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In the Lower School, the day begins with students andteachers meeting in the classroom at 8 a.m. to welcomeand greet each other and organize the day. They convene and walk together to Lower School Chapel.The daily Chapel service is a gathering of the entirestudent body. It’s a time of daily centering, spiritual

reflection, song and convocation. Led by school chaplains, thispurposeful start to the day allows students to understand and explore traditions, character and develop a sense of community and camaraderie.

Teachers lead their students back to their classrooms to focuson growth, learning and well-being, especially in four coreaspects of child development: academic, social, emotional and spiritual.

A rich and comprehensive Lower School curriculum of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, visual and performing arts, social sciences, physical education, computerliteracy, science, foreign language and an understanding offaith traditions well prepares them for future success in St. Margaret’s rigorous college-preparatory curriculum.Critical-thinking, creativity, problem solving, exploration andcollaboration skills are nurtured in every subject through afocus on enduring understandings and essential questions.

The St. Margaret’s Lower School has small classes, with ateacher-to-student ratio of 10:1. This enables teachers to differentiate instruction—to know every student and meetand support them where they are in their learning. TheLower School is structured on a six-day schedule to support

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8 a.m. Instruction begins. Students are gathered by their teachers from the Lower School playground and escorted to their classrooms for a day of instruction.

8:10—8:30 a.m.Chapel. Students of all faiths and denominationscome together four times weekly to explorecommon bonds, create awareness of the needs of others and deepen relationships. > > 8:35—9:55 a.m.

Students in grades 1 - 3 participate in English language arts instruction in their respective classrooms.

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the breadth of the curriculum offerings. The schedule alsoallows for grade-level planning to ensure consistency ininstruction and support of every student. Faculty, teachingassistants, Library and Student Academic Support Center educators strive to create a physically and emotionally safeenvironment where students are motivated to learn andempowered to take risks because they feel comfortable and loved.

“Our expert faculty use differentiated instruction to meet theneeds of the various individual learners in their classrooms,”said Academic Dean and Lower School Principal Dr. ReginaMcDuffie. “Teachers differentiate for learning ability andlearning style by using assessments before instruction to getto know what students are interested in, how they approachlearning and where they are developmentally.” For additionalinformation, see Dr. McDuffie’s article, “What is DifferentiatedInstruction?” in the March/April 2011Tartan newsletter.

Physical EducationStudents attend physical education classes two to three days aweek. During these periods, students will develop sportsmanship,teamwork, and leadership abilities through developmentallyappropriate competition.

The reading and writing instruction is conducted withinsmall groups allowing students to read and write at their owninstructional level and be appropriately supported, one-on-one with their teacher. Math incorporates both the learningof traditional skills as well as conceptual understanding. Inaddition to Chapel services four times a week, students attend Christian life skills class each week to develop spiritualawareness, deepen their relationship with God, build moralcharacter and learn about other faiths and cultures. Beginningin kindergarten, Lower School students are also introduced to the Spanish language through conversational and academicSpanish. The curriculum sets a solid grounding for success in foreign language study throughout their lives and inspiresunderstanding, excitement and confidence about foreign language and other cultures.

In addition to expansive technology resources to support student learning and skills across all subject areas, students areengaged in technology through learning programming,

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10—10:45 a.m.Recess. After a morning of classroom time,kindergarten students venture outdoors to enjoythe Lower School playground during recess. Thisis a time for students to use their social skillswhile engaging in games and activities.

10:10—11:45 a.m.Students in grades 1 - 3 embark on instruction in special subjects including: art, Christian lifeskills, library, music, science, physical educationand Spanish.

10:30—11:00 a.m.Grade 5 students continue their morning instruction with one of the following: math, reading, science, social studies or writing.

House LeaguesThe St. Margaret’s House League system was established in the British tradition of longstanding teams that encourage team spirit and support. Children entering the Lower School areplaced on one of four teams and usually remain on the sameteam throughout their Lower School years. House League teams accumulate points in athletic, service and citizenship competitions, and compete for rewards such as free-dress days.

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engineering and robotics, while applying the concepts ofmath, science and design. Through these programs, studentscultivate challenging engineering, math and computer scienceconcepts, as well as creative problem solving and working collaboratively supporting our 21st century learning initiative.This year, the Lower School introduced robotics programs:PicoCrickets in grade 3, and Bee-Bots in kindergarten andgrade 1. Additionally, next year, students in grades 2-4 will beworking in a small Lower School garden growing seedlingsfor the larger school garden (see “A School Garden GrowingSustainability and Community” on page 23). They will learnabout composting, water sources, the implication of water on our food, garden-to-table concepts, develop naturalistintelligence and an appreciation for the Earth.

“Our STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)program is aimed at helping to prepare our students for thedemands of our rapidly changing world,” said Dr. McDuffie.“We want to introduce engineering concepts as early as possible and make our students aware of their role in environmental sustainability. We accomplish this in many ways but we are particularly excited about our new ecologyand robotics programs.”

As the day comes to a close at 3 p.m., students pack theirbags before heading home or perhaps to an after-school clubsuch as art, choir, chess, computers, cooking, dance, drama,foreign language, sports, math or science where learning continues with St. Margaret’s faculty. �

10:45 a.m.—12:15 p.m.Kindergarten students take this time to focus on special subjects such as computers, social studies and Spanish.

1:15—2:30 p.m.Kindergarten students participatein math and social science instruction, as well as have a short rest.

12:15—1:00 p.m.Lunch for Lower School students is staggeredthroughout the day. Students sit together byclassroom, and have a PTF hot lunch or a lunchthey have brought from home on the LowerSchool picnic tables. Grade 5 students have lunch during this time.

DramaThe Lower School theatre program is a process-oriented, experientially-based program available to students in grades 1-5. Educational theatre at St. Margaret’s reflects the school’s corevalues where inclusion and participation are emphasized. Theannual Lower School musical provides the framework for teaching theatre at this age level. All Lower School students whoaudition are cast in the play.

Technology LabLower School students learn to use technology as an effectivetool promoting critical thinking, creative problem-solving, communication, collaboration and productivity to prepare themto be lifelong learners and global citizens in the 21st century.Computer instruction in kindergarten-grade 2 has an emphasison technology skill development. Grades 3-5 begin digital medialiteracy while increasing their exposure to emerging technologies.

Music and ChoirFor kindergarten-grade 3, children develop their music awarenessthrough singing, movement and understanding of basic musicconcepts and terminology. The concert band and orchestra programs is open to grades 4 and 5 and introduces students tothe technical fundamentals of playing a musical instrument, alongwith reading music. The choir program exposes students to avariety of music and provides a fun, quality musical experience.Participation in the after-school Piper’s Choir program is available, as well as beginning choir for grades 4 and 5.

1—3 p.m.Grade 4 students spend their afternoon filled with special subjectsincluding: art, music, science, physical education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) instruction.