Lower School (PreK-4th)

May all who enter this school “grow in wisdom and love”. So reads the sign that beckons you to enter the welcoming red doors. These words epitomize the work of the students, staff, parents and trustees at St. Anne’s. We are a community that celebrates the uniqueness of every child and which strives to fulfill our school and diversity missions each day. I stress the word “community” since such vital work develops through partnerships of trust, respect and communication. We recognize that parents are our students’ first teachers so we build on this shared foundation of values.

Students in the Lower School range in age from four to ten and, as you can imagine, the growth and development of these youngest students is awe-inspiring. Our PreK friends come to trust their teachers to guide them in developing positive social relationships; they learn to express their needs through words; and the connection of play to “work” provides great synergy to their busy days. Movement and music play a vital role in their physical development.

Kindergarten students are imaginative and curious so science and the exploration of the beautiful campus provide an exciting venue for learning (check out the blue bird study each spring!). The rich literary environment in the classrooms fosters a readiness for reading and writing. In mathematics students sort objects by attributes, create and extend patterns, and begin to develop a sense and wonder for numbers (calculating sums to 12 is always a real crowd pleaser!). Problem solving is prominent in navigating situations on the playground; the seeds of effective and peaceful conflict resolution are modeled daily in a developmentally appropriate way.

First graders are decked out in school uniforms and thrilled to have broken the code that leads to independent reading; fiction and non-fiction sources are equally appealing. First graders take their interests a step further and venture into the world of research to become “animal experts”. Our six and seven year old mathematicians demonstrate an understanding of the base ten system as they add and subtract numbers in efficient ways. Geometry and a beginning understanding of algebra support their ability to solve real life problems. Specific routines and posted plans for each day bolster a sense of security and investment in learning.

Children in second grade are serious and hard working students. Writing, whether it takes the form of journaling, creating poetry, or drafting tales both imaginative and authentic, is a highlight of their days. They strut their stuff in the Shark Fashion Show and assume the role of an object in the Solar System to demonstrate their ability to research facts, structure a report and write manuscripts using their own voices. Problem solving becomes a snap as the young mathematicians utilize the process of Model Drawing, a strategy of the Singapore Math program. Community is fostered and appreciated through character building and effective communication.

Third graders take a simulated trip around the world studying a myriad of world cultures and religions. Authentic literature and non-fiction resources complement this study. These eight and nine year olds are brimming with energy; they are industrious and eager to form cooperative groups for scientific investigations, literature circles or geography challenges. Multiplication and division are central to mathematical processes and problem solving. The use of technology in each classroom provides interest and engagement in the lessons. Environmental concerns and ways to effect change are prominent in their minds while mapping and graphing weather patterns provide authentic data for their investigations. Rules and fairness play a dominant role in playground activities.

Our seniors in the Lower School, the fourth graders, assume a leadership role in our division. The curriculum is structured through a humanities approach with American Studies as the central theme. Study skills, research methods, and analysis of literary selections through different perspectives and with varying viewpoints fit prominently in their lessons. Division and multiplication of numbers to the millions is applied to real life problem solving. The relationship of fractions to decimals expands their sense of numeration. Each fourth grader culminates his or her Lower School experience by creating a power point of the Lower School journey and by sharing these accomplishments and precious moments with their parents and teachers in a “Moving On” ceremony. However, some of the fondest memories occur on Thursday mornings as the fourth graders read to their PreK book buddies; it is a genuine mutual admiration society in action!

So this is just a slight glimpse of the Lower School. I hope I have piqued your interest so that you will schedule a visit. Just think- your child might be one of those fortunate students who spend each day “growing in wisdom and love”; I can’t think of a better gift to give your children. Why not let us help you make it happen?

In friendship,

Patricia H. Davis
Head of Lower 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 200 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth grades. There are two sections to each grade level with 14 students in each Pre-Kindergarten section and approximately 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, emotional 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 and other teachers offer instruction in religion to each class and welcome 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 encourages 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.

● 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 fourth grade buddies during standarized testing week, while the fourth grade collects and delivers gently used clothes to shelters and clothing banks.

Assessment:
The purpose of assessmentin the Lower School Division 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 the Fall and Spring, 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. These Literacy and Math Specialists provides expertise in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and mathematics. The Learning Specialist collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure that each student's needs are identified and addressed. They provide detailed individual assessments and work 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 AM and concludes at 3:15 PM for Kindergarten through 4th grade. The Pre-Kindergarten classroom hours are from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, five days a week, with Pre-Kindergarten Extended Day being available from 12:00 PM - 3:15 PM for those families who wish to utilize this portion of our program. An Extended Care program from 3:15 PM - 6:00 PM is also available for Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade students.