Our School and Curriculum 2018–2019 Learning at NPS

National Presbyterian School is committed to safeguarding the all-important decade of childhood —the years from Age 3 to Sixth Grade. We believe that love is a precondition to excellent learning. By presenting a challenging academic program in a nurturing school community, we give children the intellectual, spiritual, personal, physical and emotional foundations that will enable them to be successful learners and good people. Contents

INTRODUCTION . CURRICULUM . GRADES AT A GLANCE .

2 Benefits of Age 3 13 Curriculum Overview 30 Nursery to Sixth Grade 14 Philosophy of Early 31 Sample Nursery Day 3 Seventh Grade Placement Childhood Education 32 Pre-Kindergarten 4 About NPS 15 Project Zero 33 Sample Pre-Kindergarten Day 16 Professional Development 34 Kindergarten STUDENT LIFE 17 Reading 35 Sample Kindergarten Day 8 Diversity and Inclusion 18 Language Arts 36 Kindergarten–Sixth Grade 9 Social & Emotional 19 Mathematics Subject Frequency Chart Development 20 Science 37 First Grade 10 Service Learning 21 Social & Global Studies 38 Second Grade 11 Morning Meetings 22 Spanish 39 Third Grade & Assemblies 23 Chapel & Religious Studies 40 Fourth Grade 12 Athletics 24 Physical Education & Recess 41 Fifth Grade 25 Music 42 Sixth Grade: A Capstone Year 26 Visual Arts 27 Drama 28 Library 29 Technology

1 INTRODUCTION

Benefits of Age 3 to Sixth Grade

We understand that grade range is and should be an NPS graduates are highly sought after by a wide array important factor in school choice. So why choose NPS, of schools in Seventh Grade. a school for 3 year olds through Sixth Grade? Our students are renowned for academic sophistication, confidence, and compassion. Admissions officers, We believe the Age 3 to Sixth Grade model is best heads of school, and faculty who receive our students for children. consistently comment to us that NPS is a favorite feeder We specialize in the “decade of childhood,” from the because our graduates transition seamlessly both time that children are ready for an independent school academically and socially. experience until they are 12 years old and sit on the cusp of adolescence. As an elementary-only school, Seventh Grade is the ideal time to make a change. we celebrate these fleeting and foundational years, NPS’s elementary school experience enables parents and we’re experts in serving the intellectual, spiritual to make an informed decision about the best middle and and ethical formation of children. high school fit for their child among the many and diverse options in the DC area. Students, meanwhile, are ready At NPS, children can remain children longer. for a change, and they’re excited about the opportunity The oldest students at NPS benefit from focused attention to reinvent themselves when they transition to their without the presence of teenagers in Seventh and Eighth new schools. Grade. Sixth Graders are intellectually mature and ready to expand their world views, yet they remain receptive to guidance from adults. Freedom from the influence of older students gives Sixth Graders more time to reflect on where they’ve been and who they want to be. They graduate from NPS well-equipped to navigate the challenges that they will face in their teenage years.

2 Seventh Grade Placement

Starting in the spring of Fifth Grade, our Outplacement OUTPLACEMENT SUCCESS – THE CLASS OF 2018 Team, comprised of the Head of School, Director of Upper Division and Outplacement, the Sixth Grade Teachers, and the School Counselor, engages students STUDENTS applied to SCHOOLS and parents in a hands-on placement process helping 32 21 to identify schools that are a strong fit, guiding them throughout the application process, and advocating for children at the schools to which they apply. 87% OF THE 6TH GRADERS were accepted to multiple schools 15 SCHOOLS enrolled members of the Class of 2018

NPS Graduating Class 2016 2017 2018 TOTAL Placement 2016–2018 Connelly School of the Holy Child 2 2 in DC area schools The Field School 2 1 3 Georgetown Day School 1 1 Holton-Arms School 6 5 4 15 Landon School 2 6 2 10 Maret School 1 2 3 6 McLean School 1 1 National Cathedral School 3 1 5 9 Norwood School 1 1 2 Potomac School 3 2 5 Public Schools 1 3 1 5 Sidwell Friends School 4 4 3 11 St. Albans School 3 2 2 7 St. Andrew’s Episcopal School 1 1 2 4 St. Anselm’s Abbey School 3 1 4 Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart 1 3 4 8 Washington Episcopal School 1 1 0 2 Woods Academy 1 1

3 INTRODUCTION

About NPS

CORE VALUES

The School embraces and seeks to engender in its students five Core Values: love, respect, honesty, responsibility, and safety.

MISSION & HISTORY

National Presbyterian School is proud to celebrate our including governance, programming, and use of our 50th year in 2018–2019. common campus and facilities. As always, the School Founded in 1969 as an educational mission of The welcomes children of all religions, races, and nationalities. National Presbyterian Church (NPC), National Presbyterian School is a traditional, co-educational elementary school ENROLLMENT & STUDENT BODY dedicated to educational excellence in an ecumenical Christian environment. A loving and inclusive community, The NPS student body is approximately 300 students, NPS strives to help children develop intellectual, spiritual, age 3–Grade 6, enrolled in two divisions: and personal foundations that will serve them throughout Lower Division (Nursery–Grade 1): 2 sections of Nursery; their lives. 3 sections of Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 1 The history of NPS is tied to that of the National Upper Division (Grades 2–6): 2–3 sections of each grade Presbyterian Church. The School was initially a cooperative nursery program for three- and four-year old children of NPS students come from DC, Maryland and Virginia. the surrounding community and members of the Church. 31.2% of the student body identifies themselves as African Over the years, additional grades were added, and the American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian American, Middle first Sixth Grade graduated in 1986. Students at this Eastern America, international, or multiracial. school benefit from an ongoing partnership with NPC

4 SCHOOL HOURS

Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten: Three schedule options are available.

Five mornings, 8:30 am to Noon (Nursery only)

Five mornings, 8:30 am to Noon, plus three afternoons (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) until 3:15 pm

Five mornings, 8:30am to Noon, plus five afternoons (Monday–Friday) until 3:15 pm

Kindergarten–Grade 6: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 3:15 pm

CAMPUS Drop off begins at 8:00 am. For all students, early care (Early Birds) is available from National Presbyterian School shares the 12-acre campus 7:30 am to 8:00 am and after school care (After 3 Club) of the National Presbyterian Church conveniently located is available until 6:00 pm every day. in Northwest Washington, DC. The school facilities include a gym, library, technology lab/makerspace, science lab, multipurpose room, art and music studios. All homerooms in Grades 1–6, and most specialists’ rooms, are equipped with SMART Boards.

A securely fenced playground, featuring a sport court area with basketball hoops, playground equipment, amphitheater, and soccer field, is adjacent to the School. The grounds of the Church and School feature sculpture, fountains, gardens, lawns, and mature trees.

FACULTY

NPS has 50 full- and part-time teaching faculty, including homeroom teachers, teaching associates, and specialty teachers in reading, math, science, Spanish, technology, art, music, drama, religion, physical education, counseling, and library. The average tenure is over nine years. Over 69% of lead teachers hold advanced degrees.

NPS devotes considerable time and resources to professional development in all areas of curriculum and instruction so that the faculty stays current on best practices in the field of education.

5 INTRODUCTION

LUNCH PROGRAM

NPS offers a daily hot lunch program to students in Nursery to Sixth Grade on each full day of school. Our caterer, Ridgewells’ Catering, has over 20 years of school lunch catering experience in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and has a proven track record of consistently delivering fresh, healthy dining options that are both allergen conscious and nutritionally balanced. In addition to a hot entrée with a vegetarian option, there are always salad and deli bars. A portion of the proceeds of the lunch program benefits the Jay Roudebush Author- in-Residence program.

DRESS CODE

NPS students dress according to a dress code. The mission of the dress code is for children to look neat and respectful, but clothing must be suitable throughout an active day which includes recess and physical education.

FINANCIAL AID

NPS understands and appreciates the financial commitment families undertake in deciding to send their children to our school. In order to ensure that the NPS community remains inclusive and an option to families at all socioeconomic levels, the School provides over $1.4 million in need-based financial aid annually. For the 2018–2019 school year, approximately 21% of students receive financial assistance to help offset the cost of tuition. Families receiving tuition assistance are also eligible for financial support for before care (Early Birds), after care (After 3 Club), After School Program classes, Lunch Program, and Summer Horizons Camp.

6 BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL

Early Birds The Early Birds program operates from 7:30 to 8:00 am each school day for students in Nursery – Grade 6. Supervision is provided by NPS faculty and staff, and students participate in quiet age-appropriate activities. A variety of snacks is available for Early Birds who have not yet eaten breakfast. Families needing occasional use of the program may utilize the program on a drop-in basis.

After 3 Club After 3 Club is a flexible, extended-day program for all NPS students in Nursery to Sixth Grade which operates from 3:15 to 6:00 pm daily and 12:00 – 6:00 pm on Noon Dismissal Fridays. Students may enroll for an entire school year, a trimester, a specific day or days of the week, or on a drop-in basis. A team of dedicated staff members organizes daily program activities including arts and crafts, cooking, games, and outdoor time. Students also have free time to play with friends. A snack is served at 4:00 pm, and a supervised homework period is part of the program for students in Grades 2–6.

After School Program After school, students may participate in enrichment activities Monday – Friday from 3:15 – 4:15 pm. NPS’s After School Program offers a variety of classes, many of which are taught by School faculty and staff. Classes vary with the season and the interests of the NPS community and have included dance, drama, chorus, cooking, language clubs, soccer, running club, flag football, Tae Kwon Do, school newspaper, LEGO Engineering, and STEAM classes.

Summer Horizons Camp at NPS Summer Horizons Camp at National Presbyterian School offers a safe and exciting program to campers age 3 through Grade 6. Children come to enjoy the summer, have fun, and learn along the way. Campers develop self-confidence as they explore the world around them, create, investigate, play, splash, laugh, try new things, and make new friends. Instructional swimming is a popular option for ages 4 and older. Early drop off and after-camp care are available for busy families.

7 STUDENT LIFE

Diversity and Inclusion at NPS

DIVERSITY STATEMENT NPS students excel at:

National Presbyterian School is committed to being a Developing a strong sense of identity community of inclusion that respects the uniqueness and Recognizing multiple perspectives and differing points of view dignity of each individual in a manner consistent with the Engaging in respectful dialogue with all School’s Core Values. Demonstrating sensitivity for the needs of others Identifying inequality and working towards equity We believe that diversity is more than tolerance or accommodation but is rather an informed understanding Community-wide diversity and inclusion highlights: and acceptance of people, whose sense of identity is Extensive professional development for faculty and staff shaped by many factors, which, for example, may be with Rosetta Lee, diversity and inclusion specialist influenced by race, color, or national origin, religion or The NPS Diversity Institute, summer 2017 and 2018 creed, gender, sexual orientation, family composition, The Diversity and Community Committee economic status, age, learning style or physical ability. Use of Teaching Tolerance Social Justice Standards as curricular framework (N-6) We believe such inclusivity is an ongoing process that enriches our school community and prepares our children Partnership with Teacher of Color Preparatory Institute for a global, multicultural world. Accountable Talk framework for respectful dialogue (N–6) Faculty and Staff Norms We are committed to building a diverse community and School-wide identity art projects supporting students, parents, faculty and staff through Sixth Grade Drama and Ethics hybrid course classroom instruction, professional development, and Fifth and Sixth Grade Student Council extra-curricular programming.

Revised by the faculty and staff of National Presbyterian School and endorsed by the NPS Board of Trustees, September 2016

8 Social & Emotional Development

National Presbyterian School counselors and teachers NPS students excel at: guide the social and emotional development of our Emotional literacy and empathy students, offering them support and strategies for applying Making connections with peers and the community the NPS Core Values to their everyday lives. Counselors Development of caring and effective communication lead whole-class lessons in the classroom and meet with Conflict management and decision-making students individually or in small groups. In Nursery through Social responsibility Sixth Grade, students learn core social-emotional skills and concepts such as emotional literacy, empathy, Small group activities include: effective communication, emotion management, problem Grade-level groups to offer guidance in navigating friendship solving and self-esteem. As a framework for counseling challenges and development of pro-social skills instruction, the program uses themes from Second Step, Multi-grade level support groups for children in areas such a program created by the Committee for Children, and as grief, divorce, or transitions Connected and Respected, a program developed by Grade-level support groups for problem solving and anger Educators for Social Responsibility. Counseling services management strategies also provide support for families through consultation, Students in Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grades participate in connections to parent seminars and lecture series, and a Personal and Social Development unit led by the referrals for private therapy services and support. counselors and private consultants. It includes topics such as managing stress, puberty, peer pressure, consent, responsible use of technology, and alcohol and drug prevention.

9 STUDENT LIFE

Service Learning

Service Learning at National Presbyterian School gives NPS students excel at: students the opportunity to meaningfully engage with the Working in collaboration with the School and local needs of their community, learn more about themselves, community to experience a fuller definition and develop empathy, practice leadership skills, and recognize understanding of neighbor their shared responsibility to care for others. Service Reflecting upon, thinking critically and learning learning projects are student-directed, age-appropriate, from their service experiences hands-on, and serve our community in meaningful ways. Using newly acquired academic skills and knowledge Outside of classroom-based service learning, NPS holds in real-life situations in their own communities Family Service Saturdays throughout the year, giving all Developing and fostering empathy, leadership skills family members the opportunity to serve together. Our and civic responsibility service learning projects are a clear manifestation of the School’s Core Values and our Christian identity, embracing Service Learning program highlights include: through service the virtue of love in action. Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Student Council: Community Service Committee Martha’s Table Food Drive Nursing Home Visits Core Cardinals: Student Council Leaders (6) Collecting Sweets for Soldiers Recipient of Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education award for excellence in service learning

Recent Grade Level Service Project Partners

Nursery Washington Humane Society Pre-Kindergarten National Presbyterian Child Care Center Partnership Kindergarten NPS-NPC Environmental Partnership First Grade IONA Senior Center Second Grade Emergency Preparedness and American Red Cross Third Grade Comfort Cases for foster children Fourth Grade Hurricane Relief Fifth Grade Friendship Place and Tenleytown Library Sixth Grade Global Service Learning Projects

10 Morning Meeting & Assemblies

Morning Meeting is a community-building time shared between teachers and students at the start of each day when students practice the social skills of cooperation, empathy, listening, and responsibility. Common Morning Meeting activities include a greeting and opportunities for students to share, review class announcements, and participate in a group activity. Morning Meeting is just one component of the Responsive Classroom approach embraced by the school to build community.

Assemblies are held once a month and are an opportunity for the whole school to gather in celebration and to further enrich connections among community members. Students attend assemblies with their buddies dressed in their School Spirit Day attire.

NPS students excel at: Confidently entering and adapting to new social situations Taking social and academic risks Comfortably participating in group activities and public speaking Taking responsibility for their role as a member of our School community Celebrating and appreciating the successes and contributions of all members of the NPS community

Sample Morning Meeting activities include: Greeting each student in the class by name Reviewing the calendar and schedule for the day Choral reading of the morning announcement chart Collective editing of the announcement chart Discussions of the weather and calendar math activities Student-led discussions and oral presentations Games focused on cooperation and community building Group activities focused on academic content and review Class meetings addressing specific community, group or interpersonal issues Students sharing news and announcements

11 STUDENT LIFE

Athletics

In addition to its physical education curriculum, NPS offers participated at the high school level in sports including a robust athletic program in the upper grades. Whereas baseball, lacrosse, football, crew, swimming, gymnastics, many schools do not start organized athletics until the ice hockey, golf, soccer, squash, field hockey, rugby, middle school years, NPS students have the opportunity figure skating, track and field, cross-country, volleyball, each season to participate in competitive sports beginning kayaking, and softball. in Fourth and Fifth Grade. Accordingly, NPS students learn In addition, many have played varsity collegiate sports important sport-specific skills, as well as valuable lessons at a wide range of Division I and Division III schools, about teamwork, sportsmanship, and competition. including Princeton University, Vanderbilt University, Fifth and Sixth Graders may participate in interscholastic University of Pennsylvania, Auburn University, Cornell single-sex teams for soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, and University, Colby College, Middlebury College, Denison Fourth Graders may participate in intramural opportunities University, Sewanee: the University of the South, College for each of those sports. NPS teams are led by of the Holy Cross, United State Naval Academy, Case experienced coaches with strong backgrounds in the Western Reserve University, University of Maryland, sports they coach. Claremont McKenna College, Dickinson College, and Kenyon College, among others. Following NPS, many of the School’s athletic program alumni go on to play—and star in—sports in middle school NPS alumna Kat Holmes, Class of 2005, is a US Olympic and high school. In recent history, NPS alumni have fencer who competed in the 2016 Summer Games in Rio.

12 CURRICULUM

Curriculum Overview

The goal of an NPS education is to form students who are confident, skilled, curious, and compassionate, with a strong sense of identity rooted in the School’s Core Values of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and safety.

The NPS curriculum offers a rigorous, balanced, and developmentally appropriate academic program. We not only teach students solid academic skills but how to apply them as they explore, question, and think about the ever-evolving world they will inherit. NPS prepares students in the key 21st century competencies: cognition, communication, connection, collaboration, and creativity.

COGNITION

Thinking and questioning come naturally to young learners. NPS teachers are highly skilled in harnessing their students’ natural curiosity and in teaching them to think COLLABORATION critically about the world around them. All NPS teachers are trained in and use the Harvard Graduate School of All children are taught to work together respectfully Education’s Project Zero thinking routines as a framework through the framework of our strong social-emotional for lessons. learning (SEL) program. Led by our two school counselors, all faculty and staff are trained in SEL practices and COMMUNICATION integrate this training into the daily curriculum. One of the hallmarks of the NPS program is our focus CREATIVITY on communication. Students graduate able to share their thoughts and opinions confidently, effectively, and NPS students are encouraged to take risks and find respectfully. They value the opinions of others as they new ways to accomplish tasks. Teachers recognize learn to appreciate the many voices of our community. that creativity is the path to invention and innovation and work collaboratively on STEAM (Science, Technology, CONNECTION Engineering, Arts, Math) and integrated arts projects NPS students are connected to both local and global at all grade levels. communities through projects in and out of the classroom. As students move through the grades, their sphere of exposure expands from that of their family, to the cultures and traditions of their classmates’ families, to those of the world at large through a hands-on, integrated social studies, art, drama, music, and service learning curriculum.

13 CURRICULUM

NPS Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

Wherever possible, we must protect and preserve the What does this look like in the classroom? spontaneous natural flow of learning that occurs when young children are given appropriate opportunities, Pre-Kindergarten Penguin Palace materials, and guidance. Cognitive scientists and During a study of “P,” the letter of the week, Pre– developmental theorists agree that play is the work of Kindergarten students had a single burning question: young children. It is the foundation upon which all “What if a group of penguins lived in a palace?” Over the academic skill is built as it highlights cause and effect course of several days and guided by the teacher, teams and nurtures: of students studied real life penguin habitats and climates; generated a list of supplies to create this palatial habitat; designed and engineered the palace out of blocks and math manipulatives; made signs and maps telling the Executive functioning penguins how to find their new home; discussed the rules Self-regulation of the palace; and respectfully disagreed at times yet Motor control and planning arrived at consensus after debate. The project was Sensory integration interdisciplinary in nature, using skills in math, science, Curiosity art, and early literacy. Creative and critical thinking Social-emotional connections

14 Project Zero

National Presbyterian School is proud to be a Washington, DC – Project Zero School. NPS teachers are trained in and implement the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero teaching frameworks including Making Thinking Visible, Teaching for Understanding, Creating Cultures of Thinking and Agency by Design. The work of Project Zero, led by Dr. Howard Gardner, focuses on attention to processes of thinking, learning, and understanding with the goal of making the complex accessible to even our youngest minds.

Both Project Zero and NPS believe in the fundamental principle that all learning is a consequence of thinking and that the responsibility of educators is to make student thinking visible throughout the School. This approach creates a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. As a result of the School’s commitment to Project Zero teaching frameworks, NPS students excel at critical thinking, attention to detail, respect for differences of opinion, and collaboration: 21st century skills vital to their future.

15 CURRICULUM

Professional Development

NPS teachers are dedicated life-long learners. NPS faculty excel at:

In order to provide all NPS students with an engaging Understanding and articulating the developmental stages and needs of young children academic program in a loving environment, faculty and staff participate in year-round professional development Demonstrating compassion and recognizing that social, emotional, and physical well-being are essential to and integrate knowledge of effective, research-based both academic progress and healthy development pedagogy into their teaching. This ongoing commitment Cultivating character and ethical development in to life-long learning fuels faculty interactions with their all NPS students students, with one another, and with colleagues at peer Striving to meet the needs of different types of learners schools. Thanks to generous support from the School, NPS teachers strive equally to improve what they teach Inspiring students to develop a passion for learning by teaching with an open mindset, enthusiasm, flexibility, and how they teach it. This culture of constant curricular humor, and a wealth of background knowledge improvement puts NPS at the forefront of attracting and Communicating effectively with families in support of the retaining exceptional teachers. crucial partnership between parents and the School

Professional Development highlights: NPS Diversity Institute with Rosetta Lee Implementing Project Zero Ideas in the Elementary Classroom Agency by Design for Makerspaces Columbia University, Teachers College Reading and Writing Institutes NOAA Climate Stewards Education Program Active Learning Adventure for Preschool Teachers Santillana Descubre Spanish Language Workshop Mindfulness in the Classroom Educating Girls Symposium Institute for Social and Emotional Learning

16 Reading

National Presbyterian School strongly believes reading skills should be built to last and to enrich for a lifetime. This belief is the foundation of the curriculum and directs the instructional program in the five essential components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The School provides explicit instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics in Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade. Word Study begins in First Grade and continues through Sixth Grade as students learn strategies to decode and understand vocabulary encountered in increasingly complex texts. At all levels, students learn that reading is an active process, and that they must use various strategies to integrate information from the text into their present knowledge base. In addition, Reading Workshop is utilized NPS students excel at: in Kindergarten – Sixth Grade as part of a balanced literacy program. Sharing their thinking about literature through discussion, writing, art, and drama Children enjoy many opportunities to discuss and evaluate Visualizing, making connections, asking questions, the information they gain as they read and are read to. and determining important information Students are exposed to rich, engaging literature through Literary analysis and critical thinking a variety of reading experiences. You will find Kindergartners reading big books together, Second Highlights of the NPS Reading program include: Graders in a guided reading group, Third Graders A diverse selection of fiction and non-fiction texts that dramatizing a favorite scene in Reader’s Theater, and allow each NPS student opportunities to identify with Sixth Graders conducting their own discussion in literature characters and experiences circles. Students in all classes and at all levels enjoy Average student-to-teacher instruction ratios of 10:1 read-aloud books and participate in a weekly Library in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade class to select books for personal enjoyment. This Two reading specialists and one learning specialist multi-faceted approach to reading instruction develops to offer individual and small group instructional support strong comprehension skills and nurtures a life-long love Annual Author-in-Residence Program of reading and literature. NPS draws from a wide range Cross-curricular reading projects and presentations of resources to best support students in our balanced Book Week literacy model including: Zoo Phonics (N–K), Wilson Literature Dress-Up Day Fundations, Orton-Gillingham, Fountas and Pinnell, and Columbia University Teachers College Reading Workshop.

17 CURRICULUM

Language Arts

Our language arts program is rooted in the belief that oral NPS students excel at: and written communication skills are essential to helping Understanding the connection between reading students develop a sense of themselves and to share their and writing diverse experiences and perspectives with others. Nursery Thoughtfully planning, composing, revising, and Pre-K students begin their journey as natural oral and publishing their writing storytellers. Homeroom and drama teachers nurture this Incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and proper talent and build upon it with opportunities to reenact writing mechanics into their writing events or dictate ideas into a journal. As the children move Confidently and eloquently expressing themselves, into Kindergarten to Sixth Grade, teachers introduce them both orally and in writing to the Writing Workshop model from Columbia University’s Teachers College. Writing Workshop focuses on select Special student publications include: units of study including narrative, opinion/argument, The Creative Cardinal: the NPS literary journal and information writing with the goal of increasing the The Nebraska Avenue Times: the NPS school newspaper complexity and sophistication of student work. The School Regularly published articles in The Northwest Current uses Handwriting Without Tears for both print (PK–2) Language Arts enrichment activities include: and cursive (3–4) instruction. Annual Author-in-Residence program Authors’ teas and publishing parties

18 Mathematics

Math at NPS is taught with the goal of developing NPS students excel at: creative, competent, and flexible problem solvers who Real-life, authentic problem solving both individually are comfortable taking risks. As all students are natural and collaboratively mathematicians, homeroom teachers, with the support Mathematical communication in both discourse and writing of the School’s full-time math specialist, provide a Efficient, accurate, and flexible computation variety of math experiences through direct instruction, Integrating technology as a useful tool for problem solving independent practice, cutting edge cooperative projects, and game-playing. NPS has an innovative and well- Math enrichment projects include: researched curriculum that addresses the foundation Maryland Math Contest of mathematics: numbers and operations, geometry, Dreambox and IXL online math learning patterns, functions, algebraic thinking, data analysis, and Grade-specific project-based learning such as: measurement. Students as young as three years old begin Imagination Playground (N) to develop number sense, a mathematical vocabulary, Matching Mitten Pattern Project (PK) and a logical approach to solving problems that enables 3-D Rocket Ship Design (K) future application of mathematical reasoning to real-world Block Town (1) questions. To maintain a dynamic learning environment Measuring for the Art Show (2) that accommodates a variety of learning styles, NPS T-shirt Factory (3) utilizes the most effective activities and best practices The Teachers’ Lounge (4) from several mathematics curricula including Everyday Million Dollar Project (5) Math, Investigations, Contexts for Learning by Cathy Business Simulation (6) Fosnot, the National Science Foundation’s Rational Number Project, and Number Talks by Sherry Parrish. The School also supplements and differentiates instruction with engaging online content from the Dreambox and IXL companies.

19 CURRICULUM

Science

Because we believe that science is best learned by being NPS students excel at: scientists, instruction at National Presbyterian School Actively constructing ideas through their own inquiries, teaches processes and concepts through inquiry-based, investigations, and analyses hands-on/minds-on activities. Through their own Integrating an understanding of both what they know investigations and analyses, students appreciate the (content) and how they come to know it (process) scientific enterprise, learn important scientific and Appreciating the inter-disciplinary connections between engineering concepts, and develop their own questions science, other school subjects, and “real-life” and answers in a creative, yet logical way. NPS students Science program enrichment activities include: develop a strong foundation in scientific literacy in life sciences, earth and space sciences, and physical sciences. Engineering Design Challenge The program, aligned with the Next Generation Science Fossil Dig (2) Standards, emphasizes fundamental themes, skills and Overnight environmental education attitudes of science and engineering design. and adventure program (5–6) GLOBE (NASA, NSF and NOAA sponsored) Students in Kindergarten–Sixth Grade use Full Option environmental and weather research projects Science System (FOSS), an award winning, standards- Signs of Spring: Citizen-Science Program based, inquiry-based curriculum developed at the Field trips to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum University of California, Berkeley. forensic anthropology exhibit, and the National Zoo Family STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Students in Third through Sixth Grades spend formal time Arts, Math) Night in the science lab. In Nursery through Second Grades, science experiments and STEAM projects take place in the homeroom.

GRADE EARTH PHYSICAL LIFE

Nursery Weather Water Exploration Life Cycles & Health Pre-Kindergarten Seasons Magnets & Temperature Senses, Polar Animals & Birds Kindergarten Tree Structure Fabric & Wood Tree Changes First Grade Air & Weather Balance & Motion Plants Second Grade Fossils & Dinosaurs Solids & Liquids Insects Third Grade Water Measuring Matter & Structures of Life Physics of Sound and Light Fourth Grade Soil, Rocks & Landforms Energy & Electromagnetism Human Body Fifth Grade Astronomy Chemistry Environments Sixth Grade Weather on Earth Robotics Cellular Biology & Diversity of Life

20 Social & Global Studies

The social and global studies curriculum at National Presbyterian School is a culturally responsive program that focuses on helping our students appreciate and respect the diversity, history, and commonalities in our communities and in the world. Students study topics aimed at highlighting their responsibilities as community members and citizens as well as understanding the foundations of our country and other world civilizations. Social and global studies units integrate many curricular areas including math, art, music, religion, literature, and technology. Students in the Upper Division participate in extensive investigations of their historical eras which include research projects, field trips, book studies, and historical simulations. The social and global studies program in each grade balances civics and government, service learning, geography, history, and world cultures. Social and Global Studies enrichment activities include: NPS students excel at: Annual Geography Bee Understanding the responsibilities of community Current events study through TIME for Kids, and citizenship Junior Scholastic, and The Washington Post Appreciating the growth of American democracy Spanish, South American and Central American and democratic institutions cultural exposure through the Spanish program Embracing the cultures and traditions of others Guest speakers from the local community in our global community Field trips throughout the Washington, DC Showing stewardship for our shared resources metropolitan area

Units of study include: GRADE THEME Nursery Diversity Among Us: I am Special, You are Special Pre-Kindergarten Diversity in Our School Kindergarten Diversity in Our School and on Our Church Campus First Grade Diversity in Our Neighborhood: Tenleytown Second Grade Communities and the Washington, DC Experience Third Grade Environmental Sustainability: Native Americans and Early Settlers Fourth Grade Finding Your Voice: Democracy in Action Fifth Grade Migration: Then and Now Sixth Grade Global Citizenship: World Geography, Cultures, and Current Events

21 CURRICULUM

Spanish

Language and communication are at the heart of the NPS students excel at: human experience, and they are increasingly more Acquiring basic vocabulary, pronunciation, important in our pluralistic society, in the USA and abroad. and oral communication skills National Presbyterian School begins formal Spanish Understanding and appreciating Spanish instruction in Pre-Kindergarten to foster appreciation of and Latin American traditions and cultures both foreign languages and cultures. Early instruction is Demonstrating an enthusiasm and interest in learning focused on an active exploration of Spanish language and a foreign language culture through reading, writing, poetry, authentic videos from the Hispanic world, games, projects, various oral Spanish enrichment activities include: activities; collaborations with art, science, and drama. Online learning through various tools Emphasis is placed on building a strong foundation in Listening to recordings to improve listening the Spanish language by increasing vocabulary, mastering comprehension and pronunciation basic conversational phrases, developing confidence Holiday studies in listening and speaking; acquiring reading, writing Games from the Spanish-speaking world and grammatical skills; and exploring Spanish Student-created videos, plays, and audio recordings speaking countries. Student-led calendar and weather routines Collaborating with other teachers to study the history of Spanish-speaking countries and enhance language use Participation in the National Spanish Exam (6)

22 Chapel & Religious Studies

All members of the National Presbyterian School community participate in weekly Chapel, a time to nurture the community’s spiritual life through Scripture lessons, sacred music and prayer. Chapels reinforce the School’s Core Values and belief in a Judeo-Christian system of values, including love for God, for others, and respect for other faith traditions. Lower Division students attend Chapel service in Jones Hall, while Upper Division students attend Chapel in the National Presbyterian Church’s Chapel of the Presidents. The oldest students in each service—First Graders and Sixth Graders—serve in leadership roles as greeters, readers and acolytes. In addition, the Chaplain, faculty, and NPC pastors deliver homilies. All students contribute to the Prayers of the People. The entire school community gathers for special services for Opening Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Graduation in the Main Sanctuary of the National NPS students excel at: Presbyterian Church. Connecting the Core Values to lessons in Scripture The Religious Studies curriculum encourages each Actively and respectfully participating in worship services student’s spiritual growth while providing a foundation Respecting the diversity of religious faith and practice of Biblical and religious literacy. Built on a Christian in the world and within the Christian tradition foundation, Religious Studies classes provide a welcoming Connecting lessons from scripture to everyday decision-making and safe environment for students of all religious backgrounds to learn and grow. Through intentional Actively listening to the ideas, beliefs, and questions of their peers incorporation of the Core Values and themes from Chapel, classes foster a loving environment for children to listen Engaging with Bible stories through skits, songs, art, sign language, and class discussion to each other’s beliefs, practices and questions. Attention is paid to connecting the students’ experiences at school, Recent Religious Studies activities include: in Chapel and class, to their decision making and sense Dressing as Israelites and following Moses on a two-day of themselves. journey to the Promised Land through the school (2) Making a book of drawings of New Testament stories (3) Visiting the National Presbyterian Church sanctuary to study the stained glass windows, learn the parts Second Grade Old Testament of the church and the basics of Christian worship (4) Third Grade New Testament Celebrating the end of each Religious Studies unit with Fourth Grade Christian Life a special lunch and a visit to a synagogue, church, and mosque (5) Fifth Grade Abrahamic Faiths Writing ethical case studies for their peers and creating Sixth Grade Ethics digital self-portraits reflecting their identities (6)

23 CURRICULUM

Physical Education & Recess

The NPS physical education program provides an engaging environment where children learn the importance of prioritizing health and wellness in their lives. Children build character as they develop skills in safety, sportsmanship and cooperation. At all levels, physical fitness activities encourage the children to challenge themselves. As students participate in a variety of different movement and body control exercises, they also learn the rules and strategies of organized team sports and games. From the youngest children who run, skip, jump, and hop to the oldest students who refine their skills and learn team sports, teachers challenge each student to develop his or her individual skills and talents. In addition to physical education, NPS students have multiple opportunities throughout the course of the NPS students excel at: school day to go outside for recess. Recognizing that Appreciating and exhibiting good sportsmanship unstructured, outdoor free play is vital to developing Participating in all activities with earnest effort and enthusiasm social skills and to energizing both the body and the mind, Demonstrating proficiency at a variety of athletic skills students are encouraged to play pick-up soccer games on Displaying knowledge of the rules and strategies the field, to develop gross motor skills on the monkey bars of sports and games and swings and fine motor skills digging in the sand, to create structures with the outdoor Imagination Playground, Highlights of the physical education program include: or to just sit on a bench for a conversation with a friend. Field Day (N–6) Magic Club ball skills program (1–3) Jump Rope Club (1–6)

24 Music

The music program at National Presbyterian School fosters a love of music and strives to educate independent, lifelong music makers. Music classes in Nursery–Grade 2 are taught through the Kodály approach to music education. Students sing and play age-appropriate folk songs and singing games and become familiar with the fundamentals of music through experience-based learning. Students in Grades 3–6 attend music classes taught through an Orff-Schulwerk inspired approach, allowing them to build upon their musical knowledge and create, compose, arrange, and study more complex musical themes. These programs help students develop music literacy skills and provide positive experiences in speech, singing, instrument playing, moving, and creating. Highlights of the music program include: Throughout their time at NPS, students are exposed to Many opportunities to share and perform music a dynamic and culturally rich repertoire of music including: for the NPS community American and international folk songs, art songs, spirituals, An extensive collection of tuned (e.g. xylophones) Christmas carols and traditional hymns, as well as and untuned (e.g. drums) instruments representative samples from African and Native American A 4-octave set of handbells music and American jazz. The music program at NPS also Combined drama and music instruction to connect strongly encourages a sense of community through sound to movement (N) common singing and musical sharing in weekly Chapels, Experience-based play that fosters musical learning holiday services, and other assemblies and programs in early childhood (N–PK) throughout the school year. Singing, moving, playing, and dancing to build musical NPS students excel at: skills and understanding (K–2) Working cooperatively through music Instruction on soprano recorders (3) Reading music in both symbolic and standard notation Student-produced jazz musical (4) Critical listening and responding to music NPS handbell choir performances (5–6) Leading and participating through music in their community Collaborative art and music lessons (6) Performing in public—singing, playing instruments, Celebration of African Culture (6) and dancing Chorus performances in the NPS, NPC, and Washington, DC community (4–6) Spring Musicals: 101 Dalmatians (2009), The Jungle Book (2010), 2 Good 2 Be 4gotten (2011), Aladdin (2012), Annie (2013), Oz! (2014), Peter Pan (2015), Seussical Kids! (2016), Willy Wonka Kids (2017), HONK!, Jr. (2018)

25 CURRICULUM

Visual Arts

The creative experiences that comprise the NPS visual arts program develop students’ intuition, reasoning, imagination, and communication skills. The art curriculum is rooted in the fundamental elements of art and principles of design while also exploring art history and numerous art media and techniques. Students study and practice art styles and movements from the earliest cave drawings to today’s digital world, inspiring their own creations and interpretations. Through arts integration and the use of thinking routines from Project Zero’s Making Thinking Visible and Agency by Design’s maker-centered learning, students at National Presbyterian School look at subject NPS students excel at: matter from new and diverse perspectives, making vital connections across the School curriculum and Displaying confidence in taking creative risks deepening their understanding of what they are learning Developing a love of the visual arts and a knowledge in the classroom. of a variety of media Appreciating art history and a diversity of artistic styles Applying the basic elements and principles of artistic design

Highlights of the visual arts program include: Study of master works from classical, modern, and emerging artists Creation of props and sets for, and integration of, student artwork in class productions and musicals Installation of student-created permanent displays Integrated technology projects including Photoshop, video production and editing, and Computer Assisted Design for 3D Printing Student recipient of the Maryland Arts in Education Association Award Student representation at the AIMS Student Art Show Ongoing student art displays throughout the School Lower Division art center designed especially for younger students (K–2) Epson 7800 Color Printer, large format color scanner, and kiln Makerbot Replicator 2x 3D Printer Glowforge 3D Laser Printer Dedicated makerspace for design thinking exploration and projects Photography lessons with Nikon D3100 DSLR cameras

26 Drama

The drama program at National Presbyterian School NPS students excel at: provides an opportunity for students to explore curricular Expressing themselves verbally and non-verbally areas in creative, dramatic ways. The program stresses with poise and confidence the process of creation while also providing students an Engaging in problem-solving exercises using teamwork opportunity to learn performance skills. In the lower grades, and creative thinking the program focuses on process-centered activities to Celebrating the artistic endeavors of all members enhance a child’s natural sense of dramatic play and of the School community imagination with story drama, movement activities, and Adopting a different perspective by stepping into imaginative play. Upper Division students use educational or creating a character drama strategies including process drama, role play, script analysis, and improvisation. Critical thinking, problem Highlights of the drama program include: solving, self-expression, and aesthetic appreciation are Living Museum: 6th Grade Monologue Project primary tenets of instruction. Students participate in Field trips to the Kennedy Center and Imagination Stage developmentally-appropriate performative experiences, Spring Musicals: 101 Dalmatians (2009), The Jungle Book ranging from an open class with parent participation in (2010), 2 Good 2 Be 4gotten (2011), Aladdin (2012), the Lower Division to musical productions for the school in Annie (2013), Oz! (2014), Peter Pan (2015), Seussical the Upper Division. Students are intimately involved in the Kids! (2016), Willy Wonka Kids (2017), HONK!, Jr. (2018) creative process of writing, directing, and acting in these Class presentations of drama skills presentations. All students also enjoy regular opportunities for dramatic expression through homeroom activities such as simulations, role play, Reader’s Theater, Morning Meeting group activities, Chapel, and assemblies.

27 CURRICULUM

Library

The library at National Presbyterian School is the heart NPS students excel at: of the school. Every child at NPS visits the library weekly. Critical thinking about books, literature and websites Here they learn to enjoy literature and to use the library as Reading across all curricular areas a tool for research and learning. NPS believes that books Using call numbers to locate books in the library are a window to learning about our Core Values, ourselves Using an online database to research specific books and our world. Our growing collection of over 13,000 Researching complex topics books supports a love of literature and the research needs Critically evaluating information of students, staff and parents. A brand new, state of the art library space provides an age-appropriate atmosphere Learning to love literature for all students. Children learn to use a web-based library Highlights of the library program include: catalog to locate books for independent reading and Author in Residence research needs. Through collaboration with the Education Book Week Technology Specialist, children learn to evaluate the Literature Dress-Up Day relative merits of print and online sources to prepare Parent reading program (N–PK) them for a complex and diverse information landscape. Grade-specific interdisciplinary projects Adopt-a-Shelf program (4) iPad programs and technology integration Recipient of NEH and ALA Picturing America grant to promote democracy through art and literature Annual Parent Book Club in collaboration with the NPS counselors

28 Technology

At National Presbyterian School, technology is used as a learning tool to enrich the core curriculum in all grades. While NPS is committed to preparing students for a future in our dynamic, information-based society, the School carefully considers the implications of technology use on the young brain. NPS thus chooses to enhance curriculum with technology in measured steps, allowing best practices in child development to dictate use, rather than current trends. Students in Second through Sixth Grade attend classes with the Education Technology Specialist to learn fundamental technology skills, which in turn are integrated into classroom activities throughout the day. Students learn proper research skills and abide by the acceptable use and safety policies when using computer equipment and the internet. Emphasis is placed on helping students become safe, ethical, and educated consumers of electronic media both within the School’s walls and beyond. Specific subject-related software and Hardware and software: relevant internet websites reinforce concepts in language Technology Lab with Microsoft Surface Pros arts, math, science, social studies, Spanish, music, art, Makerbot Replicator 2x 3D Printer and drama. Glowforge 3D Laser Printer Apple TV in the Technology Lab NPS students excel at: SMART Boards (1–6) SMART Table for pre-primary grades Navigating the Microsoft Office suite SMART response systems (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher) Education Technology Specialist is a SMART Notebook Mastering proper keyboarding techniques Certified Trainer Practicing safe and responsible computer and internet use Portable laptop cart Applying technology skills in the general curriculum One-to-one laptops (5–6) iPads with learning applications Technology program highlights include: Photoshop Elements Mystery Skype sessions with classrooms across the country Timeliner XE software Global collaboration projects with classrooms around Dreambox subscriptions the world IXL subscriptions Digital Citizenship curriculum Typing.com and Keyboarding Without Tears accounts for Curriculum-based maker projects keyboard instruction Calculating weight of supplies on the Oregon Trail in Excel Digital and video cameras Designing travel brochures in Publisher Creating charts and graphs to represent survey data in Excel Illustrating books in Microsoft Paint Creating self-portraits in Photoshop

29 GRADES AT A GLANCE

Nursery

MATHEMATICS

Develop intuitive understanding of numbers through exploration, hands-on experiences, and games Explore numbers, including the concept of none and one-to-one correspondence Authentic integration of math concepts in everyday life Learn the language of math, including directional language Introduce patterns, colors, and shapes

PRE-READING

Actively engage in read-aloud activities including listening to stories and using different media such as books and felt board Repeating rhymes, poems, and songs to develop phonemic awareness Reading readiness through manipulation of sounds and association of sounds to letters SOCIAL & GLOBAL STUDIES Select books and explore independently Theme—Diversity Among Us: I am Special, You are Special LANGUAGE ARTS Family sharing to broaden students’ understanding of the world Dictate ideas and use drawings to share stories

Develop fine motor skills for pre-writing foundation SCIENCE Tell stories through dramatic play Seasons and Weather Develop expressive language through “Show and Share” Weather Water exploration Color mixing with paint and play dough Cooking

HIGHLIGHTS

Leader of the Day Sensory investigation Math centers Participating in school-wide events and celebrations First field trips Specials: Music, Library, PE, Drama

30 Sample Nursery Day

8:00 to 8:30 am Arrival 10:45 am Literacy While literacy is woven throughout the day, this dedicated 8:30 am Free Choice time includes reading and telling stories, rhyming games, Teachers greet and guide children in putting their and literacy movement activities with music. belongings away and choosing their next activity. Free time in a purposeful play environment helps children 11:15 am Recess develop key academic and executive function skills. Recess is a critical time outside to exercise, navigate Activity choices relate to the classroom theme—a topic social dynamics, and prepare their minds and bodies for explored throughout the day for two weeks. further classroom learning.

9:00 am Morning Meeting and Bathroom Time 11:50 am Departure or Lunch Morning meeting is a daily gathering with a consistent Half-day students are escorted to their caretaker for pick format for friendly greetings, sharing of news, and warming up. Those staying the full day take a bathroom break and up for the day ahead. Activities include a discussion of eat lunch in the classroom. Children may bring lunch from attendance, weather and the calendar. Children choose the home or participate in the Hot Lunch Program, pre-plated leader of the day through a process of elimination game for Nursery students. and they conclude with a trip to the bathroom.

1:00 pm Rest time 9:30 am Arts or Physical Education Children lie down to soft music with a blanket and stuffed Children attend a Drama, Music or P.E. class, animal brought from home. This is a much needed time offering additional opportunities to move their bodies, to decompress after a busy day. develop gross motor skills, and express themselves in creative ways. 2:00 pm Story, Bathroom, Snack and Recess As children rise from their nap, teachers read a story, 10:00 am Investigation and Exploration children take a bathroom break and eat another NPS Teachers introduce ideas related to the core themes provided snack before heading outside. and subject areas with activities such as nature walks, cooking projects, and building. They then guide students in a project involving open-ended exploration and 2:45 pm Closing Circle problem-solving. Time to gather as a classroom community to read a book and share reflections of the day.

10:30 Snack NPS provides a healthy snack in the classroom, and when 3:15 pm Departure finished, teachers open the divider wall allowing children to play in either of the two Nursery classrooms

31 GRADES AT A GLANCE

Pre-Kindergarten

MATHEMATICS SOCIAL & GLOBAL STUDIES

Recognize and read numbers 0–10 Theme—Diversity in Our School Count forwards to and backwards from 20 Conducting interviews and making projects with Recognize, create, reproduce and extend simple patterns school community members to broaden students’ understanding of the world Interpret data with simple bar graphs and yes/no tables Identify 2D shapes (circle, square and triangle) SCIENCE Compare objects by size, weight, height and length Temperature PRE-READING Five senses Magnets Handle books appropriately and respectfully Polar animals Identify the beginning, middle and end of stories Insects Explore literature through read-alouds and parent reading Reading readiness through manipulation of sounds HIGHLIGHTS and association of sounds to letters Third Grade buddies LANGUAGE ARTS Using the full playground

Use symbols and drawings to represent ideas Specials: Music, Library, PE, Drama, Spanish Dictate stories and captions for pictures in journals Identify upper and lower case letters Fine motor skill development

32 Sample Pre-Kindergarten Day

8:00 to 8:30 am Arrival 11:30 am Recess For Pre-Kindergarten, this is a critical time outside to 8:30 am Free Choice exercise, navigate social dynamics and prepare their Upon entry, children put away their belongings and answer minds and bodies for further classroom learning. the question of the day associated with the week’s letter study. Free time in a purposeful play environment helps 12:00 pm Departure or Lunch children develop key academic and executive function Half-day students are escorted to their caretaker for pick skills. Activity choices often include games that reinforce up. Those staying the full day eat lunch in the classroom. literacy, math and fine motor skills. Children may bring lunch from home or participate in the Hot Lunch Program, pre-plated for Pre-Kindergarteners. 9:00 am Morning Meeting Morning meeting is a daily gathering with a consistent 12:30 pm Quiet Choice Time format for friendly greetings, sharing of news, and warming Children wind down in preparation for rest time. up for the day ahead. Activities include a review of the Activity choices include books, puzzles or other quiet, morning message, discussion of the question of the day, independent activities. and calendar work.

1:00 pm Read Aloud 9:30 am Arts or Physical Education This is another opportunity to foster a love of reading Children attend a Drama, Music or P.E. class, through literature. When reading aloud, teachers offering additional opportunities to move their bodies, engage students in language-rich stories while revisiting develop gross motor skills, and express themselves curricular concepts. in creative ways.

1:15 pm Rest Time 10:00 am Math and Science Children lie down to soft music with a blanket and stuffed The teacher leads a whole-group lesson for 5 to 10 animal brought from home. This is a much needed time minutes followed by small group or individual hands-on to decompress after a busy day. activities and games to explore and reinforce the concept using manipulatives and other instructional tools. 1:45 pm Pack Up Students put rest items away and pack up their red 10:30 am Snack bags to prepare for dismissal. NPS provides a healthy morning snack.

2:00 pm Closing Circle, Music and Movement 11:00 am Literacy The class gathers to share reflections of the day and Pre-Kindergarteners engage in activities to enhance play singing and movement games reinforcing concepts emerging reading skills. With a focus on building and connections. phonemic awareness, teachers read aloud throughout the day, and during literacy time lead multi-sensory activities—such as letter hunts and rhyming games— 2:30 pm Recess connected to the weekly letter study. The second recess is an opportunity to move and engage with classmates before departure.

3:15 pm Departure 33 GRADES AT A GLANCE

Kindergarten

MATHEMATICS

Develop intuitive understanding of number sense Count to 100 Read and recognize numbers to 50 Skip count by 2s, 5s, and 10s 2D and 3D shapes Solve addition and subtraction problems Organize and analyze data on charts and graphs

READING

Reinforce letter sound recognition Introduce decoding skills and sight words Read books with predictable patterns and vocabulary Reading Workshop Zoophonics

HIGHLIGHTS LANGUAGE ARTS Fourth Grade buddies Learn to print: Handwriting Without Tears Living nativity in the Christmas pageant Use letters to represent sounds in writing Class mascot Wishie Write words and sentences Specials: Music, Art, Spanish, Library, PE, Drama Journal writing, class books Word Wall for sight words FIELD TRIPS Writing Workshop Apple picking Maple syrup tapping SOCIAL & GLOBAL STUDIES Nature walks Theme—Diversity in Our School and on Our Church Campus Exploration of our campus to broaden students’ understanding of the world Historical figures associated with holidays

SCIENCE

Trees and sustainability: growing acorns; adopting a class tree Fabric: weaving Wood

34 Sample Kindergarten Day

8:00 to 8:30 am Arrival 11:20 am Recess The second recess is much needed after a busy time 8:30 am Free Choice in the classroom. Free time in a purposeful play environment remains important to Kindergarteners, helping them to develop 11:45 am Lunch key academic and executive function skills. Children may bring lunch from home or participate in the Hot Lunch Program in which Kindergarteners make their 9:00 am Morning Meeting own choices with adult guidance in the lunch service room. Morning meeting is a daily gathering with a consistent format for friendly greetings, sharing of news, and warming 12:15 pm Quiet Time up for the day ahead. Components include a written Children decompress by napping or engaging in a quiet morning message that reinforces instruction in sight activity such as reading or coloring. words and phonemic awareness. Students also answer a question of the day where every student’s input is displayed in a different type of graph each month. 12:45 pm Arts or Physical Education Children attend a Drama, Music or P.E. class, offering additional opportunities to move their bodies, 9:20 am Math develop gross motor skills, and express themselves The teacher leads a whole-group lesson for 5 to 10 in creative ways. minutes followed by small group or individual hands-on activities and games to explore and reinforce the concept using manipulatives and other instructional tools. 1:30 pm Science In their study of science, students engage in hands-on experiences exploring Trees, Wood, and Fabric, learning 9:50 am Snack to use their senses to observe and explore questions NPS provides a healthy morning snack. about everyday items.

10:00 am Recess 2:00 pm Spanish The first of three recesses for Kindergarten, this is a Students engage in the study of Spanish language and critical time outside to exercise, navigate social dynamics culture. The teacher lays the foundation for an immersive and prepare their minds and bodies for further experience in the classroom. classroom learning.

2:30 pm Recess and Pack Up 10:30 am Literacy More time to move and bring closure to an active, Kindergarten reading takes a range of forms which enriching day. includes using pictures to tell a story, creating and telling their own stories and independent reading of text. Teachers begin with a short whole class lesson followed 3:15 pm Departure by small group or independent reading activities. In addition to developing emerging reading skills, children learn to write letters and write narratives with a beginning, middle and end.

35 GRADES AT A GLANCE

Kindergarten–Sixth Grade Subject Frequency per 6-Day Cycle

The chart below includes the minimum number of times a subject area is taught during the course of a 6-day cycle. Teachers frequently collaborate on projects across the curriculum to further enrich and integrate the NPS program. In Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten, reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science are integrated throughout daily classroom activities. Our youngest students are instructed by specialists in physical education, music, drama, art, library, and Spanish (PK only) on a weekly basis.

KINDERGARTEN FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH FIFTH SIXTH

Reading & Language Arts 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Math 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Social Studies 2 2 2 3 5 4 4

Science 2 2 2 3 3 4 4

Physical Education 3 3 3 2 2 2 2

Music 2 3 3 3 3 3 3

Art 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

Drama 1 1 1 1 1 2 2

Library 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Spanish 1 1 2 2 2 3 3

Religious Studies 1 1 1 1 1

Technology 1 1 2 1 1

36 First Grade

MATHEMATICS HIGHLIGHTS

Place value to 100 Fifth Grade buddies Identify patterns on the hundreds chart Building Tenleytown with blocks Addition and subtraction facts to 20 Publishing party US coins and their values Building roller coasters Time to the hour and half hour Leading Lower Division Chapel 2D and 3D shapes Specials: Music, Art, Spanish, Library, PE, Drama

READING FIELD TRIPS

Reading Workshop and Guided Reading Groups Smithsonian Discovery Theater Individualization based on reading level and interest Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Letter-to-sound correspondence Tenleytown walks Basic and advanced phonetic code American University Katzen Arts Center Decode one-syllable words Visit from Reptiles Alive! Expand sight word recognition and story elements

LANGUAGE ARTS

Learn to print: Handwriting Without Tears Word families and word study End punctuation and capital letters Writing Workshop

SOCIAL & GLOBAL STUDIES

Theme—Diversity Within Our Neighborhood: Tenleytown Exploration of the neighborhood and mapping to broaden students’ understanding of our world

SCIENCE

Air and Weather Balance and Motion Plants and Living Things Reptiles

37 GRADES AT A GLANCE

Second Grade

MATHEMATICS

Place value to 1,000 Addition and subtraction facts through 20 2-digit addition and subtraction Telling time to 5 minute increments Measure length in standard and metric units Project Units: Ages and Timeline, Measuring for the Art Show Dreambox online math program

READING

Reading Workshop Exploration of character development Non-fiction reading and research Book clubs Year-long study of different literary genres Oral biography book report HOMEWORK Reader’s Theater fluency practice Focused phonics instruction Four nights a week: 20 minutes Independent reading LANGUAGE ARTS HIGHLIGHTS Writing Workshop: narrative, informational, poetry, and opinion writing Sixth Grade buddies Parts of speech Hatching butterflies and other insects Paragraph introduction Emergency Preparedness Project Writing celebrations Authors’ Tea Snazzy Snack SOCIAL & GLOBAL STUDIES Polar Express Day Theme—Communities and the Washington, DC Experience Dinosaur Dig Day Japan Specials: Music, Art, Spanish, Library, PE, Technology, Geography and Map Skills Drama, Religious Studies

SCIENCE FIELD TRIPS

Solids and Liquids National Building Museum Insects Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Fossils, Rocks, and Dinosaurs Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Visits from Japan in a Suitcase and the Insect Lady

38 GRADES AT A GLANCE

Third Grade

MATHEMATICS HOMEWORK

Place value to the ten thousands Four nights a week: 30 minutes Multi-digit addition and subtraction Independent reading Multiplication and division facts and concepts Interpret data using maximum, minimum, and range HIGHLIGHTS

2D geometry and measurement Pre-Kindergarten buddies Introduction of fraction concepts Ringing the school bell Playing the soprano recorder READING Attending science class in the science lab Reading Workshop and Guided Reading Groups Native American Independent Learning Day Story elements and character analysis The T-Shirt Factory Project Reader’s Theater Curriculum-based Reader’s Theater project Book reports Specials: Music, Art, Science, Spanish, Library, PE, Genre study: non-fiction, realistic fiction, and poetry Technology, Drama, Religious Studies

LANGUAGE ARTS FIELD TRIPS

Writing Workshop: personal narratives, informational writing, National Museum of the American Indian persuasive writing Historic St. Mary’s City, MD Letter and journal writing Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Mastery of the sentence: punctuation and capitalization, Locust Grove Nature Center fragments and run-ons, types of sentences Grammar Introduction to cursive handwriting

SOCIAL & GLOBAL STUDIES

Theme—Environmental Sustainability: Native Americans and Early Settlers Early settlements: Roanoke, Jamestown, Plymouth, and first 13 American colonies Native Americans Map skills Research skills

SCIENCE

Properties of Water Measuring Matter Physics of Light and Sound Structures of Life

39 GRADES AT A GLANCE

Fourth Grade

MATHEMATICS

Place value to the millions and thousandths Multiplication and division facts through 10 Multi-digit multiplication and division Fractions and decimals Geometry Pre-Algebra: Hands-On Equations Problem solving with real world application Measurement

READING

Reading Workshop and Guided Reading Groups SCIENCE Comprehension strategy instruction Soil, Rocks, and Landforms Character development Energy and Electromagnetism Novel studies Human Body Author study: Roald Dahl

Genre study: tall tales HOMEWORK Examining perspectives through historical fiction Four nights a week: 40 minutes Nonfiction reading strategies Independent reading

LANGUAGE ARTS HIGHLIGHTS Writing Workshop: research report, biographies, personal narratives, perspective writing, poetry Kindergarten buddies Mastery of the paragraph: topic sentence, Student-led portfolio conferences supporting details, closing sentence Chorus Weekly spelling, vocabulary, grammar and Jazz Musical handwriting assignments Mentor program with NPS faculty and staff Interscholastic sports SOCIAL & GLOBAL STUDIES Specials: Music, Art, Science, Spanish, Library, PE, Technology, Drama, Religious Studies Theme—Finding Your Voice: Democracy in Action Early American history: Colonial times to the Civil War FIELD TRIPS US geography US government and civics Tudor Place Evaluating primary and secondary sources Mount Vernon Note taking National Mall & US Branches of Government Pioneers simulation: examining westward travel through Claude Moore Colonial Farm teamwork, decision making, and risk assessment Smithsonian Forensic Lab Culture study of Kenya National Portrait Gallery Calleva Outdoor Adventure 40 Fifth Grade

MATHEMATICS SCIENCE

Divisibility rules and factorization Astronomy Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division Chemistry of whole numbers, fractions and decimals Environments Analyze data using statistical landmarks Measure and classify angles HOMEWORK Identify and graph points on a coordinate grid Five nights a week: 50 minutes Million Dollar Project Independent reading Pre-Algebra: Hands-On Equations

Fraction concepts HIGHLIGHTS

READING First Grade buddies Student-led portfolio conferences Reading Workshop Overnight environmental education and adventure program Comprehension strategy instruction: prediction, Interscholastic sports teams inferences, and summarization Writing for The Nebraska Avenue Times Independent reading Student Council Maroo of the Winter Caves, The Boy Who Harnessed Shakespeare performance the Wind, Favorite Greek Myths, A Long Walk to Water Handbell choir, chorus, and the spring musical Author study: Avi Service learning project related to homelessness Genre study: Greek myths Specials: Music, Art, Science, Spanish, Library, PE,

LANGUAGE ARTS Technology, Drama, Religious Studies

Writing Workshop FIELD TRIPS Mastery of the 3-paragraph essay The Walters Art Museum Weekly spelling, vocabulary, grammar Washington Hebrew Congregation and handwriting assignments Islamic Mosque and Cultural Center Culminating interdisciplinary research projects: ancient civilization travel brochures, ancient Greek alphabet books, Roman newspaper

SOCIAL & GLOBAL STUDIES

Theme—Migration: Then and Now Prehistoric life, Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent Ancient Egypt and ancient Greece Roman Empire Geography

41 GRADES AT A GLANCE

Sixth Grade: A Capstone Year

In their capstone year at NPS, Sixth Grade students bring together knowledge and skills from previous years and push themselves to new levels as the leaders of the School. A major emphasis in this year is the importance of perspective-taking in order to understand themselves, others, and the world in a more nuanced and empathetic way. Experiences like the Living Museum, group research projects on global issues, and the business simulation give students the opportunity to expand their thinking beyond their own experiences and to practice the important work of engaging with their own values, beliefs, and assumptions. Students also have numerous opportunities to become involved as a leader in the school from their roles as Chapel leader, Core Cardinal or student council member, or as a role model to their Second Grade buddies; NPS Sixth Graders are encouraged to look for ways to include others and model leadership for MATHEMATICS the rest of the school. Sixth Graders continue to build a strong academic foundation that will carry them Pre-algebraic concepts and algebraic equations successfully into their lives after NPS, but they are also Proportion, rate, and ratio problems pushed to be independent and flexible thinkers through Analyze and summarize real-world data Writing Workshop, book clubs, and problem-based and statistics in conjunction with science learning. Students also continue to focus on their Business Simulation understanding of their own social and emotional Integration of traditional algorithms selves during this time of transition to middle school. Emphasis on real world application of problem solving skills

READING

Reading Workshop and Literature Circles Genre, figurative language, point of view, tone, theme Esperanza Rising, The Giver, March Trilogy Nonfiction texts and note taking skills Stories that emphasize a broadening of perspective

42 LANGUAGE ARTS HOMEWORK

Writing Workshop Five nights a week: 60–90 minutes Mastery of the 5-paragraph essay Independent reading Word study, vocabulary, and grammar assignments Greek and Latin roots-based vocabulary and grammar study HIGHLIGHTS

Literary character monologue project Second Grade buddies Oral presentations and public speaking Leading Chapel and assemblies Living Museum Monologue Project SOCIAL & GLOBAL STUDIES Visits from families to discuss immigration experiences Theme—Global Citizenship: World Geography, Hosting Open House tours Cultures, and Current Events Overnight environmental education and adventure program World Geography: Asia, South America, Africa Interscholastic sports teams Discussions of current events: geopolitical, Group and individual research projects economic, and social Student Council Handbell choir, chorus and the spring musical SCIENCE Specials: Music, Art, Science, Spanish, Library, Weather on Earth PE, Technology, Drama, Ethics Robotics FIELD TRIPS Cellular Biology and Diversity of Life

National Portrait Gallery Sackler Gallery National Museum of African Art Newseum

43 44

National Presbyterian School 4121 Nebraska Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016

www.nps-dc.org