Lower School

            The Lower School at Greenfield consists of grades first through fourth.  Eager learners arrive by 8:15 and dismiss at 2:50.  The development of academic skills is emphasized in a positive, nurturing environment.  Children are respected for each individual distinction and encouraged in the pursuit of knowledge by being equipped with specific tools and skills to enable success.  Our safe, orderly campus is conducive to comfort in learning.  We hold high expectations for each student and strive diligently to assist and challenge students to reach his or her full potential.  
 
            The Language Arts encompass reading, writing, grammar, and spelling.  Reading is taught using the Open Court / SRA series which offers a sequential, phonetic, multi-sensory approach for emergent readers, writers, spellers and speakers.   Comprehension and vocabulary have a heavy emphasis.  Writers evolve using Empowering Writers, a program that analyses literature as a guide for writers.  Writers are appreciated through sharing with classmates.  Grammar is presented as a language usage skill needed to communicate.  Students are taught these skills sequentially throughout the lower grades.  A standard spelling book advanced one grade level is used starting second semester of first grade.   D’Nelian handwriting is taught offering a smoother transition to cursive writing, which is taught in second grade.

            The Math Advantage series is used to enable young mathematicians to have a solid usage and recall ability.  The mastery of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts is expected and essential for success.  Word problems are an integral part of the program.  Students are introduced to a new concept, guided through the process until he or she can work independently.  Review is constant.

            Social Studies and Science are a part of the Greenfield School curriculum.  Each lower school grade discusses the importance of understanding the world we live in, beginning with our own community in first grade.  Social studies involve our environment, our history and geography, social diversity, and government.  Life, earth, and physical science are explored in lower school. Students also have an added advantage of participating in Hands-On Science twice a week in the science building.

            Physical education is a daily class at Greenfield for lower school students.  First and second grades combine for 30 minutes of structured activity in the gym, led by one of the coaches.  Third and fourth grade combine to do the same.

            Students enjoy a variety of extra-curricular events, such as field trips, field day, pep rallies, plays and presentations in the gym.  Sport spectators enjoy watching the girl's and boy's teams of soccer, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, tennis and golf. 

            Parent and teacher communication is crucial to student success.  Parent conferences are scheduled with the first and final report cards.  Parents and teachers may initiate a conference at any time.  Report cards are issued every nine weeks in grades one through three, and every six weeks in fourth grade.