Understanding
Peer Relationships, Stress, and Success in School
A St. Andrew’s Research Partnership with The Johns Hopkins University
School of Education and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Overview
A positive social environment is one of the hallmarks of a
St. Andrew’s education. We know how important your child’s joy and confidence
are to his or her academic achievements. It’s one of the reasons you have
entrusted St. Andrew’s to help shape your child’s future.
Therefore, I am writing today to share with you an exciting
research opportunity that has emerged out of St. Andrew’s partnership with The Johns
Hopkins University. The project will investigate how peer relationships in the
2nd through 8th grades influence students’ stress levels
and academic outcomes. New scientific knowledge in this area will help
educators at St. Andrew’s, Johns Hopkins, and beyond, to understand how peer
relationships contribute to academic success. The data collected will provide
direct feedback in just a few months and will have an across-the-board benefit to
our community.
Over the past year, The Johns Hopkins University School of
Education, one of the leading authorities in the field of educational
neuroscience, has recognized our strength in fostering a nurturing and supportive
environment while also striving to help each child reach his or her full
academic potential. Our internal programs, such as Responsive Classroom and our
Advisor Program, are just a few of the reasons Johns Hopkins has reached out to
us. Now, Johns Hopkins School of Education and Johns Hopkins Medical
Institutions are partnering with St. Andrew’s and our Center for Transformative
Teaching and Learning (CTTL) on a groundbreaking research project.
On April 11, 2012 at 7 p.m., we will hold a Parent Information
Session for families in Grades 2 through 8. This meeting, which will take place
on the Postoak Campus, will give you a chance to hear more about the project
and ask questions. Additionally, you can click here to read some Frequently
Asked Questions about the project, which will be conducted in mid-to-late May.
There are many wonderful reasons why you picked St.
Andrew’s. By having your child to take part in this study, you can help to
further ensure that the exceptional teaching that already happens on both
campuses, will continue to strengthen in the future.
Faithfully,
Robert Kosasky