When my children were young, I recall my surprise at having to not only state the expectation aloud, but also repeat it multiple times and generalize it to various settings. “You can’t write on the walls,†had to be, “You can’t write on the walls with markers..You can’t write on the walls with crayons...You can’t write on the walls in your bedroom...You can’t write on the walls in the stairwell.†Some people are part to whole learners, meaning that they put small pieces together until an entire concept or skill is created. Others are whole to part, those who need the big picture first and then learn the details from there. Think of learning to ride a bike. Some kids want to see others do this, learn the various parts of the bike, practice simply sitting on the bike but not going anywhere, holding the handlebars, all before ever actually attempting to ride. These are part to whole learners. In contrast is the child who simply climbs on, tries it out, and is pedaling before even knowing how to use the brakes or turn the handlebars. “Don’t write on the walls at all, ever,†is whole to part. Watch your child as s/he learns something new, and I bet you will be able to determine which kind of inclination s/he has, at least in that particular situation.
The warm weather brought this to mind as I observe student questions or attempts at wearing various clothing items. You may recall that the guidelines for attire are based on safety and maintaining a learning environment. The big picture, or whole to part, is that nothing should be too short, too bare or too tight. This guidance is not enough, though, for some, who need the part to whole detail. For your reference:
Shorts: Yes, as long as they are not short shorts. If you need further guidance, have your child stand up straight and put an arm down by his/her side. The shorts should not be shorter than the longest finger hanging down. If underwear is visible, shorts are too short.
Shirts/tops/dresses: Yes, to short sleeves or sleeveless. No to spaghetti straps, bare backs, or racer backs. Tank tops usually are too bare, exposing too much skin. This can be distracting and also invites injury during PE or recess.
Shoes: Wearing shoes that allow safe running and playing at recess time means students can play games and participate in active play, therefore having more fun.
I am not interested in measuring the length of shorts, as happened at school in my growing up time! I am interested in student safety and having classrooms within which students can focus on learning. Cumberland gets hot in the spring and we want to use common sense in determining the school - appropriateness of clothing. Please help your child make appropriate choices as detailed above, or at the upper grades, monitor what clothing your child is choosing for school. Thank you ahead of time for your assistance with this. They are difficult phone calls for us to make, and often embarrassing for your child, if we have to call to request a change of clothing after s/he arrives at school.
Run the Bay and Green Day in the Bay are both this Saturday. Many Cumberland staff and students, especially fifth graders involved in their water projects, will be in attendance!
Warm regards, Jayne Heffron
