Physicality
Research shows daily physical exploration and play supports development of imagination, language, problem-solving abilities, and fine and gross motor skills. Starting at age 3, Primary School students engage in physical education classes and recess every single day. This not only reinforces the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle, but it also affords our youngest athletes an environment in which they can learn and grow.
Multi-Age Science Instruction
Combined-age classes teach students the importance of collaboration, particularly in fields like science and STEM. First and second grade students work on science together during the year as an extra science experience, learning about four different topics. Third and fourth grade have multi-age science as their exclusive science program — they meet with each third and fourth grade teacher over the course of a school year, for 15 sessions on a topic.
Primary School Buddies
Books, Alive!
Primary School students are introduced to the love of literature and learning through “Books, Alive!” Students across all classrooms make their way through seasonal, age-appropriate selections, with a variety of hands-on activities and lessons to help them work through the material — including art, music, and beyond. It all culminates in quarterly, division-wide assemblies, where students in each grade get the opportunity to present what they’ve learned.
Co-Curricular Activities (Sports & Clubs)
Goal: To learn the basics of the game of basketball through skills & drills.
Who Can Join? Boys and Girls in Grades 2-4
When: 3:45-4:50PM on Monday (Grade 4) and Wednesday (Grades 2/3)
Session #1 runs from September 9th, 2019 through October 21st, 2019.
Where: PS Gym
Cost: $60
Leader: Melody Owsley
We will focus on small 1 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 3 games, layups, shooting, and defense. Students should bring their gym shoes to change into when class starts and water to drink.
Sessions will be limited to the first 16 students who sign up; more sessions will be offered throughout the year.
Goal: Through chess, students learn disciplined thinking and benefit from the important life skills that chess teaches: problem solving, decision-making, coping, and patience. Chess enhances educational learning through new vocabulary, basic geometry, sportsmanship, and persistence.
Who Can Join? Students in Grades 1-4
When: Grades 1/2 meet Mondays from 3:45-4:45PM, beginning on October 2nd, 2019
Grades 3/4 meet Tuesdays from 3:45-4:45PM, beginning on October 3rd, 2019
Session 1 runs 8 weeks
Where: P-14
Cost: $128
Leader: Alice Holt
Space is limited! Click here for the registration form, which can be returned with payment to the PS Office.
Goal: To explore math through a variety of hands-on games and activities including Bouncy Dice Explosion, Glow In The Dark Geometry and Toilet Paper Olympics. Each 8 class session will provide various ways to show how fun math can be!
Who Can Join? Students in Grades 3/4
When: Wednesdays from 3:50-4:50PM, beginning on September 18th, 2019. We will offer 3 sessions throughout this school year. You can sign up for one or all of the sessions offered.
Where: M-22
Cost: No charge
Leader: Lynne Santalucia
Sessions are limited to the first 16 participants who register. Click here for dates and details.
Goal: FIRST brings students together to explore, create, test, and share ideas about science and technology, all centered around a team challenge.
Who Can Join? Students in Grades K-4
When: Thursdays at 3:45-4:45PM, beginning on November 7th, 2019
Where: Dining Room
Cost: $50
Students must commit for the full “season” through February, 20 2020. For further details, please plan to attend an informational meeting on Tuesday, October 1st at 4:00PM in the Hilpert Room. Registration information will be provided at this meeting.
Goal: Students across the grade levels working together for a common goal. This year the goal is to create the Primary School Podcast about character. A new podcast is created each month.
Who Can Join? All Primary School students (Grades K-4) participate in one Student Council meeting per year.
Cost: None!
Leaders: Kristina Gile and Kathryn Lalonde
Goal: Yoga will introduce students to yoga and meditation in an age-appropriate way. The principles of yoga at the heart of this session reinforce kindness, compassion, mindfulness, and awareness.
Who Can Join? Students in ES, K, and Grade 1
When: Thursdays from 3:45-4:45PM, beginning on October 3rd, 2019
Where: PS Gym
Cost: $60
Leader: Kelsey Cassidy
Click here for the registration form, which can be returned to the PS Office with payment by Friday, September 27th.
Please note that students who are not picked up by 4:50PM will be taken to Stay and Play, and their family will be charged accordingly.