Lower School

The Lower School is a warm nurturing environment of small classes and experienced dedicated teachers. The small structured classes allow individualized instruction for students who are either not achieving their potential within a traditional setting or who need additional challenge in their area of strength. Academics incorporate a multi-sensory, "hands on" approach where many fun activities are woven into the instructional mastery process. The goal of Lower School is for students to master basic academic and social skills that will be the foundation for all future learning. A major focus is to convey a love of reading that will inspire them to read about subjects of interest to them and for building knowledge required to succeed academically. Equally important, we work on how to make friends and learning appropriate social interactions that are critical life skills.

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TECHNOLOGY IN THE LOWER SCHOOL

The Lower School incorporates the use of desktop computers into the learning process for 1^st- 3^rd grade age students. In the computer lab format the students have individual access to a customized "desktop" via the "Kid Desk" program. This program allows the student to select from an individualized menu of developmentally appropriate programs. The "Type to Learn, Jr." and "Type to Learn" programs are used to teach basic keyboarding skills and key functions. Microsoft Word is used by the students for word processing in writing process. This curriculum allows the students to become familiar with computers and their use as a learning tool. There are also several computers in each classroom in addition to the computer lab.

The technology excitement really begins with fourth grade age students. This is when the MSA Laptop for Learning Program begins. The fourth grade age students purchase the latest model IBM ThinkPad, through the school. This plan includes a service and repair program.

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WINTER LEARNING PROGRAM

The Lower School participates in a modified version of the Winter Learning Program. We keep the morning classes of Reading , Language Arts and Math the same and modify the afternoon classes to include an imaginary visit to various countries around the world. We incorporate a number of guest speakers to share their experiences.

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COMMUNITY LEVELS SYSTEM

Mill Springs Academy Levels system is the "backbone" of the program and sets Mill Springs apart from other independent schools. The Levels system is a school-wide, reality-based structure that clearly defines student responsibilities. The system allows the student to make fully informed choices and to assume personal responsibility for those choices. The weekly Levels/Community meetings incorporate peer feedback as well as teacher feedback. All students participate in values groups that focus on character development. Click here for the levels system.

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CURRICULUM

Overview: Core academic subjects of Reading, Language Arts and Math and Computers are taught in the morning between 8:30-11:30 when students are rested and can concentrate better. Each academics class includes reading, handwriting, spelling, story development, comprehension and problem solving skills. Higher interest subjects of Science, Social Studies, Art, Values and P.E. are taught in the afternoon when attention may be decreasing. The afternoon classes involve less reading and handwriting and are more discussion and project oriented. The enrichment classes are not dependent on reading skills. We have found that many student’s thinking and reasoning skills are higher than their reading skills. Individual learning styles and multiple intelligences are identified and considered throughout the curriculum.

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EXTENDED DAY

Mill Springs Academy offers an extended day, recreational program (3:00 - 5:00pm) designed to develop and enhance self-esteem, socialization skills, motor skills, creative talents and sportsmanship. Activities vary each quarter and include fishing, golf, arts and crafts, new games, bowling, computer club and hiking.

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UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHIES

All students are expected to be considerate, cooperative and courteous.

The uniqueness of the individual is valued. We may all be created equally but we are not created the same. We are all a combination of strengths and weaknesses. We try to build on the strengths while working on the weaker areas.

Students do not have to like all other students the same, but they do have to be polite and respectful to all other students.

Homework is intended to be a review of previously learned material and should not take more than 30 minutes per night. We do not want homework to interfere with family life, so if there is a problem getting the work done simply return to school with a note and the student can complete it in class if they did not understand or during Break if they refused to put effort into the assignment.

There is a major emphasis on personal responsibility and accountability.

There is no emphasis on competition between students. The emphasis is on each student competing with his/her own previous performance and trying to improve.

Parents need to understand our program and be able to support the Levels System and feedback system before enrolling a student. This program does not work without parent support. With parent support we can accomplish great things!

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TYPICAL DAY IN LOWER SCHOOL

8:00-8:15 A.M. Carpool

8:15-8:30 A.M. Homeroom

8:30-11:30 Reading - Language Arts - Math Computers (45 minute classes) Music on Friday am

11:30-12:00 Lunch or Break

12:00-12:30 Lunch or Break - Break is earned by completing all classwork, homework and earning 90% on the student point sheet. The emphasis of the point sheet is upon self responsibility, organizational skills and serves as individual feedback to each student.

Enrichment -- There are three afternoon classes: the schedule is different every afternoon but includes the following classes Science, Social Studies, Art, Values, and P.E. and Group Challenge Program. Older students also have Drama and Spanish.

12:30-1:15

1:15-2:00

2:00- 2:45

2:45-3:00 P.M. Homeroom - gather and organize materials and assignments to go home.

3:00-3:30 P.M. Carpool - social time for car riders waiting on ride- homework time for bus riders the social time visiting with friends till bus arrives at 3:30.

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