The Coffee Chat Series
Join us for a six-part conversation series exploring how children learn, grow, and thrive at The Country School. Each Coffee Chat focuses on a different aspect of the TCS experience, from the early years through preparation for high school, and offers families a deeper look at the philosophy, programs, and relationships that shape our approach.
Coffee Chat #1
Why The Early Years Matter More Than You Think
Date: 9/30/2026 - 9:00 a.m.
Led by: Shar Fine
What We’ll Explore: What skills do children really need before they learn to read, write, and solve complex math problems?
Explore how play, language development, self-regulation, relationships, and curiosity in Preschool create the foundation for future academic success. Discover how these early experiences build the confidence, independence, and love of learning children carry with them throughout their years at The Country School.
Looking Ahead: How these early experiences become the foundation for confident readers and writers.
Coffee Chat #2
What Does Academic Rigor Really Look Like?
Date: 10/21/2026 - 9:00 a.m.
Led by: Holly Novick and Matt Melnick
What We’ll Explore: How do you know if your child is truly being challenged?
Explore how academic rigor means helping every child grow through the right balance of challenge and support. Discover how our evidence-based approach to literacy and mathematics, including Orton-Gillingham, THINK! MATHEMATICS, MOVERS, and TILE, develops confident readers, writers, mathematicians, and problem solvers at every level.
Looking Ahead: How children develop into confident readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
Coffee Chat #3
How Children Become Readers, Writers, and Thinkers
Date: 12/3/2026 - 9:00 a.m.
Led by: Holly Novick and Matt Melnick
What We’ll Explore: What does it really take to become a confident reader, writer, and critical thinker?
Discover how oral language, storytelling, phonological awareness, and early literacy experiences build the foundation for confident reading and writing. Explore how the Science of Reading and our schoolwide commitment to Orton-Gillingham instruction support children as they develop into skilled, thoughtful, and engaged readers.
Looking Ahead: How mathematical thinking develops alongside literacy to prepare students for complex learning.
Coffee Chat #4
Building Mathematical Thinkers
Date: 1/12/2026 - 9:00 a.m.
Led by: Holly Novick and Matt Melnick
What We’ll Explore: What helps children develop confidence and deep understanding in mathematics?
Explore how curiosity, reasoning, perseverance, and problem solving develop strong, confident mathematicians. Discover how our Singapore-inspired THINK! MATHEMATICS curriculum builds conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning, preparing students to tackle sophisticated work with confidence in high school and beyond.
Looking Ahead: Why strong relationships are essential for academic confidence, resilience, and growth.
Coffee Chat #5
Why Relationships Matter Even More As Children Grow
Date: 2/10/2026 - 5:00 p.m.
Led by: Holly Novick and Matt Melnick
What We’ll Explore: How do strong relationships contribute to academic success?
Explore how strong relationships with teachers create the trust, confidence, and sense of belonging students need to take risks and persevere through challenges. Discover how academic excellence and student wellness work together, and how our Preschool–Grade 8 community allows these meaningful relationships to deepen over time.
Looking Ahead: How we measure growth, personalize instruction, and prepare students for success in high school.
Coffee Chat #6
How Do We Know Students Are Ready For High School?
Date: 3/2/2026 - 5:00 p.m.
Led by: Holly Novick and Matt Melnick
What We’ll Explore: How do we know children are growing, and what gives us confidence they are ready for what’s next?
Preparing students for high school begins long before eighth grade. Explore how classroom observations, student work, six-week assessment cycles, MAP Growth, TILE, and MOVERS help us understand and support every child’s progress. Discover how assessment guides instruction and prepares students to leave The Country School as confident learners, thoughtful leaders, and compassionate young people ready for high school and beyond.