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The Lower Schools curriculum emphasizes the development of the whole child, to lay a solid foundation for lifetime learning. This developmental approach recognizes that children are unique in their personal and academic development and learning styles. A variety of hands-on activities help facilitate mastery in computation, reading and writing. The curriculum also employs multi-sensory teaching techniques to further ensure successful learning. Resource Rooms are available for the child who may be struggling in academics, and the Summit and Gifted Programs challenge the gifted learner. The educational philosophy of Norfolk Christian Lower School is developmental in its approach to teaching and learning. Children pass through specific stages of development but not necessarily at the same time or with the same outcomes. Therefore, children must be considered within a number of contexts for successful education to occur. Educators consider the child’s chronological age, family background, culture and community, past history and present circumstances when determining the most appropriate educational techniques and programs to use at any particular age. Developmental education approaches children as unique individuals with unique gifts, talents, and abilities academically, socially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Some of the major principles of developmental education include: - Development occurs in an orderly and predictable sequence with ability growing upon ability.
- Each child has a unique pattern and pace of development.
- Early experiences affect future development in all areas – spiritual, academic, social, physical, and emotional.
- There are optimal times of learning in certain areas. For example, the early years of a child’s development provide times of readiness that should be taken advantage of when planning curriculum.
- Play, exploration, and research activities are crucial for learning to take place in the early stages of development.
- Children learn best in an atmosphere of safety and love.
Reading is an integral part of the curriculum because it lays the foundation for all other future learning experiences. Children are first introduced to sounds and their relationship to language. As the children move into higher level critical thinking and reasoning skills, they are challenged to use previous knowledge to expand into an understanding of new and more complex academics. Because children learn best from hands-on experiences, math is introduced using manipulatives so children can experience math concepts and thinking – not merely memorize math facts – before moving to the symbolism of math. Children also develop spiritually. Therefore, children are exposed to godly principles through experience and example. Memorizing God’s Word daily gives to our students a foundation rich in scripture that can be used as the child matures and he/she is called upon to defend his/her faith and meet the demands of daily challenges. Bible stories are taught and reviewed often in order to solidify godly principles and build character. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. ( Luke 2:52) Not only did Jesus develop” academically, physically and spiritually, but He was the Master Teacher who is training the faculty of NCLS to educated His children so they can be godly leaders in His world. Foundations & Frameworks is a learning program created at Briarwood Christian School in Birmingham, AL. An innovative approach to reading, it promises to enhance critical thinking skills to change the way our students learn! It has been praised for its effectiveness in improving reading comprehension through a unique methodology called 4MAT®. - connect to students
- promote understanding of key ideas
- support skills development
- include creative demonstrations
Foundations & Frameworks encourages students not only to read, but to think as they read! Students then evaluate that thinking to see how they understand and transfer those skills to every other subject.
Available for all students until 5:30 p.m. The following fee schedule applies: Plan A - $35 for 4 or 5 days per week for 1 student; $50 for 2 or more in the same family.
Plan B - $25 for 3 days per week; $35 for 2 or more in the same family.
Plan C – Daily rate plan. $10 per day per family. This is for families that use extended sporadically.
Offered three days a week for grades 3-5, this sports program offers lower school students an opportunity for intramural involvement and an alternative to Extended Day. The club provides opportunity for skill development and sports knowledge in a Christian atmosphere offering the biblical perspective for all aspects of the athletic environment. Our desire is to see skill and technique development for lower school athletes so future upper school athletic teams will be strong for the glory of God. (Col. 3:23) There is a nominal fee charged per student.
Offered on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 to 4:00 PM for grades 3-5. Come ready to draw with sketch book and pencils. There is a nominal fee charged per student. Students meet after school on Thursdays from 3:00—4:00 PM. Members of this choir are selected by audition.
Dr. Karen Upton, Principal
Karen Reiss, Administrative Assistant Laura Edwards, Pre-K 3
Dale Rose, Pre-K 3
Jackie Hoppe, Pre-K 4
Wanda King, Kindergarten
Jessica Pittman, Kindergarten
Shelly Clopton, 1st Grade
Mary Murphy, 1st Grade
Linda Herritt, 2nd Grade
Chelsea Stott, 2nd Grade
Sasha Gilson, 3rd Grade
Dawn Pontz, 3rd Grade
Cindy Vincelette, 4th Grade
Geneva Kirven, 4th Grade
Carolyn Gordon, 5th Grade
Brad Hardy, 5th Grade
Deb Heider, Gifted Resource
Jane Gwynn, Library
Tina Randell, 1st – 4th Resource Room
Nancy Todd, 5th Grade Resource Room
Peggy Barclay, Art
Heidi Oberdick, Music
Rich Rose, P.E.
Bobbie Jeltema, Spanish
Mary Hall, Computer
Available for all students until 5:30 p.m. The following fee schedule applies: Plan A - $35 for 4 or 5 days per week for 1 student; $50 for 2 or more in the same family.
Plan B - $25 for 3 days per week; $35 for 2 or more in the same family.
Plan C – Daily rate plan. $10 per day per family. This is for families that use extended sporadically. Through involvement with the Rock Star Club, students join the Tidewater Gym and Mineral Society. Field trips to explore gems and minerals will be part of this club for third, fourth, and fifth graders. The club meets on the second Tuesday of every month and occasionally features guest speakers. This club for third, fourth, and fifth graders meets the second Thursday of every month. They are introduced to the hobby of stamp collecting and the history of stamps. Third, fourth, and fifth grade students meet after school on Mondays from 3:00—4:00 PM. Members of this choir are selected by audition.
Wanda Scott, Principal / Computer
Sandy Fregin, Administrative Assistant
Lisa Ingram, Pre-k 3 / Afternoon Pre-k 4
Nancy McNiff, Pre-k 4
Judy Bassette, Kindergarten
Betsy Neal, 1st Grade
Cindy Rhine, 2nd Grade
Christy McCallum, 3rd Grade
Kristin Boden, 4th Grade
Doreen Hilton, 5th Grade
Gay Lynn Rountree, Gifted Resource
Vicky Faircloth, Gifted Resource
Peggy Barclay, Art
Lisa McFarland, Library
Heidi Oberdick, Music
Angie Webb, P.E.
Carolina Valencia, Spanish
Angie Deacon, Pre-K Aide
Tricia Farsi, Pre-K Aide
Anna Edginton, Kindergarten Aide
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