What’s New at the Lower School?

Lower School News

sandra1 1

From the desk of Sandra Fritcher, Principal

We added ten tremendous people to the Lower School staff this year:  PK, K, 1st, 3rd, 5th, Music, Library, P.E., and two instructional aides.  Our instructional program is greatly enhanced because of these additions.

Our P.E. program is greater than it has ever been.  Brock Lemire is teaching P.E. for PK-5, and it just could not be better.  Anthony Springer helps with grades 3-5.  The two coaches are a great team and a perfect fit for the Lower School.

Our new librarian, Mrs. England, has totally transformed the library and computer lab.  Furniture has been rearranged and books have been correctly shelved.  Library lesson objectives include such things as learning library manners and understanding that material in a library has a specific order and location.  Library management skills (check-out procedures) are being taught.  The computer lab instruction has a focus each week that connects to classroom instruction.  For example, this week is Constitution Week.  Library and lab classes learned more about our constitution using an online resource: Ben’s Guide to US Government. Older students completed a webquest using this same resource.

The lunch line in the dining hall moves faster because one person, our librarian, scans for all grades PK-5.

Pedestrian pick-up procedure has changed somewhat.  The first ten cars are loaded and are driving away before we call any pedestrian pick-up students.  This has improved safety, confusion, and efficiency.

All students were given assessments in reading, math, and English during the first two weeks of school.  The purpose was to determine skill strengths and weaknesses for each grade.  Benchmark testing will be completed during the year to determine academic progress for each student.  This information will enable teachers to effectively plan for instruction.  It also will provide valuable feedback for parents.

Teachers are meeting monthly to document what each grade has accomplished on the scope and sequence plan.  Adjustments will be made as needed.

Three of our dads – Glen Graves, Blake Helm, and Charley Kennedy – are sponsoring the First Lego League for Brook Hill.  This is an international organization that encourages kids to learn and get excited about science and technology.  The participants are in grades 4-8, and they meet weekly  in the Lower School science room.  There will be a regional competition in December.   We are excited about this group.

Sandra Fritcher is the Lower School Principal at The Brook Hill School. To find out more about her and our school, visit us on the web at https://www.brookhill.org/