Kindergarten is a child's first experience with formal education. Since this primary year provides a foundation for success in the grades that follow, it is very important that a child is in a good kindergarten class. At Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi our kindergarten teachers create an atmosphere where students feel safe and comfortable. Furniture and fixtures are at an appropriate level and size for 5-6 year old's. Bathrooms are attached to each classroom, so students do not have to walk the school hallways alone.
Our teachers are dedicated to bringing out the best in each of their students. They are knowledgeable in early elementary education, and their lessons are creative and engaging. They model the behavior they try to instill in their students, such as patience, fairness and determination.
Student's work, both artistic and academic are always on display and bulletin boards are colorfully decorated with the alphabet, numbers and days of the week.
First grade is all about expanding upon developing skills your child learned in kindergarten and preschool. Your first grader will gain more control over their own body and impulses and will expand their understanding of the world around them. This is when they become more independent, and even begin to earnestly read on their own.
Our teachers create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging. They apply best practices through collaboration, integrated curriculum, brain-based teaching and learning methods, and continued professional development. They are constantly searching for ways to improve their practice. A robust professional development program supports our staff by connecting them to the best practices in curriculum development, educational technology, and student assessment.
For many kids, second grade marks the beginning of being one of the "big kids" in the school. No longer just out of kindergarten, second graders have grown used to their school environment and are ready to take on some serious learning. Their attention span is increasing as well. This means they are able to learn more difficult concepts in one setting and apply them to other situations.
Our second grade teachers play a vital part in their students' development, setting the standard for their experience of learning, fostering confidence and helping them to grasp basic concepts like reading, simple geography and mathematics. They use interactive learning with games, visual aids, music and other tools to keep students engaged and challenged.
In second grade at Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi teachers also lead their student in the catechesis of Reconciliation in the first semester and First Communion in the second semester. These studies include instruction, Bible study, retreats, and more.
