Lower School

In the early grades, students develop manipulative skills through drawing and painting. They move on to invent images through the arrangement of color, form and line. As they increase their skills, they learn to identify the elements and principles of design. Working with ceramics and fibers builds on their design skills. Students have the opportunity to invent ways to create artwork through a wide range of artistic media.

Library visits supplement grade level curriculum and establish a love of reading in students kindergarten through grade 4. Students visit the library with their class each week. The lower school librarian bases each week’s mini-lesson on a fundamental library skill and reinforces specific classroom instruction. Activities include author studies, genre studies, reader’s theater and incorporating technology using iPads.

At an early age, students learn musical concepts and skills. Teachers emphasize vocal exploration and incorporate the interactive Quaver curriculum to enhance each concept taught to students. Several composers from a variety of musical genres and periods are explored throughout the curriculum. As they progress, students build their music knowledge by learning more complex rhythms and melodies. They learn to expand their vocal skills by singing descants, triads and simple two-part harmonies. Teachers introduce new musical terminology and instruments, such as the choir chimes, ukulele and barred instruments. Additionally, students also have the opportunity to present musical programs.

P.E. focuses on developing the well-rounded student from kindergarten through grade 4 as students learn and refine motor skills. Kindergarten and first grade students attend Motor Lab. The emphasis is to work the vestibular, proprioceptive and tactile systems. Motor Lab helps students with basic tasks in the classroom that require core strength (i.e. sitting correctly in a chair), as well as refining gross and fine motor tasks. In second through fourth grade, students receive daily physical education instruction. The main focuses are exercise, basic team sports skills and group games. Coaches stress the importance of cooperation and sportsmanship.

As an Apple Distinguished School we pride ourselves on being leaders that have a clear vision including technology-rich environments to support our learning goals. Our technology program develops a sense of computer literacy in every student. Students will perform various computer operations, experience the latest in new technologies, and learn to use that knowledge in an honorable manner. In Technology class students will reinforce subject matter taught in their homeroom classes, practice proper keyboarding, research information, create projects and explore coding and programming skills.