Nurturing student minds

A parent’s guide to success at Sayre School

At Sayre School, we see education as a collaborative effort between school and home. Parents play an important role in shaping their child’s academic journey. By creating a supportive and stimulating environment at home, you can help your child succeed. 

Cultivate a growth mindset

Intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. By encouraging your child to view challenges as opportunities for growth, you empower them to embrace setbacks as stepping stones to success.

• Praise effort, not just intelligence. Instead of solely complimenting your child’s natural abilities, acknowledge their hard work and determination. This fosters a belief in their capacity to improve.
• Encourage risk-taking. Create a safe space for your child to experiment and make mistakes. As the saying goes, “There’s no failure, only feedback.” 

Create a conducive learning environment

A well-organized and inspiring study space can help your child focus and be more productive.

• Designate a quiet area. Choose a calm and well-lit corner of your home for study. Ensure it’s free from distractions to optimize concentration.
• Stock essential supplies. To avoid interruptions during study time, provide your child with all the necessary tools, such as pencils, erasers, rulers, and books.
• Establish a routine. Consistent study habits are crucial for academic success. Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes homework, reading, and relaxation time. 
• Promote independence. As children grow older, they become more responsible for managing their study habits. Empowering your child with the right tools and support when they’re younger can help them develop the skills necessary for academic success.

Build strong learning habits

Effective study habits are essential for success in school and beyond.

• Prioritize organization. Teach your child the importance of staying organized. Use planners, folders, and digital tools to manage assignments and deadlines. Be sure to tailor these tools to your child’s preferences. 
• Develop time management skills. Help your child break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This strategy fosters efficiency and reduces procrastination.
• Encourage your child to seek help. Emphasize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support your child in seeking clarification from teachers or classmates when needed.

Spark a passion for reading

Reading is fundamental to a child’s intellectual development. By cultivating a love for books, you’re laying a strong foundation for academic achievement.

• Make reading enjoyable. Read with your child when they are younger. Visit libraries together and explore diverse genres to spark your child’s interest.
• Lead by example. Let your child see you engrossed in books. Your enthusiasm for reading will be contagious.
• Discuss what you read. These conversations encourage critical thinking and deepen understanding.
• Use the Sayre libraries. Our Lower School library is located near the main entrance to the Lower School. The Edward F. Simms Library for middle and upper students is adjacent to the Middle School building. Encourage your children to check out library books, use the library to research school projects, and talk to a librarian if they have questions. 

Stay in the know

We know that balancing school schedules, homework, and extracurricular activities on top of family and work responsibilities is challenging. Keeping on top of news and events is key to managing your calendar, which promotes your child’s success. Here are a few ways to stay in the loop on all things Sayre.      

• Social media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn for a glimpse into school events, news, and inspiring stories from the school community. 
• Website: Bookmark our website for easy access to news, upcoming events, and a year-at-a-glance calendar highlighting important dates. Visit us regularly to stay informed.
• Weekly email: Stay on top of what's happening with our weekly email newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. It features key highlights and announcements relevant to the whole school community.
• Division and classroom newsletters: Lower, Middle, and Upper School newsletters keep you updated on specific division news and events. Look for these in your email. Some teachers may also provide their own newsletters or updates via email – keep an eye out for those as well!

Provide support

It's August, and the school year has just begun. Many children find the start of school a thrilling time of learning and socializing!

However, as the year progresses, school can also be a source of stress or overwhelming feelings.If your child struggles with time management, reading comprehension, math literacy, or other issues, timely support and encouragement can help your child overcome difficulties and achieve their goals.

• Talk to your child’s teacher. Often, the first step in getting your child help is to contact their teacher. An email, phone conversation, or scheduled meeting can help you better understand issues from the teacher’s point of view. The teacher can provide suggestions to help your child succeed. 
• Engage with Academic Services. Sayre’s Department of Academic Services has two reading specialists, two math specialists, and four academic and curriculum specialists. In addition to our in-house experts, we have strong community connections with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educational coaches (for example, ADHD coaching), as well as psychologists who can complete neuropsychological evaluations. 
• Talk to our school counselor. Our school counselor provides individual and group counseling, classroom guidance, and parent and teacher consultation. If needed, the counselor will refer you to community resources for additional help. 
• Meet with a division head. We welcome meetings by appointment with head of your child’s division. Please contact the appropriate person via email or phone to set up a meeting. Scheduling in advance ensures that we may devote our full attention to you.
  • Lower School: Jacki Neistat, jneistat@sayreschool.org   
  • Middle School: Kristin Seymour, kseymour@sayreschool.org  
  • Upper School: Clint Calzini, ccalzini@sayreschool.org

Together, we can create a nurturing environment that empowers your student to reach their full potential. Let’s inspire curiosity, foster a love of learning, and watch your child soar to new heights.