the new school about orientation events, summer activities, student ambassadors, classroom visits, and opportunities to meet other families. If possible, review a sample schedule or school calendar together. For younger elementary students, practicing simple tasks such as organizing a backpack, opening lunch containers, or following a morning checklist can build confidence.
As the first day approaches, emphasize that your child does not need to understand everything immediately. Encourage them to ask for help, introduce themselves to classmates, and give the new routine time to become familiar.
Key Takeaways
Consistent routines can help children feel secure, focused, and ready to learn.
Reading, curiosity, and positive communication strengthen learning beyond the classroom.
Social and emotional preparation is especially important during a school transition.
Families considering a mid-year or upcoming school change should communicate early with both the current and prospective schools.
A successful transition depends on finding a learning environment that supports your child academically, socially, and emotionally.
By fostering a supportive home environment, building good habits, and staying engaged with your child’s education, you’re setting the stage for them to succeed at school and beyond. Schedule a visit!
As hot summer weather turns to a cooler, more colorful fall, now is the perfect time for kids to explore new activities, develop new skills, and experience the great outdoors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children ages 8 to 10 spend an average of six hours per day in front of a screen, and ages 11 to 14 spend an average of nine hours per day in front of a screen. Teens from 15 to 18 spend an average of seven and a half hours per day in front of a screen.
With technology incorporated more into our everyday routines, we, as educators, parents, and adults, must help our youth maintain a lifestyle balance. The answer? Physical activity and life skills games.
Why Is Staying Active So Important?
1. To state the obvious: it’s great for the body
According to the World Health Organization, under-active people have a 20 percent to 30 percent increased health risk. Regular exercise instills good habits in children early and helps them maintain a healthy weight, build strong bones and muscles, and improve cardiovascular health. It’s also great for the immune system, lowering susceptibility to common illnesses.
2. Don’t forget the mind
Physical activity is healthy for both the body and the mind. Being active releases endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters, helping lower symptoms of anxiety and improve self-esteem. Physical activity also stimulates cognitive functions like thinking, learning, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Kids playing games and sports enjoy better overall focus, improved academic performance, and a more positive outlook on life.
What life skills do sports teach? It’s pretty straightforward, actually—and it goes beyond the physical.
Sports and games provide an excellent platform for developing social skills. Through interaction with peers, children learn how to freely communicate, resolve conflicts, and work as a team. These skills are essential for building strong, healthy relationships throughout their lives.
4. What that can look like:
Joining a local sports team
Participating in group games
Attending community events
Engaging in cooperative play activities
Taking dance or martial arts classes
Volunteering for team-based projects
Organizing friendly competitions with friends
Practicing communication during games
Game On: 3 Fun Sports and Activities
1. Sports
Sports like soccer, basketball, baseball, and even track and field are considered structured and have set rules and organized teams. These sports provide a disciplined environment where children can learn the value of commitment, practice, and perseverance.
Participating in structured sports teaches kids to follow instructions, adhere to schedules, and work towards a common goal. They also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of competition, the joy of victory, and how to handle defeat.
2. Games and activities
Unstructured play is just as important as structured sports. These activities promote a sense of freedom and exploration, encouraging children to be independent and make decisions on their own. Here are some quick tips by grade level:
Variety helps maintain children’s interest in physical activities. Balance organized sports with free play to keep things fresh, including activities your child loves, while introducing new ones to expand their experiences.
You can promote social engagement for your child by arranging playdates or joining community sports groups and camps. A diverse array of options increases the likelihood that your child will remain active and enthusiastic about physical pursuits.
Involving the Whole Family
1. Family ties
Getting the whole family involved in physical activities can make exercise more enjoyable, create lasting memories, and strengthen family bonds.
2. Support systems
Create a positive and encouraging environment for your children’s physical activities. Praise their efforts, celebrate their achievements, and provide constructive feedback. Encourage them to try new things and remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
Remember that every child is different, and their abilities will vary. Focus more on the joy of participation rather than competition. Encouraging your child to set personal goals and celebrate their progress—no matter their skill level—will help them build confidence and a positive attitude towards being active.
Make A Move
As we have seen, the benefits of physical activity extend far beyond physical health; they inspire mental well-being, social skills, and teamwork.
By offering a mix of structured and unstructured activities involving the entire family and cultivating a supportive atmosphere, you can help your child build a healthy and active lifestyle that will serve them well into the future.
Looking for IB private schools in Virginia Beach that prioritize physical, social, and academic health? At Strelitz International Academy, we offer a world-class education that caters to each child’s holistic development, ensuring they thrive in all aspects of their growth.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB®) World School utilizing an inquiry-based educational program, our goal is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. Through inquiry-based lessons, students build critical thinking skills, nurture their curiosity, and gain the ability to solve complex problems in our Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Early Years Program.
To schedule your visit, call 757-424-4327. We are located at 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 180, in Virginia Beach, on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community.
The36th Annual Strelitz International Golf Tournament, proudly known as the “Bob Josephberg Classic,” co-chaired by David Leon and Babbi Bangel, is set to be the highlight of the season on August 28, 2024, at the renowned Virginia Beach National Golf Club.
This golf tournament is the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts and a cherished tradition passionately embraced by the entire Tidewater community. Each year, the event draws over 100 players and 100 sponsors, raising $150,000 to support the students and families of the Strelitz International Academy.
This past school year, theStrelitz International Academy celebrated remarkable achievements. As a result of our school’s exceptional Jewish education andInternational Baccalaureate®curriculum, enrollment has soared to record levels since our move to the Sandler Family Campus.
Serving students from infancy through fifth grade, Strelitz is a private preschool and Virginia Beach elementary school that lays a solid foundation for future leaders, deeply rooted in the values and support of the Tidewater Jewish community. The 36th Annual Golf Tournament presents a unique opportunity for businesses and individuals to make a significant impact. Sponsorship opportunities range from $400 to $10,500, catering to a variety of giving levels. The event is open to all golf enthusiasts and volunteers, promising a day packed with excitement, including a captivating silent auction and a vibrant awards reception featuring a delectable kosher dinner.
Your participation is more than just a game; it’s an investment in the future of our children and the strength of our community. Join us for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there! Together, we can make a lasting difference.
For more information on how you can sponsor or participate in the tournament, please contact Carin Simon, Director of Advancement, at 757.424.4327 or csimon@strelitzacademy.org. You can schedule a visit to our Virginia Beach elementary school and private preschool through our tournament site:onecau.se/siagolf.
Suppose your child is just reaching school age. In that case, if you recently moved and are looking for new educational opportunities, or if you just aren’t satisfied with the education your child is receiving at a public school, you may want to consider looking into a private school. Here are a few reasons why private elementary schools may be a better option for your family:
1. Focus
Private schools generally have smaller class sizes, so students can get more one-on-one attention. If a child is having difficulty with a particular lesson or concept, private school teachers can more easily identify an issue and work individually with the student to get them back on track.
2. Safety
With a higher ratio of adults to students, private schools have the opportunity to pinpoint if children are having trouble with lessons or concepts, and can also keep better track of the kids as they interact. So, if bullying is a problem or a situation is escalating between students, adults can identify what’s happening more quickly and step in faster to disarm the situation.
Public school curricula are often handed down from the state level, with some varying degrees of differences being influenced by public school boards in each county or municipality. While private schools can utilize standardized curricula, they also have the freedom to deviate in ways that can create a more well-rounded education that can also be focused on topics such as religion.
4. Resources
Private schools charge tuition and often have endowments or fundraising opportunities directly related to providing the resources students need for an advanced education.
5. Graduation
Not surprisingly, private schools nationwide have nearly a 100% graduation rate, while public schools are closer to only 80%. For students going on to higher levels of education, such as college or graduate school, this is an important stepping stone in getting to that destination.
6. Technology
Private schools often have access to the latest technology, integrating cutting-edge tools into the learning process. This ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate the increasingly digital world, mastering skills crucial for future academic and professional success.
7. Support
In private schools, there’s usually a strong emphasis on involving parents in their child’s education. This collaboration between parents and educators fosters a supportive learning environment and ensures that children’s needs are consistently met.
8. Culture
Many private schools offer curricula that focus on cultural understanding and ethical values. These programs encourage students to appreciate diversity, develop empathy, and make responsible, ethical decisions throughout their lives.
9. Opportunity
With a diverse range of extracurricular activities, private schools offer students the chance to explore and develop skills outside of the traditional academic spectrum. Whether it’s through sports, arts, or clubs, these activities can significantly contribute to personal growth and help students discover new passions.
Strelitz International Academy is one of Hampton Roads’s best affordable private schools. We are an International Baccalaureate (IB®) candidate school focusing on personal and academic growth, challenging students to excel in their studies and personal development.
Suppose you ask yourself why you want your child to attend this school. In that case, we invite you to call or email us and schedule a visit for additional information on how we are transforming students into successful and positive citizens of the world.
