As parents and educators we often think about what the future holds for our children. Directly and indirectly, we teach children about living and working together in a family and community.  Together, it is our responsibility to model critical thinking, acceptance, empathy, and respect for differences so that our children are prepared to problem-solve, cooperate, and contribute to our global society.  In Katonah-Lewisboro, we continue to design and implement programs and practices that prepare our children for the 21st century.
        Beginning in Kindergarten, we teach children about community.  Teaching children the roles and responsibilities that exist within a local community, school community, or global society helps children understand that we do not function in isolation, but rather we are interdependent.  During this new school year, children in first grade will be involved in our World Language Program, exposing students to the Spanish language and culture, the second most spoken language in our country.   In third grade, children study diverse cultures including Kenya, Brazil, and China, and in grade 5, students study Mexico and Canada.  All of these units in our Social Studies curriculum and our new World Language Program will continue to provide a foundation for seeing things from different perspectives as children develop an appreciation and understanding for communities around the world.   
      Teaching students how to use technology is also a necessity for the 21st century.  The goal of our district is to integrate technology skills in the curriculum so that children understand how to use this tool to enhance their learning.  Students have access to technology in the classroom, library media center, and computer lab.  Each grade level has specific exit outcomes that can be seen in our district curriculum guides.  At Increase Miller, students may create graphs, evaluate websites, access electronic databases to retrieve information, and utilize Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.  Additionally, each grade level publishes a project each year that requires students to demonstrate developmental skills outlined in the curriculum.  This year we will also have four interactive whiteboards, otherwise known as Smart Boards, in the classrooms.  All students will have the opportunity to engage in lessons and view information in a different format as one of the interactive whiteboards will be stationed in the library.  With the click of a button, teachers will be able to access information and deliver content in a visual way. 
      During this school year, we are continuing to focus on character education which emphasizes important community skills such as collaboration, communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Our school theme, Making a Difference Together, is one way we will be highlighting those important qualities.  School assemblies, class buddy conversations, and our school announcements will continue to reflect the theme of our school.  Also, in the first six weeks of school, teachers work with the children to establish a community and culture in the classroom.  Over the course of the year they continue to have conversations about respect and working together, using literature and character education lessons designed in the district. 
      As we begin our new school year together, we look forward to working with you to make a difference in the lives of your children, and know that your participation in and out of Increase Miller demonstrates your commitment to our school community.