|
Lower School Division of St. Anne’s Episcopal School
Introduction:
The Lower School Division is a safe and nurturing community for the youngest children in the school. Energetic, enthusiastic and experienced professionals provide the foundation for each child’s successful educational journey. The program is developmentally appropriate and grounded in the benchmarks of best practices. Children are recognized and celebrated as unique individuals while the core values of respect, responsibility and compassion guide them in forming productive partnerships and cooperative learning groups. Specific conflict resolution programs geared to different developmental levels ensure that social relationships are positive, inclusive and ever expanding.
Enrollment and Facility:
Presently, this division is home to approximately 196 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth grades. There are two sections to each grade level with 12 students in each Pre-Kindergarten section and a maximum of 18 children in each Kindergarten through Fourth grade section. Both lead and associate teachers guide each Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and First Grade class. Whole group instruction takes place in well-lit, air-conditioned classrooms while common areas or learning pods provide space for small group and individual instruction. Each classroom and the three common areas are equipped with computers and printers.
The Multi-Disciplinary Program:
- The curriculum was developed and
instructional supplies have been carefully chosen to support and
enhance the intellectual, spiritual, artistic and physical
development of each student. Teachers of art, music, physical
education, computer, library, science and Spanish collaborate with
homeroom teachers to provide an interdisciplinary program specific
to each grade.
- The Chaplain offers instruction in
religion to each class and welcomes children of all faiths to
weekly chapel services. Although these faith-based gatherings are
rooted in the Episcopal tradition, there are also multi-cultural
services that honor and celebrate Jewish, Islamic, Hindu,
Buddhist, Quaker and other religious worship practices.
- The Lower School science laboratory
provides opportunities for exploration and experimentation while
the 125-acre campus supports investigation in environmental
studies and encourages students to be stewards of the earth.
- Instruction in Spanish offers students
the opportunity to learn and communicate in a new language that is
spoken by many members of the global community. The Spanish
curriculum allows children to develop an appreciation for many
countries whose populations speak mainly Spanish and also promotes
greater tolerance and sensitivity for rich and diverse cultural
traditions. Engaging, interactive and developmentally appropriate
instructional practices support student achievement through
listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- The Music program provides opportunities
for students to appreciate the essential role of music in society
and to attain proficiency in many musical genres. Children have
numerous opportunities to perform for a variety of audiences in
different venues. Third grade students participate in the
Metropolitan Opera Guild, “Creating Original Opera” program. The
students form a production company to create, write and produce
their own original opera. In addition to introducing students to
musical theater and opera, this yearlong program instills the
values of teamwork and responsibility.
- Within the visual arts program, the
students develop the necessary skills to attain proficiency in a
variety of artistic media. The young artists complete two and
three-dimensional work and learn to recognize, analyze and
appreciate the work of the masters. Each student’s work is
displayed throughout the school building for the enjoyment of the
entire community as well as visitors.
- The primary role of the Library program
is to foster a love of reading, and to work in conjunction with
classroom teachers in developing research skills.
- The Physical Education program promotes
healthy, active lifestyles. Children develop basic fitness skills
and learn the fundamental competencies needed for success in
interscholastic sports. Group cooperation and the spirit of
positive sportsmanship are essential components of this program.
- An additional component of the curriculum involves the service learning projects. Each class identifies a need in the community and formulates plans to address this need. Ever mindful of the varying ages of our students, the projects can be simple or complex. For example, the Pre-Kindergarten classes make cards and bake treats for their eighth grade buddies during exam week, while the fourth grades prepare and deliver meals for people in homeless shelters. Each class also cultivates a small garden; the harvest is collected and the flowers and produce are delivered to local food banks.
Assessment:
The Lower School Division provides procedures specific to our young students. The purpose of assessment is to highlight each student’s progress, to document specific goals, and to communicate each child’s unique learning style. Assessments are tailored to grade level curriculum documents and provide information about a child’s learning needs and the teacher’s role in meeting those needs. Since the evaluation is active and ongoing, opportunities for formal communication occur four times during the school year. In October and April, parents and teachers meet in a conference format. This interactive exchange of information, questions and ideas provides the foundation for a productive home and school partnership with the success of each child as the primary goal. In January and June, a formal written evaluation is documented with checklists, continuum of skills and narrative reports. Performance rubrics and portfolio assessments are also used in place of number or letter grades since they provide more detailed information about a child’s growth and development. These practices enable teachers to personalize individual reports and to profile the unique experiences of each student’s life at school. The Literacy Specialist provides expertise in the areas of reading, writing and speaking. This teacher collaborates with classroom teachers to ensure that each student’s needs are identified and addressed. She provides detailed individual assessments and works with individuals or small groups for remediation in specific skill areas or to extend the learning of students who are developmentally ready for more challenging activities.
Length of Day:
The school day begins at 8:00 and concludes at 3:15 for Kindergarten through 4th grade. The Pre-Kindergarten program is a half day program from 8:00 to 12:00. The Extended Care program is available for Pre-Kindergarten students each afternoon and also accommodates students in all grades from 3:15- 6:00.
|
