curiosity a sense of
the elementary program
1st–5th grade
In Elementary School, students learn to unlock their potential in academics. Students write every day, focusing on grammar, spelling, vocabulary and creativity. Required reading outside of class allows them to explore different genres of literature. With a full day of classes in language arts, math, social studies, science, physical education, technology, religion, art, drama, public speaking and music, students progressively build skills. From day to day and year to year, you will see your child spurred by the spirit of constant inquiry that is part of our Episcopal heritage. We want children to feel comfortable asking, “Well, why is that?” Because individual attention is so important to our mission, St. Martin’s employs a full-time lead teacher and assistant in the lower Elementary grades. Their presence also helps students transitioning from the Early Childhood division, where two educators staff every classroom.
“When your child wants to research science projects and do them on the weekends, you know great teaching is under way.” —Holly King, mother of Caswell and CJ
a place that takes nothing for granted
Room for more? Mais oui! Si! Beginning in 1st grade, our students learn French and Spanish each week—an unusual opportunity that better prepares them to tackle language as a core academic subject. The French and Spanish teachers closely coordinate their lessons, for example, by introducing students to colors in both languages in the same week. This dual-language initiative, says Elementary School Principal Dr. Mary McPherson, supports an overarching educational goal. “We’re really trying to develop independent learners, and a small part of that process is self-awareness of what the students enjoy. By 5th or 6th grade, students understand which language they want to focus on in high school, so they can be active participants in that educational decision.”
Sense the anticipation Our dedicated Elementary School Science Lab, a teacher who lives and breathes the subject and the concept of “flipped learning” have enhanced science education in grades 2–5. The lower elementary grades thrive best with face-to-face lessons. In the 4th and 5th grade, students are ready to work more independently. Flipped learning introduces topics at home via Web-based videos and games, so class time can focus on collaborative work and discussion to reinforce the basics students have already absorbed. Upper elementary classes become adept at science-based apps, and after students have logged into the teacher’s web page to learn about the next day’s topic, they are eager for hands-on work.
“Language acquisition rewires the brain, and the more exposure to languages, the better the wiring. We’re trying to set up the brain connection so our students can learn any language that they want to learn.” —Elementary School Principal Dr. Mary McPherson
a sense of
joy
Room to stretch your wings To balance all this “mind work,” St. Martin’s incorporates skill-based learning experiences that are fun:
• The Storytelling Club, open to all 1st to 4th graders, prepares the members to participate in our World Storytelling Celebration each February.
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Beginning in the 1st grade, counselors use storytelling and problem-solving exercises that help children discover their interests, develop friendships and learn self-control.
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Performance storytelling, which blends acting techniques into the experience of public speaking, begins in 3rd grade, culminating in a puppetry presentation. Fourth graders build on this knowledge and learn about different types of folklore; 5th graders explore impromptu and researched public speaking and the fundamentals of digital storytelling.
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Physical education offers a spiraling curriculum that inspires students to pursue a lifelong quest for fitness. Elementary students eagerly await the fun-filled Reindeer Games each December and Field Day events each May.
• The Stock Market Game puts teams of 4th graders to work managing a fictional $100,000 portfolio of stock. in the classroom Please scan the QR code with your smartphone to experience the nurturing yet challenging academic environment that St. Martin’s offers to students in all grades, from 3 years old through 8th grade.
discovery Oh the places you’ll go!
Dr. Seuss knew the joy of learning in the field. Our trips extend knowledge grasped in the classroom: 1st grade: Music At Roswell United Methodist Church, students discover different organ sounds and hear compositions written for this instrument. 2nd grade: Health/Wellness Students learn fire, road, bus, bike and water safety at Cobb County’s Safety Village. 3rd grade: Science Students tour the Telis Museum and the Etowah Indian Mounds to expand on their science curriculum. 4th grade: Social Studies A trip to the Federal Reserve in Atlanta immerses students in the world of debt management and currency exchange, and a full-day outing to Dahlonega focuses on Georgia’s role in the Gold Rush. 5th grade: Science On a four-day trip to Skidaway Island, students learn about coastal waterways and the ecosystem.
(top) Students master bike safety at the most comprehensive safety training environment in the region. (bottom) “The Ways of the Ancestors” cultural program ties into the 3rd grade Native American study each fall.
a wisely wired
space
Our students’ academic successes are undisputable. In annual Educational Records Bureau (ERB) testing, our students average 82 percent, well above the national average of 50 percent.
At St. Martin’s, we use technology to learn, not just to learn technology; for example, 2nd graders use PowerPoint™ to present their research projects. Teachers integrate technology into their lesson plans and visit the tech lab once a week. Classroom instruction includes the use of iPads, mobile laptops, Alphasmarts and SmartBoards that provide an interactive experience for the students and allows teachers to cover lessons more efficiently. Once students complete their Elementary years, they are proficient in using Microsoft Office applications and are well equipped to gather, evaluate and employ Internet sources.
5th Grade Our last Elementary School grade is a transitional year. As the “big kids,” these students enjoy extra privileges, including overnight field trips and leadership opportunities in student government. They may also participate in extracurricular activities such as band, Drama Club and intramural sports. The curiosity we carefully nurture in Elementary School prepares the ground for inquiry-based learning in grades 6, 7 and 8.
“I appreciate the good communication from St. Martin’s. When we know about upcoming tests or special events, it helps us manage our families. And when we’re well-informed, and not just reacting, we can be better parents.”
—Holly King, mother of Caswell and CJ
Dig in! In science labs on campus, curiosity takes root at a young age. From grades 2–5 students design Mars rovers, build towers and make newspaper bridges.
3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road • Atlanta, GA 30319 Phone: (404) 237-4260 • Fax: (404) 237-9311 www.stmartinschool.org