May 8, 2026 - Elementary School Principal Blog
Mr Geoff Heney
Dear Parents,
As I walk through our classrooms each day, I’m often struck by a simple truth: the most vibrant classrooms aren't the ones where students are the most "quiet," but the ones where students are the most active.
This brings me to a concept that we really focus on at each grade level as we careen to the end of the school year: Student agency.
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🔎 What is Student agency? |
In short, agency is the power to take initiative and help shape one’s own learning path. It’s the transition from a student asking, "What do I have to do?" to asking, "How can I solve this?".
When we give elementary school students a seat at the table, we aren't just teaching them math or reading; we are teaching them advocacy, problem-solving, and confidence.
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✅ Agency in Action |
At ISY, student agency might look like:
⭐ Choice Boards: Students choosing how they demonstrate their knowledge, for example, through a poster, a speech, or a digital presentation.
⭐ Goal Setting: Students developing and tracking their own progress in reading or math and celebrating their personal "glows" and "grows."
⭐ Collaborative Problem Solving: Working together to set classroom norms or resolve playground conflicts.
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🏡 How Might You Support Agency at Home |
💡 Offer Choices: Instead of "Put your shoes on," try "Do you want to put your shoes on in the kitchen or by the front door?"
💡 The "Power of Yet" and Productive Struggle: When they struggle, remind them they haven't mastered it yet, and ask what their next step might be.
💡 Ask for Their Input: Involve them in simple household decisions, like meal planning or weekend activities.
When children realize their voice has value, their engagement skyrockets.
We are so proud to partner with you in raising the next generation of independent thinkers
Regards,
Mr. Geoff Heney
Elementary School Principal
✨ What’s On:
