What Events Do We Have
Throughout the Year?
April : Welcome day
We start off the school year by welcoming both the students and parents to Learning Tree. The students will gather together at the park to play games and get to know their schoolmates. Each grade level will hold a parent meeting where the teachers can explain their educational philosophies and their plan for the school year. Parents may ask questions to the teachers and admin as well as connect with each other.
May : Sports day
Learning to be a team player, encouraging others, and trying your best is what the Learning Tree Sports Day fosters. Students practice team events and learn what it means to have good sportsmanship. It is always an exciting experience seeing everyone cheer each other on!
June : Open house, Parent meeting, Conference
In order for the school and parents to work together and create a quality education for our students, we believe it is important for parents to see what their children are learning at Learning Tree. Therefore, we conduct classroom observations where the parents can see our teaching methods as well as their child’s growth. At the parent meeting after the open house, we receive feedback from parents on classes and daily life. Our focus during this meeting is to create a better school through communication. In addition, during conferences, we will report on each student’s individual progress and proficiency level and confirm our goals for the future.
July : Global Citizenship Day
Our Global Citizenship Day event is designed to encourage students to think about how they can help solve global issues such as poverty, conflict, suppression of human rights, infectious diseases, and environmental challenges. Students will develop ways that they themselves can take action. For example, cleaning up the local park or organizing a food drive. We hope that this event will show students that they can make a difference in society while encouraging them to become proactive global citizens
September : Kamogawa Nature Camp
We believe that being in nature is a necessary part of childhood and helps in becoming a healthy individual. We introduce new activities to students in a natural environment such as the Tarzan swing, zipline, orienteering, nature art, feeding cows, catching bugs, and hiking. The memory of having fun in a group and caring about each other in nature creates a secure base in a child’s mind. This will help them become positive and strong throughout their lives.
October : Halloween Party
Our Halloween Party is an exciting festival where the students will experience different games and events. Leading up to this celebration, students create decorations to help set the atmosphere in the school. On the day of the party, the students will participate in many booths set up and run by the teachers. They will also enjoy an original performance by Learning Tree’s own Elliot Theater Company.
November : Cultural Appreciation Day
To understand different cultures, throughout the year we invite guest speakers from different cultural backgrounds. On Cultural Appreciation Day, students have the chance to celebrate their unique backgrounds and traditions with their classmates. The authentic cultural presentations broaden students’ horizons and grow their interests in the people and customs of various groups.
December : Concert
Concerts are an integrated educational approach that Learning Tree values. Students learn to understand the plot line of a story, portray the feelings and emotions of a character, learn the importance of stage presence, and how to speak confidently in front of a crowd. These skills can be used throughout their lives from school, to the working world. Students will help develop the concert story in Drama class, create set pieces in Fine Arts, learn musical numbers in Music, and produce performances in the Dance program. By putting all of these skills together, our students can show off their earnest effort and hard work. It is one of the biggest highlights of the year!
January : LT Essay contest
At LearningTree, we value thinking and expression. Students will express their ideas in writing (or video, depending on the student) on an essay topic announced before winter break and will have the opportunity to participate in an essay contest in January. For those taking part in this event, classroom teachers will provide feedback during the writing workshop to encourage students to revise their essays. Students can use this event as a benchmark for working towards their own goals. Writing a successful essay and receiving an award either for participation or other prizes signifies hard work and can be a great confidence booster.
February : Standardized exam preparation/exams
In February, we begin our testing period. Students will review topics they’ve studied throughout the year to help prepare for their exams. We will administer 3 tests during this period. The Reveal Math Summative Assessment, the Benchmark Advance Summative Assessment, and the TerraNova3 standardized exam. The Reveal Math and Benchmark Advance assessments will be graded by the classroom teachers while the TerraNova3 exam will be scored in America. These exams help show not only how the student has grown throughout the year, but their standing amongst students from across the United States.
March : Exhibition, Conference
In February, we begin our testing period. Students will review topics they’ve studied throughout the year to help prepare for their exams. We will administer 3 tests during this period. The Reveal Math Summative Assessment, the Benchmark Advance Summative Assessment, and the TerraNova3 standardized exam. The Reveal Math and Benchmark Advance assessments will be graded by the classroom teachers while the TerraNova3 exam will be scored in America. These exams help show not only how the student has grown throughout the year, but their standing amongst students from across the United States.
The above school events are planned and executed by the entire teaching staff in the hopes that students grow holistically, and are exposed to the values that Learning Tree holds dear to our hearts. We are confident that great learning will come from the interaction between students, teachers, and the wider community environment. Through the teaching in the classroom, and daily conversations, but also through a variety of events students can grow into lifelong learners. In addition to these school events, the student council meets monthly to discuss and organize student-led events—for example, movie night, gardening, art contests, Secret Santa, etc. The children gather as a team to discuss, prepare, and shape how to make the school a better and more enjoyable community.