Lower School Faculty Louise Yapp Teacher First Grade Mary Connelly Teaching Assistant First Grade Susan Flowers Teacher Second Grade Rita Nichols Teaching Assistant Second Grade Alice Carr Teacher Third Grade Sean Mosconi Teaching Assistant Grade 3 and 4 Kala Marquette Teacher Fourth Grade Robin Long Teacher Spanish (Preschool – Grade Three) and Art Ellison Yufenyuy Teacher Fourth Grade Spanish Toni Sanburn Teacher P.E. Kerry Fender Teacher Library Chaplain Stacy Teacher Religion Paul Ellison Teacher Music beginning in Second Grade Choir Grades Four - Eight Jennifer Gaspar Teacher Computers Betsy White Teacher Drama beginning in Fourth Grade William Settle Teaching Assistant Extended Care Director

Lower School - Setting The Foundation

GRADES 1 - 4

Core Curriculum

Reading & Writing
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Spanish


School Days

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 8:15 to 3:00, Wednesday - 9:15 to 3:00 (no chapel on late start Wednesday)

It is with a giant step that children in Kindergarten advance into the Lower School. Their development as life-long learners begins with a solid foundation in reading, writing, math, science and social studies, presented within a stimulating and enriched classroom environment. The small classes enable teachers and teaching assistants to reach out and get to know their young students; developing the vital personal relationships that support their academic and social development.

The St. Matthew's Lower School curriculum has been carefully designed to offer a progression of skill development, incorporating a range of teaching strategies and methods. Each trimester, parents and students receive assessments that reflect the student's progress (letter grades are not given until fifth grade), noting areas of strength and weakness. In addition to regular parent-teacher conferences, teachers are readily available to meet with parents and students to provide updates on a student's progress.

The Lower School years set a child's foundation for a life of learning by celebrating accomplishments, developing confidence and self-esteem, testing new skills, taking risks and learning to deal with failure as well as success.

LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER WEB PAGES

4th Grade Homework Link

Lower School Technology

Library