As summer winds down, our Strelitz International Academy is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming school year. Our dedicated teachers have been working tirelessly to prepare their classrooms, creating warm, welcoming, and stimulating environments where our students can thrive.
This year, we are placing a special emphasis on meaningful play, which was a key focus during our professional development week. Our teachers have been exploring innovative ways to integrate play into the curriculum, ensuring that learning is both engaging and purposeful. This approach not only aligns with our IB® philosophy but also supports the development of critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity among our students.
In addition to classroom preparation, our faculty has been diligently updating themselves on the latest IB® updates. Staying current with these developments ensures that we continue to offer a world-class education that meets the high standards of the IB® program. Our commitment to continuous learning and improvement is a testament to our dedication to providing the best possible education for our students.
Safety is always a top priority at SIA, and this year, we’ve taken our emergency preparedness to the next level. Our staff has undergone new emergency training, including AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training, to ensure that we are equipped to handle any situation that may arise. This comprehensive training is part of our ongoing effort to create a safe and secure environment for our entire school community.
As a private school grounded in Jewish values and traditions, we began the week with a special time of prayer and reflection. Together, we prayed and shared personal and school traditions that remind us of our shared heritage and the values that guide us. This moment of unity and spiritual connection set the tone for the year ahead, reminding us of the importance of community, faith, and the rich traditions that are woven into the fabric of our school.
We cannot wait to welcome our students and families back to school. With the classrooms ready, our teachers inspired, and our community united, we are confident that this will be a great, successful school year. Here’s to a year filled with growth, learning, and meaningful experiences for all! To learn more schedule a visit.
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.
Early Years 3 students at Strelitz International Academy gathered their binoculars and maps and went on their very own bear hunt! In Morah Lavette Ricks’ class, students were inspired by the story “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen and expressed how they would like to go on a bear hunt at their school. On November 7, 2023, Ricks brought the story to life and created the experience for her students right in the Early Years hallway.
Early Years 3 students and teacher Lavette Ricks explore a “mud” themed sensory table to find and count bears.
To start this engaging lesson, Ricks introduced the story to her students, as well as the adapted song version sung by The Kiboomers. Because the text is predictable and the rhythm is catchy, the students developed creative-thinking skills to dramatize the story over a few days. As a class, Ricks focused on the prepositions in the story, such as over, under, and through. Next, the students used critical thinking skills to list what they might need in each scenario. As a class, they analyzed the list and started preparing. Each child designed their own binoculars and special map to navigate to the cave. The maps included the elements mentioned in the story, such as tall, wavy grass, a big river, mud, and their end location: a cave.
Outside of the classroom, Ricks set up each site. The first scene was tall, wavy grass. The students enjoyed a sensory experience of pushing through green streamers. Next, there was a big river, and with the help of blue streamers, students had to “swim” their way through. There were even some stuffed animal friends who joined them on their courageous journey! The third obstacle was mud. To create this scene, Ricks used a sensory table and brown paper, which hid colorful Baby Bear Counters. As students sorted through the “mud,” they counted and collected the bears they found, which tied in with their math skills. And finally, what is a bear hunt without a bear? Students made their way to a “dark cave,” and inside were two stuffed bears! Just like the story, the kids spotted the bears and ran all the way back to their classroom.
At Strelitz International Academy, our mentality is teaching students to go beyond the book. It starts in our Early Years program and will follow them throughout their educational journey. We hope our EY3 students inspire you to grab your map and binoculars and create a bear hunt of your own! Schedule a visit!
Posted on Wednesday December 8 , 2021 by Carin Simon
A balanced elementary education focuses on creating a supportive learning environment where children can explore their interests, build essential skills, and develop a strong foundation for future academic success. By addressing different areas of growth, schools can help students become confident and capable learners.
Summary
The right educational approach helps children develop skills they can use inside and outside the classroom. When students receive guidance that encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and personal growth, they are better prepared to navigate new experiences and challenges.
Finding the Right Balance Between Values and Academics
A well-rounded individual who excels in personal goals and external goals has to be nurtured into being at a young age. Just like we learn languages, math, history, etc. we also have to learn empathy, compassion, critical thinking, etc. It is only with values-based and academics-based education that we can mold our children into well-rounded individuals. At Strelitz International Academy, we believe that finding the right balance between academics and values is important to the development of your child’s elementary education.
Values-Based Elementary Education
A values-based education has the objective of creating good citizenship in individuals and society. Through the elementary education model, students develop personally, globally, and spiritually. At SIA, we teach a number of values in addition to traditional academics.
What values do elementary schools typically teach?
Elementary schools often teach values that help children develop character, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility. At Strelitz International Academy, these values include:
These are all key values of well-rounded and productive members of society.
Comparing Different Approaches to Elementary Education
Different educational approaches may place different levels of focus on personal values and academic achievement. Understanding these approaches can help parents identify the type of learning environment that best supports their child’s overall development.
Approach
Focus
Benefits
Values-Only
Focuses primarily on character development, social responsibility, and personal growth.
Helps children develop empathy, communication skills, and positive behaviors.
Academics-Only
Focuses primarily on academic subjects, knowledge, and measurable learning outcomes.
Helps children build subject knowledge, academic skills, and educational foundations.
Blended Approach
Combines academic learning with values-based education to support both knowledge and personal development.
Helps children apply academic skills while developing critical thinking, compassion, and responsibility.
Academics-Based Elementary Education
Values-based education is a great way to create emotionally intelligent students, but they still need a traditional education if they want to excel in our society. That is why we incorporate values-based learning into standard academics-based learning. Academics are important, they teach us history, math, language, and give us outlets to express ourselves and explore our talents. However, strictly learning academics can leave holes in your child’s overall development.
In general, academics were left to be learned at school and values were learned in the home. However, children have a difficult time using and integrating the values they learned at home if they are not reinforced and taught at school as well.
Balancing Values and Academics
Both values-based and academic-based academics have their strengths and weaknesses. It is only by balancing these two learning models that we can create well-rounded and compassionate global citizens. By introducing and reinforcing these values in an academic setting, students learn to use these values in addition to their academics to solve problems. At Strelitz International Academy we do just that. Students will learn at an accelerated pace the typical academic subjects such as language arts, math, social studies, science, technology, P.E., etc. However, they will also learn values and learn how to be compassionate and proactive citizens.
Within each of these academic subjects, we make sure to include and teach the values that will help them become successful. Within our social studies program, we take the time to ensure they understand respect for democratic ideals and give them a sense of conviction that they can make a difference. Our math program works not only on numbers but on problem solving. Children are given the opportunity to work with others and use technology to solve problems. And in their language arts studies students learn fine motor skills.
Key Takeaways
Academic learning helps children build knowledge, skills, and confidence in subjects such as math, language, science, and social studies.
Values-based education supports personal growth, empathy, communication, and responsible decision-making.
A balanced approach helps children apply what they learn in meaningful ways.
Strelitz International Academy focuses on developing both academic skills and personal values through its educational approach.
Values and Academics at Strelitz International Academy
At SIA, we take the time to develop your child’s academic education and their personal development education. Our ultimate mission is to “promote a social and global consciousness that encompasses a profound respect for all humanity.” You can read more about our primary years (elementary education) program on our website.
Are you looking for a balanced values and academics elementary education for your child? We are currently enrolling for the 2022-2023 school year, and would love to welcome your child to SIA. To find out more, please call 757-424-4327. Find out what other parents have to say about SIA here.
Switching from an IB school to another educational program involves more than a change in curriculum. Families should consider differences in teaching methods, assessment styles, classroom expectations, and support systems to ensure the new program matches their child’s academic goals and learning preferences.
Summary
A successful school transition depends on helping children adapt both academically and emotionally. Open communication, proper planning, and ongoing support can help students build confidence, maintain their progress, and feel comfortable in their new learning environment.
Preparing for a Smooth IB Program Transition
Moving can be a very stressful experience for young children. Making new friends, meeting new teachers and getting used to a new routine.
When getting ready to relocate to a new area, one of the things you can do to make the transition a little easier for your children is to try to find a good school that will provide them with an environment that is similar to the school they were in previously. Many schools do virtual tours with photo and informational slideshows to give you a good idea of the philosophy and program curriculum.
If your child is currently enrolled in an International Baccalaureate® (IB) program elementary school in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, you’ll want to find another IB® Primary Year Programme (PYP) school in your new location. If one is not available, look for a private school with small classes sizes, preferably that uses inquiry-based education.
For students who are not currently in an IB® PYP school, the International Baccalaureate (IB®) program is an inquiry-based educational system that seeks to develop the child as a whole. This means their education is formulated to both scholastics and inner growth. For a child that is going from a traditional educational format, such as what they received in a public school, the IB® PYP format is more about learning by experiences and asking questions rather than purely memorizing information presented in books and classroom lectures.
While a child going from an IB® PYP school to another program will present some new opportunities for the student, being able to utilize what they have previously learned will help them to build on the skills they already have and adapt them to their new surroundings. If there are any problems with the transition, a school with smaller classes sizes will ensure your student can get extra assistance from their teachers.
Can I switch from a traditional school into an IB program?
Yes, students can transition from a traditional school into an IB® program. While the learning approach may feel different at first, students can adapt to inquiry-based learning by developing skills such as asking questions, exploring ideas, making connections, and applying knowledge through experiences. Schools often support this transition by helping students understand classroom expectations and providing guidance based on their individual learning needs.
3 Things to Request From Your Child’s Current School Before Transferring
Before moving your child to a new school, collecting important information from their current school can help teachers better understand their academic progress, learning style, and areas where they may need additional support. Request the following:
1. Student Portfolio
A student portfolio provides examples of your child’s work, projects, achievements, and learning experiences. This can help the new school understand your child’s strengths, interests, and progress over time.
2. Academic Records
Request official academic records, including report cards, transcripts, attendance information, and other relevant documentation required for enrollment and placement.
3. Assessments and Learning Reports
Previous assessments and learning reports can provide insight into your child’s academic development, skills, and any areas where additional support may be helpful during the transition.
Key Takeaways
A child’s previous IB® experience can help them develop skills that support future learning environments.
Families should review curriculum styles and teaching approaches when considering a new school.
Academic records, assessments, and student portfolios can help a new school understand a child’s learning journey.
Smaller class sizes and supportive teachers can help students adjust during a school transition.
If you’re moving to the area and you’re looking for IB® PYP schools in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, we invite you to take a look at Strelitz International Academy. We are one of the premiere private elementary schools in the area for children age 3 to 12. As an IB® PYP candidate school, we can continue your child’s education, placing emphasis on their academic skills while encouraging their personal growth at the same time, to develop a more well-rounded student who develops a life-long love of academics.
Contact us at 757-424-4327 to Schedule a visit and learn more about our school and our curriculum. We’d love to have your new student join us and we’d also enjoy the opportunity to speak with you about the role you’ll play in your child’s education, both in and out of the classroom.
