9/5/2023
New Year, New You!
For those of you I have not had the privilege of meeting yet, my name is Emily Stocker and I am thrilled to be a part of the Administrative team. My primary focus is ensuring that the Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines and what we are doing at our school meet together in a way that provides a supportive learning environment for our children. I serve as an Instructional Coach, head committees having to do with curriculum, and work closely with all teachers to make sure that everyone has the resources they need to be successful. However, my most important duty is to be available to you–to answer questions, discuss overall curriculum choices, and provide context. Please know that you can reach out to me anytime by email or to set up a virtual or in-person meeting. I’m happy to do either–the ability to truly reach each child is fully dependent upon supporting the child’s first educator, which is YOU!
One of the biggest strengths of St. Thomas More Cathedral School is the ability of our teachers to meet the needs of the students they teach. This is why I personally chose this school both professionally and then also personally for my own children. As a mom, it is seriously impressive to watch the amount of “data collection” that teachers do on a daily basis as they get to know each child–as a spiritual being, a reader, a mathematician, a scientist, a historian, and as a friend/peer to their classmates. These relationships make learning better. These connections do not happen by accident!
Three times a year, we do both formal and informal assessments to get to know the children we work with. This is important for multiple reasons, but the most significant is that children change, mature, and grow throughout the school year. I am so grateful to be in a place where that is both acknowledged and acted upon.
The Diocese of Arlington requires that each school complete the NWEA MAPS assessment three times each year to measure growth. More information is below, but please be aware that the MAPS testing will take place for grades 3-7 first thing in the morning on Monday, 9/11 through Wednesday 9/12. It is imperative that students are well rested, have had a great breakfast, and are on time for this assessment so they can truly show their best knowledge. The data from this assessment is used as one of the points for determining groupings and learning objectives for reading, math, and language arts, so we want your child to show what they know! Thank you for your part in making that happen.
Questions? Let’s set up a time to talk.
Emily Stocker
(703) 528-6781 x232