Blog
The Rossman blog features content written by our faculty and staff.
Click the archive button to view blogs from previous years. Blog Archive
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
by: Second Grade Teachers Emily Gorski and Claire Shroba
Parents and educators alike know that social and emotional intelligence is as important as academic skills. Social and emotional learning (SEL), is the process of acquiring the competencies to recognize and manage emotions, develop care and concern for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions and handle challenging situations effectively. In other words, it is the holistic process of learning grounded in ethics of care. It combines cognitive, social, emotional and relational aspects of learning to enhance learners’ well-being, academic success, and active global citizenship, promoting positive social change. [...]
Will Mozart Make My Baby A Genius?
by: Music Teacher Amira Fuller
For years there has been the age-old tale that if your baby listened to Mozart while in the womb, they would come out a genius ready for the world. While that story might be a little blown out of proportion, it has been shown that music benefits babies at any age, even before they are born. As both a music teacher and first-time mom, this really sparked my curiosity. During my pregnancy, I've enjoyed feeling the baby dancing along to a few of my holiday program selections. It’s always nice to get a positive second opinion, but this left me wondering if what I listened to at this stage made a difference in their connections to music and development. Was I limiting my baby’s potential by listening to holiday program songs during the day instead of Mozart’s greatest hits? [...]
Tasteful Collaborations for a School Community
by: Senior Kindergarten Teachers Lauren Brody, Caroline Jones, and Karen Larson
As we begin this autumn season, many take the time to count their blessings or take a moment to ponder what they are grateful for. In Senior Kindergarten, we take a pause to be thankful for the wonderful collaborations that we have in our school. The most important collaborations within our school community involve educators, parents, and students. Senior Kindergarten also loves to celebrate the beautiful diversity we have in our school. In November, Senior Kindergarten celebrates culture and the spirit of collaboration through one of the most significant connections between us…Food! [...]
Breaking the Stigma About Learning
by: School Counselor and Executive Function Coach Jess Fletcher & Learning Consultant Heather Blome
As parents and educators, we all want our children to feel valued, included, and capable of success. Yet, for many families, the words “educational evaluation,” seeking an “outside evaluation,” or “additional academic support” can carry a stigma or feel isolating. Some parents worry their child will be labeled, treated differently, or left out if they receive additional education services. In reality, most students are already aware that their brain learns differently based on observations in their day-to-day classroom experience. Ultimately, having a learning difference is not about limitations. It’s about giving children the tools, strategies, and support they need to thrive. [...]
Teaching with Love: How Fred Rogers’ Philosophy Helps Young Children Learn Empathy
by: Junior Kindergarten Teachers Elizabeth Dean, Mary Eckenroth and Julie Renne
As Early Childhood Educators, we know that learning letters and numbers is important, but learning how to care for others is essential. Fred Rogers, the beloved host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, taught us that children learn best when they feel safe, loved and understood. This past summer our Junior Kindergarten Team had the incredible opportunity to attend The Work of Fred Rogers Conference in Latrobe, PA. It was an inspiring conference and comforting to know that Fred’s philosophy continues to guide educators from all around the country as we help young children grow into kind, thoughtful people. [...]
The Importance of Sketchbooks
by: Art Teacher Erica Spangler
When I was in elementary school, my parents would always get me my very own sketchbook. I filled these blank books with drawings of animals from A-Z. I practiced my handwriting in block and bubble letters and even taught myself calligraphy. I created a set of characters that I called “The Dudes” with punk-rocker 80’s hair, ripped jeans and stubble on their faces. I took my sketchbook in the back yard, on road trips, and places where I expected I’d be bored. I loved my sketchbooks. Every year parents ask me what sort of art supplies they should have on hand for their children. I reply with two answers. First, give them access to your clean recycled materials so they can build. Second, get them a sketchbook. [...]
Life Lessons from the Bees
by: Denise Boyd Science Teacher, Grades K-3 | Social Studies Teacher, Grade 3
When families find out I keep beehives at school, their eyes usually widen and jaws drop. “You mean... actual bees…around children?” Yes, real bees. About a hundred and fifty thousand of them. I smile and explain that honeybees are much more interested in flowers than in people, and that these small creatures have become some of my best teachers, both for science and for life.
One of the biggest lessons? What I think the bees should be doing isn’t always what they are doing—and that’s not a problem. In fact, it’s part of their brilliance. [...]
Tuning In: How Podcasting Strengthens Our Community
by: Director of Technology Brad Williams
Four episodes in, and we’re amazed by the power of a microphone. What started as a spark of an idea—a podcast that would lift the curtain on the many voices that shape our school—has become something much more meaningful. It’s become a space where stories flourish, perspectives connect, and our school community hears itself in a new way. We worked as a team to launch something that felt fresh, authentic, and rooted in the heart of our school. We imagined a format that could bring students, teachers, alumni, and parents closer together physically and emotionally. What we didn’t fully anticipate was just how much joy and reflection the process itself would generate. [...]
Summer Reading = Summer Fun!
by: Librarian Marie Unanue
Summer for many of us is defined by a season of reading. We have a stack of books that we’ve been saving just to read during the summer months. We look forward to reading in the shade on our back porch, under an umbrella at the pool, or on a plane whisking us away on vacation. A book is tucked into our beach bag or packed up with snacks when exploring a new park. We even give ourselves permission to stay up reading later into the night.
Summer is also an important reading season for kids. [...]
What to Expect at Rossman’s Early Childhood Playdates
by: Director of Admissions Sarah McGinn
This winter, Rossman hosted two admission events, known as Early Childhood Playdates. During this event, we invited the children who have applied to our Junior and Senior Kindergarten programs for the upcoming school year to come spend time playing in the classroom with a few of our teachers. This playtime is an excellent opportunity to informally observe applicants and see them play, engage, and interact with their peers and teachers. This allows us the privilege of getting to know the children better and gives the children an opportunity to spend time on our beautiful Rossman campus. Coupled with the 1:1 Gesell Developmental Observation, it enables a deeper connection with our applicants. [...]
Our Core Values
by: Senior Kindergarten Teachers Lauren Brody, Caroline Jones, and Karen Larson
Do you return your shopping cart when you go to the grocery store? When this question was posed recently, it made us pause. While returning a shopping cart might seem trivial, it was later explained that a person who returns their shopping cart to the right spot after a shopping adventure is responsible. They have integrity and intrinsically know they are doing the right thing, by caring about the well-being of others and taking care of their shopping space. This made us think about a book that shares the story of a boy who makes irresponsible choices and sees the consequences for his actions. [...]
Quiet Time: The Power of Five Minutes
by: Second Grade Teachers Emily Gorski and Jamie Rhinesmith
Workplace clamor, inbox filling up, unread notifications, interruptions to your daily workflow, unforeseen work calls, deadlines looming overhead. Have we stressed you out yet?
What if we told you, amid that familiar chaos, to take a dedicated five minute break to reset? This may send you over the edge, thinking, “there’s realistically no time for that when I’m already swamped.” We felt the same as we stared at our already “filled to the brim” and varying school day schedules trying to find time for the daily Responsive Classroom practice of “Quiet Time.” [...]
Why Gratitude Matters
by: Junior Kindergarten Teachers Elizabeth Dean, Mary Eckenroth and Julie Renne
As teachers, we’ve had the joy of watching young minds grow in countless ways—academically, socially, and emotionally. Gratitude is one of the most powerful qualities we’ve seen blossom in children. It might seem like a small thing, a polite “thank you” or a smile, but gratitude can impact your child’s happiness, resilience, and relationships.
Gratitude isn’t just a nice behavior—it’s a skill, and even more importantly, a mindset. Like all skills, it can be taught and practiced at home. Regular reflection builds the habit. [...]
Supporting Your Child in Regulating their Emotions
by: Director of Lower School Rachel Dixon
If you are a current Rossman parent, you’ve probably noticed a category regarding “practicing self-regulation” on our report card. Or, perhaps you’ve heard from an educator that your child is working on developing their regulatory skills. You may find yourself wondering, what does this even mean? And how can I help my child with it? [...]
Navigating Healthy Technology Use: A Personal and Professional Perspective
by: Director of Technology Brad Williams
As the Director of Technology at Rossman and a parent of two children—a 23-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter—I have had a front-row seat to the evolution of technology and its impact on our children’s lives. I've experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of navigating the digital world as an educator and parent. I hope to share some insights to help guide our children toward healthy and balanced technology use. [...]
Nine Hundred and Forty Saturdays
by: First Grade Teachers Julie Smith and Arika White
Nine hundred and forty Saturdays: Dr. Harley Rotbart, pediatric doctor and author of No Regrets Parenting did the math. He states that between the day your child is born, and when he or she turns 18, a family has 940 Saturdays — and 260 of them, Dr. Rotbart reminds us, are gone by your child’s fifth birthday. That’s Poof~ Gone! That fact is rather alarming! [...]
Rossman School, nestled on a 20-acre campus in St. Louis, is a private preparatory school for students in Junior Kindergarten (four years old) through Grade 6. The school’s mission is to provide a strong, well-balanced education in a nurturing school community committed to excellence. Dedicated to developing personal, nurturing relationships with each child, Rossman’s experienced educators provide a solid foundation in academics, athletics and arts while emphasizing strong character development and leadership skills. To learn more or schedule a tour, visit our inquiry page.