About SMS

About SMS

A Day in the Life:
Fours - Fives (pre-K) at SMS
Mom takes “R” into the school each morning. The children like to call it “the Castle”.
Independence is encouraged. “R” hangs her coat on her hook and heads in to class.
She greets one of her teachers.”Good Morning Karen!”
Her photo is on the classroom wall, along with her autobiography book.
The whole class gathers for Morning Meeting, an important time for developing all kinds of abilities.
“R” is a trusted and respected member of this tightly-knit community.
Today, “R” chooses to go to the Dramatic Play area after Morning Meeting.
In the Dramatic Play area, teachers encourage creative thinking. Activities here are often driven by the children’s ideas.
“R” loves role-playing in the kitchen. She works with a small group, creating an imaginary household.
Reflection is an important part of the classroom experience, on many levels.
In another mode of ‘reflection’, “R” works with Karen, reviewing photos from earlier in the week.
Reviewing past experiences is a powerful way to deepen and reinforce learning.
Pre-primary teacher Kathie Hoyer has established a relationship with student pen-pals in Merida, Mexico.
“Our pen pals are friends on the other side of the world!” The 4s-5s speak Spanish every day.
Each week, “R” works with a ‘reading buddy’ from the 3rd grade. It’s one of her favorite activities.
A wide variety of materials are available in the pre- primary art studio. Pre- primary art teacher Chuck Schwall has recently co-edited and contributed to a wonderful new book: “In the Spirit of the Studio” from Teacher’s College Press.
The pre-primary teachers capture beautiful digital photos and take careful notes every day. Their “Daily Journals” keep parents up-to- date on what’s happening in class each day.
As a way to celebrate each individual, students decorate a crown with mementos to celebrate birthdays.
 
A Day in the Life:
2nd grade at SMS
Each day starts in Chapel. After prayer, “G” greets the headmaster and heads to home room.
Once in home room, “G” presents to her class a project she has created with a partner.
“G” works in a small group, with frequent teacher interaction.
“G” gets some individual guidance.
With the right attitude, Math is fun!
!
It’s time for Physical Education class in the new gymnasium
“G” loves to challenge herself on the climbing wall.
“G” collaborates with a small group in Spanish class.
Every SMS student has Spanish class every day.
“G” goes to performing arts class in ‘the Hub” and enjoys singing with Mr. Herndon.
She works on a printmaking project with a small group in the Studio.
Lunch is a great time to chat with friends.
When “G” goes outside for recess, she takes a moment to check on her science project.
In science class, Ms. Morrison provokes “G” to take a closer look.
“G” discovers micro-organisms in the compost with which her class has been working.
Back in home room, “G” works on reading skills with a small group.
“G” has been studying the human body all year.
The discussion is lively during ‘Language Arts’.
It’s time for a treat and “G” helps prepare servings for her classmates.
“G” ends her day working with her ‘reading buddy’ from the 3s-4s class.
 
A Day in the Life:
5th grade at SMS
Each day starts in Chapel. “A” greets friends from all grade levels.
Morning chapel is led by headmaster Ashley Cadwell.
Because his small class has been together for years, “A” has developed strong friendships.
“A” settles into work in his home room.
He enjoys interacting in the discussion.
SMS teachers encourage “A” to express his ideas.
Students are encouraged to use a variety of media to express themselves.
 
He’s built a beautiful display as part of a research project.
Today, “A” is presenting the results of his research into Lewis & Clark.
“A” has spoken Spanish every day since Kindergarten. Today, he’s studying complex verb conjugation.
“A” Looks forward to a hot lunch with his friends.
Like all SMS stduents, “A” helps out with lunch in the pre-school.
After lunch, he plays basketball with friends from several grade levels.
“A” is working on his cycling in Physical Education, in preparation for a junior triathlon.
Back in homeroom, “A” continues a research project.
In science class today, he’s grinding wheat into flour.
The wheat project has been a great hands-on experience.
The class will use the flour to bake bread.
In the Art Studio, he’s working with one of his favorite teachers, Mr. Holohan.
He collaborates with a small group in the studio.
This day ends with piano practice. He often plays for the students in Morning Chapel.