The needs of
the children and their parents are supported through both formal and informal
gatherings. This home/school connection is reinforced through programs
that recognizes the diverse range of the families.
Each child's progress is documented several times during the year through
teacher observations in the following areas: socialization, language
development, fine and gross motor development, independent use of the
classroom space, learning style, and academic skills including early
math and literacy.
In the fall
before school begins,
teachers visit the children in their homes. During the early days of
school, a parent or caregiver is asked to remain in the classroom until a
child feels safe and comfortable. The teachers are trained to facilitate
and enhance this first school experience—building the child’s self esteem as
both an individual and as a group member.
CHAPEL
Chapel is a time for sharing common values, and, although we are an Episcopal church,
we provide a non-denominational program that honors all religious backgrounds. We are a school of many faiths and it is
considered a privilege to share in the various traditions and beliefs at an age
appropriate level.
Services are conducted by the Reverend
Canon Andrew J.W. Mullins, Rector, and the Reverend Jennifer Linman, Assistant Rector.
ART
The exploration of
materials is made available to the children on a daily basis, and painting
and collage are core activities within the arts curriculum. The program
is process oriented which means that the focus is not on the finished product.
MUSIC
Music is part of our daily routine, and we are fortunate to have
a guitarist to accompany our singers as we explore music ranging from early
folk to contemporary tunes.
In addition, a professional voice
coach, Jocelyn Rasmussen, works with our students weekly by playing with vocal
sound that technically develops the capabilities of the voice as well as
various elements of music: pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and expression. Music
helps children develop confidence, creative expression and the ability to
participate as a member of a harmonious group.