The Nutshell 2018 – 2019

An Inside Look at Programs, Policies, and People

an independent day school serving preschool (age 3) through eighth grade TABLE OF CONTENTS Primary School...... 2 Preschool...... 2 Pre-kindergarten...... 3 Lower School...... 4 Kindergarten...... 5 Grade 1...... 6 Grade 2...... 7 Grade 3...... 7 Grade 4...... 8 Grade 5...... 9 Upper School...... 10 Grade 6...... 12 Grade 7...... 13 Grade 8...... 14 Secondary Schools...... 15 Colleges...... 16 Resource Services and Library...... 16 Sustainability Program...... 17 Technology...... 17 English as a Second Language...... 17 Athletics...... 17 Upper School Play...... 18 Music Lessons...... 18 Arts Festival Week...... 18 Buddy Program...... 18 Leadership Opportunities...... 19 School Hours and Extended Day...... 19 Summer Camp...... 19 Volunteer Opportunities...... 19 Transportation...... 20 Accreditation and Affiliations...... 20 Tuition...... 20 Extended Day Fees...... 20 Events and Traditions...... 20 Directions...... 21 Faculty and Administration...... 22 NAIS Principles...... 24 Calendar...... Inside back cover

The Pennfield School’s Mission The mission of The Pennfield School is to create an inclusive community of dedicated learners, who have an appreciation for the joyful pursuit of knowledge—and respect for themselves and others as a way of life. At Pennfield, we provide students with a rigorous, challenging, and exciting program that gives our graduates the finest preparation and the greatest number of options for secondary school.

THE PENNFIELD SCHOOL 2018 GRADUATES

The following overview covers the curriculum for all grades, outlining general objectives and study materials for each subject and level. As you peruse these pages, keep in mind that education, being an evolutionary process, demands that our program be constantly refined and revised to meet the needs of our students. Pennfield faculty share the objective of giving students the most comprehensive, well-integrated, and meaningful understanding of each subject that can be provided. We hope to engender in students, along with a love of learning and a solid foundation for further study, a sense of responsibility toward themselves and toward each other.

Grades preschool (age 3) through eighth at Pennfield are sectioned into three depart - ments: Primary, Lower, and Upper. Although this overview is broken down by department for the reader’s convenience, the scope and sequence of the curriculum is not interrupted by the students’ progression from one department to the next. The Pennfield School’s Head of Lower School and Head of Upper School work together to ensure continuity in our academic program.

The Pennfield School does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, religious affiliation, non-disqualifying handicap, sexual orientation, family composition, ethnic or national origin, in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational policies, hiring or any of its school practices. Primary School PRESCHOOL The Primary School is comprised of pre - The preschool program aims to develop school and pre-kindergarten. Maximum class emerging language skills. Children learn the size on any given day in preschool is twelve connection between print and speech, explore students and in pre-k is sixteen students, with a books independently, and re-tell favorite stories. teacher and an aide. These programs run from They notice print in the classroom and recognize 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with optional Extended that it has meaning. Students also begin to Day hours. recognize uppercase and lowercase letters and The Primary School curriculum focuses frequently used words. They are also able to largely on socialization and early life skills, write their own name. As communication skills intro ducing children to the world of school develop, children ask and answer pertinent ques - and learning in a nurturing environment. Teachers tions, state facts and observations, use language model respectful listening and appropriate to solve problems, and participate readily in language for conflict resolution. They involve singing, storytelling, finger plays, and rhyming children in finding positive solutions for disagree - games. Thematic units encompass all academic ments. Children learn to use their words areas, including art. effectively to communicate their thoughts and Each week a new letter is taught. A weekly feelings. Through games and group activities, rhyme book, cooking activity, coloring pages, and Primary students practice patience and sharing. gross motor activities are related to the letter They build friendships and learn to appreciate being taught. Sign language is introduced. their peers’ different backgrounds, ideas, and Math learning begins with patterning and emotions. Teachers foster positive group dynamics sorting objects by shape, color, and size. Numbers through the emphasis on cooperation and team - are explored through puzzles, rhymes, and work during group play and clean-up times. songs, as well as hands-on manipulatives of all Thematic units provide a basis for elemen - sorts. Sand and water play teach students about tary learning of all kinds, interweaving activities, measuring, weighing, and volume. literature selections, field trips, games, and The science curriculum for preschool discussions. Weekly visits to the school library students focuses on simple natural and physical extend the learning experience beyond the science concepts. These ideas are explored classroom. Science, Spanish, yoga, music, and further each week as students visit the science physical education are also included to enrich the table in the room and investigate a variety of program. Plenty of playground time provides for material with scales, magnifying glasses, and development of gross motor skills and spatial their senses. The children also make simple awareness. observations, predictions, and generalizations based on real-life experiences. Preschool students have a Spanish lesson each week, introducing them to the language they will study through grade eight. In addition, students enjoy weekly yoga, music, and physical education classes.

2 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 PRE-KINDERGARTEN such as in/on, above/below, and top/middle/ bottom are examined through play and stories. In pre-kindergarten, language arts learning Weekly science lessons, often consistent expands to memorization of rhymes, songs, and with the monthly theme, allow students to explore poems. Pre-kindergarteners gain letter and word the natural world. During the fall and spring recognition through letter of the week activities terms, the students focus on the Pennfield and comprehend that print is read from left garden by exploring seeds, observing plant to right. Handwriting Without Tears curriculum is growth, harvesting, and composting. used to teach correct letter formation techniques Pre-kindergarteners take part in weekly and to help children observe their own dictated Spanish lessons. Students learn songs in Spanish, stories in written form. The children’s speaking along with beginning numbers and words. and listening vocabularies continue to grow. Yoga instruction continues and mindfulness In math, pre-kindergarteners expand their techniques are introduced. Students attend shape vocabulary and continue with the con - weekly music and physical education classes. cepts of patterning and sequence. They readily Play through games, songs, and daily recess count up to 20 objects and begin to recognize helps children develop spatial awareness and and apply number symbols. Spatial concepts strengthen gross motor skills.

Yoga instruction and mindfulness techniques are introduced.

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 3 strengths in each of these areas. Each year Lower School builds upon the lessons learned from the year Pennfield’s Lower School consists of kinder - prior, and students master skills in each of these garten through fifth grade, and is located in the disciplines at an age-appropriate level. downstairs wing of the school. English, math, and Art is a core part of every student’s education social studies are taught in a self-contained at The Pennfield School. Kindergarteners through classroom, and students go to different class - fifth graders work with a wide variety of media. rooms for science, foreign language, library, art, They explore drawing, painting, printmaking, music, and physical education. ceramics, and sculpture. The students refine In the fall, fourth and fifth grades attend a basic drawing, cutting, and pasting skills. two-day, one-night outdoor school for environ - They are encouraged to develop their own ideas mental education at Alton Jones on the University and use media expressively. Projects are appro - of Rhode Island’s campus. This is a great bond - priate to students’ levels of development, ing and learning experience for both the children progressing gradually each year. The teacher and teachers. introduces art history and multicultural arts; In the winter, grades one through three students learn to appreciate many different kinds work cooperatively on a cross-curricular social of art and to discuss their own work constructively. studies project with one of three rotating Students partake in a spring Arts Week. themes: American Heroes and Heroines, Multi - In Lower School music, students learn to rec - cultural World, and All the Way With the USA. ognize beat and rhythm patterns. Students build In mixed-grade groups, these Lower School confidence in their singing and increase their students combine social studies, language arts, vocal range. Children experiment with simple research, music, movement, and public speaking instruments, including the xylophone, drums, and to create and perform an original musical stage the recorder. Students also improve their physical production with a speaking part for each student. coordination and rhythm comprehension through The study of Spanish, the foreign language dance. The children perform numerous times in offered at The Pennfield School, begins in front of their peers and parents. In fifth grade, preschool and carries through grade eight. students can participate in band or chorus. The curriculum consists of themed vocabulary Physical education in the Lower School through worksheets, games, and songs while emphasizes Movement Education. This program integrating it into real-life situations. Authentic utilizes games, gymnastics, and dance to foster cultural materials and literature are routinely used the child’s physical and emotional development within lessons . through the movement concepts described as The goal of the Spanish program in the fourth body awareness, space, effort, and relationships. and fifth grades is to prepare students for the It is designed to build on those concepts through structure and rigor of Upper School Spanish. axial movements, loco motor skills, balance, and Students practice the target language, empha - manipulative skills. This development will lead sizing topics related to everyday school life and into sport education as the students become routines. competent in basic skills and mature physically Children in the Lower School also engage in and emotionally. art, music, library, and physical education classes, and through these co-curriculars, develop their

4 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 KINDERGARTEN program teaches young learners about time, money and measurement, geometry and spatial At this level, The Pennfield School’s pro - sense, as well as the concepts of data and gram matures to full day (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.), chance. Study includes counting and numera - and students begin more structured lessons. tion, correct number formation, numerical pat - Specialized teachers teach the co-curricular terns, functions, sequences, operations, and subjects: science, art, music, foreign language, problem solving. library, and physical education. Science learning focuses on observation In language arts, students use research- skills. The students start the year observing based literacy programs from the Center for The Pennfield School grounds, developing an the Collaborative Classrooms. These programs, understanding of living and non-living properties. Being a Reader, Being a Writer, and Making The Healthy Me unit focuses on the self through Meaning, offer a wealth of high-quality literature exploring senses, growth, and the major organs to engage learners. Explicit instruction and ample of the body. The year finishes out with an intro - practice ensure each student’s growth in reading duction to the physical sciences wherein and writing proficiency. Each day’s lessons students explore motion, magnetism, and sound. integrate phonics, grammar, writing, and spelling for a total language arts approach. Being a Reader includes instruction in handwriting: focusing on pos - ture, grip, paper position, cap - Science comes ital and lowercase letter formation, and writing words. alive through Among many topics stud - observation and ied throughout the year, social studies units may include experimentation. families, friendship, travel, amazing animals, neighbor - hoods, food, traditions, and children’s interests. Activities, “show and tell,” field trips, and reading selections may all be based on the current theme. Beginning in kinder - garten, math is taught using the Singapore Math series, Math in Focus . The hands-on

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 5 GRADE ONE Students begin with a unit on Families and Communities, followed by Working Together, as In first grade, language arts instruction well as a unit on Colonial Times and Customs/ continues with the Center for Collaborative Class - Traditions. Current events are read and dis - room’s Literacy Suite ( Being a Reader, Being a cussed through the Scholastic News publication. Writer, and Making Meaning ). Students develop Participation in the cross-grade Lower School their reading and writing skills every day, both production is also an integral part of the first- independently and in teacher-led small groups. grade social studies program. First graders end These programs, using a workshop model, the year with an in-depth study of landforms and enhance applied spelling, grammar, and hand - bodies of water, culminating in a inquiry report on writing abilities, while encouraging imaginative a mammal of their choice. and original storytelling and a love of reading. First grade science introduces concepts of The Math in Focus program continues to light and sound, heredity and mimicry, Earth’s engage students in a hands-on examination of place in the universe, and weather patterns. linear and weight measurement, thermometers, In addition, students explore the vast and calendars, clocks, and money. Students begin to varied elements of nature and its cycles on the use mental arithmetic by memorizing addition beautiful Pennfield campus, its gardens, and the and subtraction facts. First-grade math intro - Aquidneck Land Trust Trail that borders the duces a number of concepts: fractions, place school. Technology and engineering are incorpo - value, number sense, mathematical relations rated as students ask questions, make observa - and real world word problems, which will be tions, and gather information about a situation expanded on in later grades. people want to change and define a simple prob - In social studies, first graders explore a lem that can be solved through the development variety of themes over the course of the year. of a new or improved object or tool.

The cross-grade play is an integral part of the social studies curriculum.

6 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 GRADE TWO systems. All lessons involve hands-on learning and/or outdoor experiences. The engineering The second-grade language arts curriculum design component enhances previous expecta - maintains the incorporation of both phonics and tions of asking questions, making observations, guided reading with the Being a Reader program. and gathering information with development While reading abilities vary, most students are of simple sketches or physical models designed ready for early chapter books and are expected to solve problems. Students then analyze to read independently in school and at home, on and compare their designs by using different a daily basis. With more advanced fine motor materials in the process. control, students work on handwriting formation and ultimately, cursive formation. With the help of the Being a Writer and Making Meaning GRADE THREE programs, students continue to gain depth of reading comprehension and writing. Formal The third-grade language arts program instruction in spelling, grammar, and Writer's focuses on reading a wide variety of chapter Workshop continues, as does foreign language books while continuing to write daily and create study. Vocabulary is also an important compo - meaning between reading and writing. Formal nent of the language arts curriculum, and spelling is an important component of the instruction focuses on highly useful words that curriculum, as is grammar instruction. The third appear in a variety of texts. Students build grade program builds upon the skills and strate - representations of these words and their connec - gies taught in first and second grade using the tions to other words. Center for the Collaborative Classroom Literacy Over the course of the year in social studies, Suite ( Being a Writer and Making Meaning ), second graders move through a series of units Sadlier-Oxford’s Vocabulary Workshop and Zaner- on Native Americans, national symbols and Bloser Handwriting. landmarks, Rhode Island state history, local In social studies, third graders study the geography, and basic economics. Students structures of government; immigration to the discuss current events they read about in the United States and, specifically Aquidneck Island; publication, Scholastic News . Participation in the and a variety of American communities and how cross-grade Lower School production rounds out they express their culture. Mapping and map- the curriculum. reading skills are introduced, along with the In mathematics, students review addition geography of the United States and the continents . and subtraction facts, time and money concepts, As in grades one and two, the cross-grade play, and patterning. The study of fractions, measure - in one of its three incarnations, plays a major role ment, decimals, and place value becomes more in the social studies curriculum. in-depth. Two- and three-dimensional shapes are In math, students continue using the Math in introduced as a prelude to geometry. Students Focus curriculum as they move ahead to begin memorization of multiplication facts and multi-digit addition, subtraction, multiplication operations. and division. The study of fractions, place value, Science in second grade expands the decimals and geometry continues. Math facts concepts of the previous year with a focus on and skills are reinforced through a variety of math matter and its interactions, energy and diversity and computer games. in ecosystems, biological evolution, and Earth’s

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 7 Third-grade scientists possess a strong GRADE FOUR background in the basic concepts of life, earth, and physical sciences. Throughout the year, the The fourth-grade language arts curriculum students delve deeper into these concepts and places an emphasis on writing. Students learn begin to experiment in order to gain a deeper un - the mechanics of writing as they create narrative, derstanding of the world around them. Third descriptive, expository, procedural, and persua - graders act like real scientists as they learn how sive pieces, in addition to poetry. Being a Writer to design and carry out experiments, record their workshops emphasize the steps of writing: findings, and write conclusions in their science drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and journals. During one of the life science units, third publication. Students learn to peer edit while graders explore birds of prey. Our school’s working together to enjoy the writing process. campus provides a unique opportunity to Programs include the Center for the Collaborative observe some of these animals in the wild. Classroom Literacy Suite (writing, literature, Third graders also participate in a highly interac - spelling, grammar), Sadlier-Oxford’s Vocabulary tive unit that introduces simple machines and Workshop , and various novels: Fourth Grade how they work. Rats, Indian in the Cupboard , and Hugo Cabret to name a few. The social studies curriculum in the fourth grade has a dual emphasis. The first is a study of the geography of our country as well as major countries around the world. This guides students as they explore the history of events that have impacted the United States with a close study of

Fourth and fifth grade students collaborate on a research based focus unit presentation.

8 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 Rhode Island. The second focus is the study of program incorporates the 6+1 Traits of Writing, historical events from the period of the Industrial providing a strong base for student understand - Revolution through the Gilded Age. Students also ing with an emphasis on the writing process, spend time learning and reflecting on current including drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, events around the world. The fourth- and fifth- and finally publication. In addition to writing, there grade focus unit combines a social studies topic is a strong focus on reading comprehension and with research writing, culminating in a schoolwide reading strategies. Students are given the oppor - presentation from each student. tunity to explore a variety of genres in their In fourth-grade mathematics, the students independently chosen reading, in addition to a gain a more in-depth understanding of previously small selection of whole class novels that are introduced material, including multiplication and read throughout the year. division, decimals, fractions, measurement, and In fifth grade, the class continues to discover probability. Fourth graders identify and construct the significance of historical events as they focus geometric shapes, estimate and compute with on post-Civil War through the 1960s. Students larger numbers, and interpret data using graphs learn about the Dust-Bowl Era, the Women’s and statistical landmarks. Right Movement, the struggle for civil rights, and Fourth-grade science students study many read a variety of texts to support their studies. different energy forms by relating the speed of an In the spring, the fifth grade collaborate with object to the energy of that object and making fourth grade on a research project that culmi - observations to provide evidence that energy can nates in a school-wide presentation from each be transferred from place to place by sound, student. light, heat, and electric currents. In addition, Fifth graders continue to explore geometric students will study how internal and external and algebraic concepts in math. There is a strong structures of plants and animals support survival, focus on computation. Students also graph growth, behavior, and reproduction, and how coordinates, compute with fractions, and animals receive and react to information through organize data for analysis. Calculator skills their senses. Lastly, students will study rocks and become more sophisticated, including the use of other components of Earth’s features. The engi - exponents and operations with both positive and neering design component challenges students negative numbers. to address a problem reflecting a need or a want In fifth grade students delve deeply into prop - that includes specified criteria for success and erties of matter by developing models, charting constraints on materials, time, or cost. changes due to a variety of factors, identifying materials, and mixing substances to create new ones. In addition, students study forces and energy, GRADE FIVE Earth’s place in the universe and its ecosystems, and create engineering designs that compare English in fifth grade continues to focus on multiple solutions to a variety of problems (such writing. The mechanics of writing are reinforced as environmental concerns). The students spend through mini-lessons and applied to numerous a majority of class time, and their double period forms, including poetry, narrative, descriptive, lab sessions, going out into the field, conducting expository, persuasive, and instructional writing. hands-on experiments, and reflecting in their The Center for the Collaborative Classroom journals to track progress.

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 9 “Headmaster’s Class,” concentrating on a timely Upper School discussion of current events, values clarification, In Upper School, students in sixth through and, in eighth grade particularly, preparatory eighth grade move from class to class through - information for applying and proceeding to out the day in a departmentalized system, storing secondary schools. their belongings in personal lockers. In this Every Wednesday morning the Upper School fashion, students prepare for the higher level of holds a “Town Meeting,” led by the Student autonomy that they will experience in secondary Council and separate from the regular assembly, school. to discuss issues and concerns that pertain Each student is assigned a faculty advisor. solely to grades six through eight. In addition to periodic individual conferences, The annual Upper School fall trip takes students meet in groups with their advisors place in September. Accompanied by Pennfield during one lunch period each week. Topics cov - faculty chaperones, Upper School students travel ered with advisors include goal setting, to an outdoor educational camp for three nights. study skills, decision-making, and universal values. The annual upper school Advisors also assist Upper School students with their assembly speeches, trip fosters cooperation, which begin in grade six. Sixth and seventh goal setting, and leader - graders present a topic of their choice, such as hobbies, talents, camps, pets, ship opportunities. travels, etc., in front of the faculty and entire student body. Leading off the assembly speeches for the year, eighth-grade students present their community service work (a 20-hour minimum requirement to be completed during the summer) to the school. Each advisor reviews their advisees’ presentations, offering feedback and guidance. Following the assembly speech, students respond to questions from the audience. At the end of each academic day, students are engaged in Sustained Silent Reading. Each student is required to bring a novel of choice to his or her last period class. A number of additions are made to the weekly schedule that address the needs of this age group and their level of study. Once a week, each Upper School section meets with the Head of School for

10 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 The shared experiences foster mutual respect, cooperation, goal setting, and leadership opportuni - ties. A greater appreciation for the natural world is obtained and reinforced through this trip as well. In the spring, the Upper School students are invited to travel abroad during their March vaca - tion accompanied by Pennfield faculty. These trips alternate between China and a Spanish Band students have several speaking country. The curriculum for Upper opportunities to perform School physical education, art, throughout the year. and music follows a progression for the three years. Students master basic skills that enable them to work independ - with classroom subjects. Field trips to museums ently and advance according to their own in New York and Boston expose students to art creativity and stamina. and artists from around the world. By eighth The physical education program in the grade, students are fluent in a variety of media Upper School is based on the combination of with a firm foundation in design and an appreci - the Sport Education and Tactical Games models ation for the art of many cultures. of teaching games for understanding. The goals In Upper School, students may choose and objectives are to develop skills and fitness to participate in the theater program as actors specific to particular sports, appreciate and be or as part of the tech crew. Productions have able to execute strategic play, participate at included musicals such as “ Cinderella, ” appropriate levels, work effectively within “The Little Mermaid, ” and “ The Lion King. ” groups, share in class outcomes, and provide In Upper School music, both band and responsible leadership. The students will be chorus are offered. Students are required to given the opportunity to develop and apply participate in at least one music class each year. knowledge about the sport. They will appreciate The chorus covers many musical styles and the rituals and conventions that give the concepts involved in music appreciation and per - sport its meaning and the roles that surround formance. Upper School Band participants meet athletics: officiating, publicizing, keeping statis - twice weekly and are encouraged to maintain tics, and the celebration of culminating events. a schedule of individual lessons on their instru - The Upper School art program is a founda - ments. Opportunities for performances arise tion course focusing on the elements and throughout the year at assemblies and concerts. principles of design. Skills are developed through projects in drawing, painting, printmak - ing, ceramics and sculpture. Art history is woven into the curriculum and frequently integrated

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 11 GRADE SIX some algebra competencies, which represent patterns and relationships, as they learn to solve In sixth-grade English, students improve equations and inequalities. their reading comprehension by increasing their In science, sixth graders concentrate on familiarity with a variety of literary genres, including astronomy and earth science, using experimen - short stories, poetry, drama, novels, nonfiction, tation and observation, prediction and collection, biography, autobiography, and memoirs. In both and analysis and presentation of data. Students expository and creative writing, they continue to learn about the planet Earth from core to work on the writing process: outlining, drafting, atmosphere, including its land, water, and air and editing. Instruction also continues in “spheres.” They also explore Earth’s moon and grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Upper School our planet’s place in our solar system and the students prepare and present an oral report on universe beyond. Students acquire techniques an approved subject of their choice during the for designing their own experiment for both morning assembly. Students are involved in all written and graphic communication of data. facets of the presentation. Taking advantage of our close proximity to The history curriculum focuses on ancient the water, lessons in science, technology, history, specifically that of the Stone Age, the engineering and math (STEM) are used to Fertile Crescent, Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome. Using texts, stories, art, and multi-media projects, students examine the political and economic systems, reli - gions, social institutions, languages, cus - toms, and technological and artistic development of these civilizations. Sixth-grade mathematics continues with the Singapore Math series, Math in Focus . Students further develop their number sense by mastering operations with fractions and decimals. A special emphasis is placed on proportional reasoning as students apply their number skills to solve problems. In the geometry and measurement domain, students solve perimeter, area and volume prob - lems, transformations, and measur able attributes of two-dimensional and three- dimensional objects. Sixth-grade students also gain a greater understanding of Students may choose to statistics and measures of central ten - dency. Finally, students are introduced to participate in an annual upper school trip to countries such as Costa Rica.

12 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 introduce students to sailing. During the fall, sixth in-depth study of world religions. Novels, short grade students travel to the Herreshoff Museum stories, and films may be used to gain greater where they receive sailing instruction as well as insight into the life of these regions. A concurrent opportunities for real world applications in study of local, national, and global current events science and math related fields. is also followed. Sixth-grade students continue their study Seventh-grade mathematics students transi - of Spanish. Oral proficiency continues to be a tion to pre-algebra using the Prentice Hall series high priority. The grammar points covered in sixth textbook. To prepare for algebra, more emphasis grade include, among others, the definite and is placed on algebra competencies. Students indefinite articles, the usage of regular –ar verbs model and solve more complex real-world and a few irregular verbs, question formation, and problems using equations and graphs. Students the use of adjectives. Students put their newly build on their number sense to understand acquired knowledge to use in various creative properties of numbers and continue to apply projects assigned throughout the year. Cultural geometry and measurement skills. Students studies focus on general geography and the model more abstract ideas using expressions country of Mexico. and equations and are introduced to the concept of a function. Seventh-grade biology is dynamic. Students GRADE SEVEN delve into the unity and diversity of biological evolution, inheritance and variation of traits, Seventh grade English focuses on the theme ecosystems and their interactions and energy, of identity and begins preparing students for and the the history of biology along with the a more writing intensive year in 8th grade. scientists that shaped modern theories and Students consider the role identity plays in classic practices. In addition, students begin studies of literature such as The Outsiders, Beowulf, and growth, development, and reproduction of organ - Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar . Students also isms along with their study of natural selection study diverse contemporary authors such as and adaptations. During lab periods, students Kwame Alexander, Walter Dean Myers, and observe cells under microscopes, dissect ocean Jason Reynolds. The year culminates with an animals, and develop possible solutions to Independent Research Project and dystopian specific engineering challenges. science fiction unit including the work of Ray Seventh graders develop increasingly more Bradbury. sophisticated use of the Spanish language as World Cultures is the seventh-grade history their grammar skills and vocabulary widen. course. A major focus of the course is to Giving directions, familiar commands, posses - develop a meaningful understanding of the world sive adjectives, comparatives, ordinal numbers, around us. Using the elements of culture and and the present tense of stem-changing verbs themes of geography as tools, students examine are a few of the concepts covered. The study of several regions of the world, including, but not culture in the seventh grade focuses on Puerto limited to, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and/or Rico, Spain, and Ecuador. Latin America. Students also engage in an

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 13 GRADE EIGHT

The intensity of every subject increases as eighth graders ready themselves for the long-anticipated graduation to secondary school. Our most senior students enjoy several unique experiences during the year, including preparation of the yearbook, stu - dent council leadership, and a significant community service requirement. Students in grade eight are required to invest a minimum of 20 hours of community service in an agency of their choice (subject to the approval of the program coordinator) and to detail their experiences in a written report and an assembly speech. Through this program, students learn the value of civic and social responsibility. Students have Eighth grade English focuses on the opportunities to theme of nature and prepares students for the writing at the high school and college develop a commitment levels. Students consider the role nature to sustainable living. plays in classic literature such as Lord of the Flies, Great Gatsby , and Shakespeare’s Macbeth or Romeo & Juliet. Students read Eighth-grade mathematics students com - excerpts of Transcendental authors, including plete a full year of Algebra I using the Prentice Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Hall series textbook. Students learn mathematics They also complete their first full literary analysis as a symbolic language to represent ideas. and an author study based on the work of con - Students use multiple representations (graphs, temporary author Mitch Albom. They are intro - charts, and words) to make predictions and duced to a variety of short stories and nonfiction demonstrate their understanding of real-world essays. The year culminates with an Independent relationships. Students are introduced to polyno - Writing Portfolio to showcase their best writing mials and factoring, as well as linear, exponential and to discuss their growth. and quadratic functions and graphs; they also In history, students examine American history master their understanding of exponents, powers, from early colonization through the Civil War. and roots. They apply algebraic reasoning to The major units of study include: Religious and geometry, statistics, and probability problems. Economic Motives of Colonization, the American Eighth-grade science study concentrates Revolution, the United States Constitution, United on human physiology and physics. By this level, States Expansion, and the Civil War. In addition students can independently apply the techniques to course content, particular focus will be given of experimentation, data collection, and analysis to writing, researching, and critical thinking skills. that they have been practicing in the previous

14 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 years to create, conduct, document, and analyze SECONDARY SCHOOLS their own experiments. Eighth-grade Spanish language students The Head of School guides eighth graders continue to enlarge their grammar and vocabu - and their parents through the process of lary base and sharpen their composition skills. selecting appropriate secondary schools for con - The points of grammar studied include the sideration. Pennfield students have received reflexive verbs, the present progressive, and acceptance to a wide variety of secondary the preterite, among several others. The study of schools including the following: culture in the eighth grade focuses on Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Costa Rica. By the end Berkshire School, Sheffield, MA of their Upper School career, students have Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, MA acquired a solid foundation in the language. Bishop Hendricken, Warwick, RI They have also developed an understanding of Bishop Stang, North Dartmouth, MA diverse Spanish countries and Spanish cultures. Bullis School, Potomac, MD Pennfield graduates regularly enter advanced Concord Academy , Concord, MA placement foreign language classes in secondary Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, MA schools. Gould Academy, Bethel, ME Kent School, Kent, CT Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, NH La Salle Academy, Providence, RI Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ Lincoln School, Providence, RI Middlesex School, Concord, MA Moses Brown School, Providence, RI Phillips Academy Andover, Andover, MA Pomfret School, Pomfret, CT Portsmouth Abbey School, Portsmouth, RI Prout School, Wakefield, RI Providence Country Day School, Providence, RI Rocky Hill School, East Greenwich, RI Saint Andrew’s School, Barrington, RI Students in Salisbury School, Salisbury, CT St. George’s School, Middletown, RI grades four St. Mark’s School, Southborough, MA through Tabor Academy, Marion, MA The Wheeler School, Providence, RI eight may Williston Northampton School, participate Easthampton, MA in athletics Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, PA after school.

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 15 COLLEGES RESOURCE SERVICES

Resource teachers are Orton Gillingham Pennfield students have received accept - reading specialists and have many teaching ance to a wide variety of colleges including in years between them. The resource director recent years: brings current best teaching practices and professional development expertise from national American University, Washington, DC and state conferences. Resource teachers Babson University, Wellesley, MA instruct Pennfield students in small reading Boston University, Boston, MA groups and math groups. Brown University, Providence, RI Students and teachers receive classroom College of Charleston, Charleston, SC support and small group or individual Orton College of Wooster, Wooster, OH Gillingham reading techniques, as needed. Addi - Endicott College, Beverly, MA tionally, gifted support and resources are available George Washington University, to teachers and students. Sixth-, seventh- and Washington D.C. eighth-grade students have a room available for Georgetown University, Washington D.C . extra time and a quiet place for testing. Hamilton College, Clinton, NY Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Hobart & William Smith Colleges, LIBRARY Geneva, NY The library at Pennfield serves the whole John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD school, offering a range of print and electronic Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY materials intended to inspire a love of reading Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT and a proficiency in finding, evaluating, and Northeastern University, Boston, MA using information effectively. The library supports New York University, New York, NY students’ interests in reading for pleasure, and Princeton University, Princeton NJ offers approximately 8,000 works of fiction and Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI nonfiction. The school subscribes to print and Rollins College, Winter Park, FL electronic encyclopedia, magazines, and data - Salve Regina University, Newport RI bases. Our youngest students come to the library Sarah Lawrence University, Bronxville, NY each week for “storytime,” where thematic units Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY teach them to explore classic and contemporary Stanford University, Stanford, CA literature and learn age-appropriate fundamen - St. Lawrence College, Canton, NY tals of research in conjunction with classroom Trinity College, Hartford CT projects. Upper School students use the library United States Air Force Academy to support their growth toward becoming University of Delaware independent, curious, and skillful learners. University of New Hampshire We encourage students to creatively and thor - University of Pensylvania oughly gather information. Students hone commu - University of Rhode Island nication skills, honoring the conventions and University of Wisconsin techniques of academic research. The library University College, Dublin, Ireland strives to pique curiosity and provide appealing Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY materials that keep students inclined to reach for Wheaton College, Norton, MA a book or encourage a friend to share a goo d read.

16 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) The Sustainability Program at Pennfield’s Lirakis Nature Center educates students about For an increasingly international student the interconnectedness of human beings with body, Pennfield offers a comprehensive and other species and systems on Earth. Students research-based program for students, preschool are taught, through direct experience, about per - through eighth grade, who need ESL support. sonal responsibility for the stewardship of our Through individualized lessons, ongoing forma - planet, as well as the value and virtue of making tive assessment, and regular observation in core kind connections with one another as fellow classes, the ESL teacher provides a course of human beings. Whether starting seeds hydro - study to guide students toward English language ponically to be grown organically in Pennfield's proficiency. raised garden beds, participating in beekeeping with our own hives, implementing a schoolwide ATHLETICS Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle program, or simply observing the diverse natural beauty of our Students in grades four through eight are unique campus, Pennfield students have every offered the opportunity to participate in athletics opportunity to develop a lifelong commitment to after school. Fourth and fifth graders have access sustainable living. to intramural activities and/or introduc tory-level competitive sports in soccer, cross-country, ECCO Club basketball, and lacrosse. The Environmental Club and Composting Upper School students at Pennfield partici - Organization (ECCO) is open to students in pate competitively in soccer, cross-country, grades five through eight who have a keen basketball, and lacrosse against local and interest in environmentalism. Activities are student regional independent and public schools. directed with the goal of promoting positive Practices and games are normally scheduled environmental practices at Pennfield and in the Monday through Thursday with the occasional greater community. Friday game or weekend tournament. Some of the schools Pennfield co mpetes against include Moses Brown, Providence Country Day, The TECHNOLOGY Wheeler School, Rocky Hill, St. Michael’s Country Students have access to technology through - Day School, Block Island, Falmouth Academy, out the school building. In addition to our Middletown, and Little Compton. The athletic computer lab, students in preschool through program also provides non-competitive club grade five have access to a mobile pod of iPads. activities in skiing/snowboarding at Wachusett Grades six through eight benefit from a 1:1 iPad Mountain and horseback riding at Glen Farm. program. Students and faculty use these personal mobile devices in each class to research, plan, Volunteer Opportunities and complete homework. We are always finding The athletic program provides opportunities new ways to incorporate technology into our daily for parents to offer sport-specific positional coach - lives. ing (i.e., soccer and lacrosse goalie instruction), score table operation during basketball and lacrosse tournaments, and chaperoning ski/ snowboarding club trips to Wachusett Mountain.

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 17 Transportation New England and beyond join in this learning Scheduled competitions for cross country, celebration. The purpose of the festival is multi - soccer, basketball, and lacrosse are transported faceted: to expose students to as much cultural by bus. Ski/snowboard club trips are transported and artistic diversity as possible, give students by commercial coach bus. Some events may the opportunity to express themselves in a variety require parent or volunteer carpool. of media, encourage them to think creatively, and generate new ideas and fresh perspectives. Ski/Snowboarding Club Six Friday afternoons during the winter term, BUDDY PROGRAM Upper School students depart to Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts at 3:00 p.m. for an The Buddy Program is a treasured commu - evening of skiing and snowboarding. Students nity builder for The Pennfield School. Each year, return at 11:00 p.m. older students are paired up with younger students as Buddies. Once a month, Buddies have the opportunity to meet and work together UPPER SCHOOL PLAY in a variety of fun and educational activities. Grades four and five, when applicable, and The partnerships benefit both younger and older Upper School students may participate in the students by building self-esteem, communica - annual Upper School play. Rehearsals are usually tion, and empathy skills. held four afternoons per week from 3:05 to 4:45 p.m., with performances occurring on a Friday evening. Hands-on workshops INDIVIDUAL MUSIC LESSONS expose Students of all ages take advantage of the students afternoon hours to schedule individual lessons to a variety on a variety of instruments as well as vocal instruction. Arrangements for lessons and of media. instrument rentals can be made through the music instructors.

ARTS FESTIVAL WEEK

Although the Arts Festival is truly a part of the curriculum, rather than an extracurricular activity, it far exceeds the bounds of “everyday.” The first week of May features an exciting series of performances and workshops, culminating in a daylong extravaganza in which students choose from a multitude of different hands-on workshops, tailored to their ages, abilities and interests. Dozens of guest artists from all over

18 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES EXTENDED DAY

Lower and Upper School students meet The Extended Day program, open to all voluntarily with faculty members and parent ages, provides care and supervision for students volunteers for special-interest groups and activi - every day between the hours of 1:00 and 5:00 ties, which provide opportunities for service and p.m., or later by request. There is a minimal leadership. Recess or study hall periods are often charge for this service. Younger students congre - used as meeting periods. Current activities gate in another designated classroom for home - include: work completion, arts and crafts, stories, free play, and outdoor activities. Students in grades Student Council four and above who are not participating in Students nominate their peers and hold sports, but remain at school after 3:00 p.m., are elections. Student Council coordinates fundrais - supervised in the library, where they have access ing, Spirit Week, dances, and other extra-curricular to educational resources. activities, including community service projects. SUMMER CAMP Oak Society Select students represent the School at Summer is a special time, and The Pennfield on-campus and off-campus events throughout School offers a memorable camp experience for the school year. students. Our goal is to ensure children have fun and develop friendships. We provide thematic Spanish Honor Society camps led by a dedicated staff of educators and Seventh and eighth grade students in the camp instructors. Our tree-lined campus on Little Honor Society are involved in activities that Slocum Farm is an idyllic setting, and campers support and promote the Spanish language and enjoy use of our gymnasium, athletic fields, culture within the School and in the greater playgrounds, art studio, computer lab, science community. lab, and stage.

SCHOOL HOURS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Early Bird program begins at 7:30 a.m. The Pennfield School depends on parent for students who need to be dropped off early. involvement, in a variety of ways, to enrich the All students are expected to arrive for school wide range of programs offered. The Pennfield between 8:00 and 8:10 a.m.; those not present School Association, the parent-teacher organiza - for assembly at 8:10 a.m. are considered tardy. tion, offers dozens of volunteer opportunities for The half-day programs in preschool and pre- interested parents. Some of the activities spon - kindergarten conclude at 1:00 p.m. The Extended sored by the PSA include a weekly hot lunch Day program options for these grades are either program, Teacher Appreciation Day, and special 1:0 0– 3:00 p.m. or 1:0 0– 5:00 p.m., or later by assemblies and field trips for students. The PSA request. All other grades end their day at raises funds for these projects and also for class - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-school room wish lists for all grades and departments. sports for grades three through five conclude at Meetings are held monthly. The Pennfield Board 4:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for grades six through of Trustees also provides ample opportunity for eight. parents to share their energy and expertise.

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 19 The Board branches into a number of subcom - 2018-2019 TUITION SCHEDULE mittees in which parents are invited to participate, Preschool from Buildings and Grounds to Finance and Three Days (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) $7,640 Public Relations. Classroom and co-curricular Four Days (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) $10,095 teachers often look for special talents, or simply Five Days (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) $12,560 a willing pair of hands, that parents are eager to Pre-kindergarten (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) $12,560 share: musical accompaniment, computer skills, Kindergarten (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) $18,500 chaperones and drivers, library time, envelope Class I – Class V (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) $19,490 stuffing, etc. In short, however you are able Class VI-Class VIII (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) $22,340 and willing to help, your efforts will always be welcomed and appreciated! 2018-2019 EXTENDED DAY FEES

TRANSPORTATION 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day Town bus service is available for students $550 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 living in Little Compton, Tiverton, and Aquidneck 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Island. In other areas, many families carpool. 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day Contact the front desk or your class representa - $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 tive for names of families in your area who may wish to share the driving. 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day $550 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 ACCREDITATION AND AFFILIATIONS

The Pennfield School is accredited by the EVENTS AND TRADITIONS Association of Independent Schools of New The Pennfield community maintains its cohe - England (AISNE), of which it is a member. siveness by including families in many different The School is approved annually as an elemen - ways. tary school by the office of the Commissioner of During the school year there are a number Education of the State of Rhode Island and of traditional events and occasions in which Providence Plantations. In addition, the School families are encouraged to participate. Some holds memberships in the following organiza - of these events include students and siblings, tions: and some are limited to parents and friends. The National Association of Independent The Lunchbox Express, a weekly communica - Schools (NAIS) tion for families, is available on our website The Independent Schools Association of RI (w ww.pennfield.org) each Thursday. This newslet - (ISARI) ter keeps families informed about curre nt and The Educational Records Bureau (ERB) upcoming events at the school, as well as The School and Student Service for calendar items and a weekly letter from the Financial Aid (SSS) Head of School. The following list of annual The Secondary School Admission Test Board (SSAT) The Aquidneck Collaborative for Education (ACE)

20 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 activities is representative, but subject to change, From the Boston area: and new ideas are always welcome! Take Route 93 South to Route I-95 – the sign says Dedham-Providence. Turn off I-95 onto Annual Corporation Meeting Route 24 South towards Fall River. It is approxi - Arts Festival Week mately 40 miles to Fall River where Route 24 Athletic Awards Evening merges for less than a mile with I-195 West. In Fall Bingo Night River get on Route 24 again toward Newport. Commencement Ceremony *Follow the previous directions to The Pennfield Cornucopia Fine Arts Sale School. Cornucopia Party Fall Parents’ Evening From Barrington and Bristol: Field Day Take the Mount Hope Bridge. Bear right at Grandparents and Special Friends Day the foot of the bridge. In a mile, go straight past Golf and Tennis Tournament the lights just after the Island Garden Shop. Halloween Parade In another mile and a half, bear right at the lights Lower School Stage Production onto Route 138 South. Bear left at the top of the New Family Summer Barbecue hill. Stay on Route 138 South until the traffic light Orchard Family Run at Sandy Point Avenue. Go left on Sandy Point Parent Conference Day Avenue. The Pennfield School is approximately Registration Day Cookout 1/4 mile on your left. Teacher Appreciation Day Thanksgiving All-School Feast From the East Greenwich, Upper School Evening Dances Wickford side of the Bay: Upper School Dramatic Presentation Take the Newport Bridge and follow Route Winter Holiday Assembly and Concert 138 North through Middletown and into Portsmouth, at which point Route 138 is East DIRECTIONS TO THE Main Road. Stay on East Main Road until the PENNFIELD SCHOOL traffic light at Sandy Point Avenue. Go right on Sandy Point Avenue. The Pennfield School is From the Providence area: approximately 1/4 mile on your left. Take Route I-195 East to Fall River and Route 24 South toward Newport. *Follow Route 24 over the Sakonnet bridge and onto Aquidneck Island. You will see a sign for “Middletown - Newport Beaches” Take Exit 1 - (Turnpike Avenue). Stay to the right at the bottom of the ramp. Go one mile to the set of lights, turn right onto Route 138 South. Bear left at the top of the hill. Stay on Route 138 South until the traffic light at Sandy Point Avenue. Go left on Sandy Point Avenue. The Pennfield School is approximately 1/4 mile on your left.

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 21 Faculty and Administration

Rob Kelley Peter Dorrien Traisci Head of School Grade VI, VII and VIII Spanish B.A. Tufts University B.A. Harding University M.A.T. Tufts University M.A. Middlebury College

Mattie L. Edwards-Kemp Stephanie Garcia Earp ‘98 Associate Head of School Director of Development Head of Upper School B.A. Bates College Grade VII World Cultures M.B.A. University of Rhode Island B.S. University of Tennessee B.S. Salve Regina University Kristin Emory M.Ed. Rhode Island College Director of Admissions and Financial Aid B.A. University of Colorado Karen Lambert M.A.T. University of San Francisco Head of Lower School Preschool Teacher Lesley Faria B.A. Salve Regina University Grade VI Ancient Civilizations R.I. Certification in Early Childhood Education Grade VIII American History B.S. Salve Regina University Meredith Benvenuto-Botelho M.A. Rhode Island College Class IV B.A. University of Rhode Island Alex Fernandez ‘01 M.A.T. University of Rhode Island Grade VI – VIII Mathematics B.A. Salve Regina University Iris Bohensky Administrative Assistant Katrina Fortier B.S. University of Rhode Island Music and Chorus Director B.A. Salve Regina University Mathew Bottone Coordinator of Student Life Danielle Frawley Primary, Grade VI and Grade VIII Science Grade III B.F.A. University of Colorado B.A. Siena College M.A.T. Adelphi University Elizabeth A. Bouch, R.N. Nurse Judy Hall B.S. University of Rhode Island Pre-Kindergarten B.S. Salve Regina University B.A. Salve Regina University M.S. University of Massachusetts M.A. Salve Regina University

Diane Campagna Cindy Hallowell Communications Manager Sustainability Educator Summer Program Director B.A. Clark University B.A. University of Colorado R.I. Certification in Elementary Education Lori Hawks Grade VII and VIII English Erin Costa B.A. Fairfield University Grade II M.A. Northern Arizona University B.A. St. Michael's College M.A.T. Roger Williams University Emily Johnson Kindergarten Assistant Teacher Ann Cotter-Kelley B.S. University of Rhode Island Extended Day Coordinator B.A. Northeastern University

22 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 Susan Kremer Dan O’Toole Lower School Art Business Manager B.F.A. Western Michigan University B.A. University of Massachusetts Accounting & Finance Certification Northeastern Mark Lapham University Technology Instructor B.S. University of Connecticut Piper Padillia Kindergarten Meaghan Moe B.A. Hillsdale College Extended Day Assistant M.Ed. Wheelock College A.A. Bristol Community College Dawn Cronin Pigott Tim Lee Resource Band Director B.S. University of Maine B.A. University of Massachusetts Graduate Study Harvard University

Kelly LeMeur Elizabeth Raducha Librarian Lower School Science B.A. Clemson University Grade VII Science M.A. Pennsylvania State University B.A. Fitchburg State College M.L.I.S. University of Rhode Island M.A. Lesley College

Allegra Lovoy Stefanie Riccio Primary - Grade IV Physical Education Grade V Assistant Teacher B.S. Pace University B.A. Salve Regina University M.A. Towson University

Bob MacMannis Dana Staats Athletic Director Grade I Grade V through VIII Physical Education B.A. Roger Williams University Grade V, VII, and VIII Mathematics M.A. Roger Williams University B.A. Tufts University Julie Sweeney Richard McMorrow Community Outreach Maintenance A.B.A. Gibbs College

Kristina Michelson Maria Takacs Resource Preschool – Grade V Spanish B.A. St. Lawrence University B.B.A. Universidad de Puerto Rico M.A. University of Colorado Frank Tito Paul Murphy Director of Technology Facilities Manager A.S. Thames Valley State Technical College B.S. Roger Williams University B.S. Rhode Island College Ashley Wall Grade VI English Blayney Norton-Hayes Grade VI Ancient Civilization Upper School Art ESL B.F.A. Roger Williams University B.A. American University M.A. American University

Jenny Williams Pre-kindergarten Assistant B.A. University of New Hampshire

THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 | 23 NAIS PRINCIPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR MEMBER SCHOOLS

The Pennfield School is a member of the 4. Elementary school educators teach to individ - National Association of Independent Schools ual learning styles and intelligences and (NAIS). assess learning in a variety of ways. The following principles are adhered to at 5. Elementary school educators support the The Pennfield School. Building on the work of the child’s emerging identity by respecting and early childhood educators, elementary school providing for each student’s voice. educators continue to nourish the child’s joy of 6. Elementary school educators build relation - discovery and passion for learning and provide ships with their students, in which each child for the child’s social, emotional, physical, intellec - feels understood, nurtured, and challenged. tual, and moral growth – giving special attention 7. Elementary school educators work to create to the mastery of those basic skills and concepts, a relationship with parents that facilitates the which are the foundation of all future learning. exchange of information necessary to ensure the child’s progress. 1. Elementary school educators, and all 8. Elementary school educators create opportu - person nel who interact with children, have nities for children to become increasingly appropriate training and knowledge regarding responsible for the many communities in the developmental characteristics and needs which they live. of this age group. 9. Elementary school educators defend the 2. Elementary school educators create a safe dignity and worth of each member of the and secure environment, in which students community, and create an environment that grow in both autonomy and the ability to fosters respect, understanding, and accept - work and play together. ance of differences. 3. Elementary school educators design and implement programs that actively engage students in making connections, solving prob - lems, and thinking independently.

24 | THE NUTSHELL 2018 –2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Primary School...... 2 Preschool...... 2 Calendar 2018-2019 Pre-kindergarten...... 3 Lower School...... 4 Kindergarten...... 5 2018 Grade 1...... 6 Tuesday, August 28 New Family Cookout, 5:00 p.m. Grade 2...... 7 Monday, September 3 Labor Day Holiday Grade 3...... 7 Grade 4...... 8 Tuesday, September 4 Orientation & Cookout, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Grade 5...... 9 Wednesday, September 5 First full day of classes Upper School...... 10 Sunday, September 23 Orchard Family Run Grade 6...... 12 Tuesday, September 25 Fall Parents Evening, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Grade 7...... 13 Monday, October 8 Columbus Day Holiday Grade 8...... 14 Friday, October 19 Grandparents & Special Friends Day Secondary Schools...... 15 Colleges...... 16 Monday, October 22 Fall Parent Conferences (no classes) Resource Services and Library...... 16 Friday, October 26 Open House Sustainability Program...... 17 Friday, November 2 Half Day Professional Development (noon dismissal) Technology...... 17 Cornucopia Party, 6:00-8:00 p.m. English as a Second Language...... 17 Saturday, November 3 Cornucopia Fine Arts Sale Athletics...... 17 Monday, November 12 Veterans Day Holiday Upper School Play...... 18 Monday, November 19 All School Feast Music Lessons...... 18 Tuesday, November 20 Thanksgiving Holiday begins after classes Arts Festival Week...... 18 Buddy Program...... 18 Monday, November 26 Classes resume Leadership Opportunities...... 19 Friday, December 7 Open House School Hours and Extended Day...... 19 Tuesday, December 18 Winter Concert at 11:00 a.m., dismissal at noon Summer Camp...... 19 Volunteer Opportunities...... 19 2019 Transportation...... 20 Wednesday, January 2 Classes resume Accreditation and Affiliations...... 20 Monday, January 21 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Tuition...... 20 Extended Day Fees...... 20 Friday, January 25 Open House Events and Traditions...... 20 Friday, Monday & Tuesday Directions...... 21 February 15, 18 & 19 Winter Long Weekend & Professional Day (no classes) Faculty and Administration...... 22 Friday, March 8 Talent Show NAIS Principles...... 24 Spring Break begins, 3:00 p.m. Calendar...... Inside back cover Monday, March 25 Classes resume Thursday, April 25 The Corporation Meeting Wednesday, May 1 Half Day (Teacher Appreciation Day) Monday, May 27 Memorial Day Holiday Tuesday, June 11 Last Day Primary and Kindergarten Wednesday, June 12 Field Day Thursday, June 13 Commencement, 10:00 a.m. joy • understanding • respect

Little Slocum Farm • 110 Sandy Point Avenue • Portsmouth • RI • 02871 • 401.849.4646 www.pennfield.org