Current Norwood parents

[Anonymous]

My dc got in and we are very happy. Although my child is very bright he/she has some fine motor issues and socially she/he is a little awkward. How is Norwood in dealing with those issues? We were very upfront at the interview about fine motor but I am worried about dc feeling integrated into the classroom and making friends. This is for K.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I'd also be interested in how Norwood handles social dynamics of children like yours (because he/she sounds like ours) Do they work to build a supportive community where kids accept differences and help each other? Or do they leave It to the kids to work it out (which can leave an awkward one on the outs)

[Anonymous]

It is hard to comment not knowing what the specific issues are. If you have any concerns, the best thing is to talk to admissions again. There is usually a coffee for newly accepted parents that gives you an opportunity to talk with current parents, teachers and staff. That may be a good opportunity to speak to others.

[Anonymous]

I asked my daughter (2nd grader) about this, since she still remembers what it was like in K. She said that, in the beginning, it takes a little while to sort everything out. She said that, by the end of September, everyone has friends and is integrated into the group. The grouping for reading should take care of fine motor issues related to handwriting. In K, reading and writing are both done in the reading group, so you have a much smaller group with a lot more teacher focus.

Sorry I don't have anything to offer from a parent pespective, but I actually put a lot of faith in what my child says, since I know her.

[Anonymous]

As a current parent, I would say it is a very warm school that works to build a sense of community. It is extremely proactive in terms of character development issues and ethics. I can't say enough good things about the school.

[Anonymous]

Current Norwood parent, but without any direct experience with regard to the question you pose. For what it's worth, I have seen "socially awkward" children adjust very well and seem happy. But I know this does not fully answer your question. As the pp said, attend the welcome new families coffee/playdates and ask the Admissions staff and other parents.

Welcome to Norwood!

[Anonymous]

OP, one of the things that drew us to Norwood is that the school's commitment to character education is genuine and sincere, and not just lip service. The value of the month is discussed seriously, and kids regularly learn about and discuss friendship, feelings, and related matters.

The new (this year) lower school head, Annie Nichols, is a fabulous and warm leader. She spends a lot of time with the children focusing on their emotional and character development. While children at every school may face challenges integrating into a group, Norwood is a warm, welcoming place where they will help you and your child work through them. Welcome to Norwood!

[Anonymous]

OP, welcome. First if you are really concerned, the easiest thing to do is explain it to her admin/teachers and to some of the other mothers. Try to see if you can arrange as many play dates as possible early on, even before the start of the school year. The kids are nice.

[Anonymous]

I am a former Norwood parent. If you search these threads, you'll see comments that vary about how well Norwood deals with these issues. My sense is that:
(a) new LS head has at least spoken convincingly about her commitment to these issues (whereas previous head seemed to lose people's confidence re bullying, though I personally didn't see any evidence of that);
(b) so much depends on the particular class of students. Dynamics of classes in different years have been wildly different, with some very accepting of 'socially awkward' students and others miserably unaccepting. Gender plays a role too; sometimes the girls can be great, and boys horrid, and vice versa.

My view is that, anywhere, it is a gamble, as these are things you don't really figure out until you are there. That is not very comforting, I know, but if it were me I'd not want false comfort.

[Anonymous]

Talk to one of the learning specialists. There are two. Mine have horrible fine motor issues and graphomotor issues and have been fine. Some teachers are more accommodating than others, though. MS is much better about accommodations than LS, but the new LS principal is great, so that might change.

[Anonymous]

Can anyone comment on the size of the k class? Does it have 2 teachers? I am so confused as to which school is which. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

The current kindergarten class has 37 kids in two homerooms. Each homeroom has two teachers. I think there are five reading groups, each with one teacher.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! Are there 2 teachers in each class in 1st as well?

[Anonymous]

There is one teacher in each homeroom in 1st. 1st grade currently has 63 kids in four homerooms. In the recent past, there have typically been three homerooms in each grade in lower school, but I believe that this cohort will also have four homerooms next year (in 2nd grade).

[Anonymous]

Through lower school, the social scene will be primarily on you (arranging playdates, etc.) and how your child goes along with it. Beginning in 5th grade, I would say, she will be on her own -- you don't have much control. Do what you can to help her develop the necessary social skills early on. Fine motor skill issues will not be a problem at Norwood.