St. John’s Lutheran Preschool serves children ages 3, 4, and 5 with half day, school day, and full day program options.

St. John’s provides a loving and nurturing environment for all children.  Certified, experienced teachers lovingly nurture each child’s social, emotional, developmental, academic, and spiritual growth.  Creative play is incorporated with traditional, interactive “circle time” learning.

Children also learn through various weekly endeavors such as Bible stories, library, art, gym activities, and Spanish. Some highlights of the year are our Chapel, Thanksgiving, Christmas and end of the year programs.

Class parties, field trips, and “partner time” with older elementary students also enhance the environment and instruction and provide wonderful memories for years to come.  Our curriculum is Bible-based and Jesus centered with teachers utilizing materials and curriculum guidance from various resources. Prekindergarten students are encouraged to play on the computers with various educational learning software as well as internet based educational games.

The older students in Preschool (Prekindergarten/Kindergarten readiness program) are challenged with developmentally appropriate preparation for Kindergarten at St. John’s.

The program follows our school schedule from August to June with summer camp offered June to August, allowing children to attend full time if needed.

If you would like to schedule a tour to learn more about our program, please contact our Preschool Director, Sonia Davidson, at sdavidson@stjohnsws.org or (336) 725-1651, ext. 402.

Religion

Religious instruction for elementary students is meant to point them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Students become familiar with God’s Word through Bible stories and meaningful memory verses they can keep close in their hearts and minds. Teachers guide students in applying lessons to their daily lives, and equip them with the knowledge of God’s love and forgiveness as revealed to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The principles taught in Religion classes, faith in Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel and a Christian world view are fully integrated in to all subjects at St. John’s.

Language Arts

• Primary Grades (1-3) – The Language Arts curriculum at St. John’s covers Reading, Grammar, Writing Composition, Spelling, Phonics, Listening and Speaking, and Penmanship. The Language Arts Program is designed to teach children through a balance of systematic direct instruction and the explicit development of skills, interrelating all components for a total Language Arts program.
• Upper Grades (4-5) – The language arts program gives students an opportunity to be exposed to quality authors and their works. Good literature provides a model for a sequential development of written and oral skills. It also provides experiences that allow each child to build upon an ever-expanding body of knowledge and ability, an invitation to question, reflect, predict and think critically. This results in a student awareness of reading being a relevant and enjoyable process. Our goal is to create a community of readers and writers.

Mathematics

• Primary Grades (1–3): The mathematics program provides a balanced approach in developing proficiency in age appropriate math skills and concepts. Mathematics is an active, investigative process that involves children on a physical, cognitive, and emotional level. A hands-on approach will stimulate curiosity about math and help develop an understanding of the importance of math in society and taught as a lifetime skill. Children are made aware of the usefulness of mathematics and how it relates to their daily lives. Mathematical concepts are taught using concrete facts and ideas so the child will attain computation and critical-thinking skills in a way that is relevant to children. The math program maximizes each student’s potential through explanation, modeling and awareness to promote the most rewarding experience. The program objectives are for all students to know basic concepts of mathematical processes and apply these concepts and principles to new situations and in problem solving by accessing prior knowledge.
• Upper Grades (4-5): The mathematics curriculum emphasizes mathematical applications and problem-solving skills through a firm foundation and understanding of basic concepts and operations. Both conceptual understanding and computational competency develop in progression by building on previous knowledge. Over time, by reinforcing awareness that math is meaningful and relevant in real-life situations, students gain respect for the significance of mathematics in their lives.

Social Studies

• Primary Grades (1–3): The Social Studies program uses facts, concepts, generalizations, and moral and value instruction to promote responsible citizenship. Students bring personal ideas, attitudes, and skills into the classroom. They share common experiences and similarities, mature in similar growth patterns, and share many common cultural experiences. The Social Studies education provides students with the opportunity to study their expanding environment from their own families to the diverse cultures of the world. Therefore, children develop interpersonal skills and knowledge which helps them interact and communicate with their peers as well as develop the resourcefulness needed to participate in a world-wide environment.
• Upper Grades (4-5): Students learn about the historical beginnings of their state and country and its subsequent development. They will learn about early civilizations and their contributions to society today. Through this course study, students are expected to develop appreciation of other cultures in our global community. Students also learn basic geographical skills to enable them to understand the physical world and man’s place in it.

Science

Our students experience a hands-on program with scheduled lab activities. Our program integrates science with other curriculum areas such as mathematics, language arts, and social studies.

The science program at St. John’s strives to increase each child’s knowledge and understanding of God’s wondrous creation, the interrelationships of things in this creation, and the child’s place in all of this.

Computer

The purpose of the computer education program is to encourage students to use computers as a tool to accomplish a variety of tasks. Students are introduced to numerous applications that provide them with technology skills such as keyboarding, word processing, internet research and more. Regular emphasis is placed on net etiquette and safety. Students are encouraged to become comfortable with computers and visit the computer lab regularly.  Students are assisted in developing their reading skills through the use of the school subscription to the Accelerated Reader program.

As students begin their primary elementary years the focus shifts from free play on computers to using the computer to develop basic skills in language and mathematics. Students also begin to learn the basics of computer operation.

Upper elementary students begin to recognize the use of computers and internet for research and begin to understand how to use them to enhance their learning.  Students also learn the basics of computer operation, components, and functions of hardware.

Spanish

Learning another language is a rewarding experience and enhances the language arts curriculum.  Spanish instruction begins at third grade and progresses through eighth grade and helps to develop positive attitudes and excitement toward learning other languages, cultures, and customs. Students broaden their awareness and understanding of Spanish by acquiring skills of listening, reading, writing, speaking, and translating. An appreciation and awareness for the diversity of all God’s people is gained through their exposure to other nations and languages. Students embrace the language as instruction in the elementary grades introduces the fundamentals and primarily consists of a conversational focus.  The depth of study increases as the students advance through the program.  Middle School students develop reading, writing, and translation skills, and continually work to increase their fluency in speaking Spanish.

Art

The curriculum is taught so that each student shall benefit from varied art experiences. To the art student, art education brings an eagerness to create, an enthusiasm to participate and a satisfaction of achievement, while providing freedom for the child to use his own mode of expression using multiple mediums. Art is a complex discipline composed of numerous elements, principles and skills taught in ways appropriate to a child’s cognitive stage and physical abilities.  To encourage students in celebration of the creative gifts God has given them student art work is regularly displayed around campus.  Students consistantly received awards at the annual Dixie Classic Fair school art competition.

Drama

There are various common purposes of the drama program at St. John’s.  First, the program aims to develop individual self-confidence.  This is achieved through the experience of planning for, practicing, and executing plays.  Children learn that they can work toward and achieve a goal within a deadline.  At the same time, the children learn to overcome their fears of public performance by speaking, singing, and performing on stage.  Second, the program seeks to promote effective verbal and non-verbal communication and is designed to provide an outlet for expression and encourage a love for literature.

Additional goals include emphasizing the importance of teamwork, and developing musical abilities.  Ideally, through participation in drama programs, students will make great progress on their way to becoming well-rounded individuals.

The progression of drama programs throughout the elementary grades (K-5) leads to increased complexity and more individual opportunities for older students.  The drama program is an integral part of the total curriculum and therefore all students are involved in every performance.

Music

A part of the overal Arts instruction at St. John’s, music instruction is designed to encourage understanding and appreciation of a variety of musical genre.  Music is an integral part of student life, religion course work, and is supplemented by musical experiences in weekly Chapel worship. Students develop a love for singing as teachers incorporate it throughout the day. 

Students are provided performance opportunities through class productions in the winter and spring months. Occasional guest musicians and groups come to St. John’s to perfom for students. Additional musical activities include instruction on recorders, handbells, and trips to symphony programs.

 

Physical Education

Physical Education at St. John’s enhances the physical development of all children and is designed to teach students a varied of ways to keep their bodies healthy. Classes are designed to provide learning experiences that challenge students to expand their skills and strategies through learning games and physical activities. St. John’s provides a fun, challenging, and comfortable environment as students are encouraged at setting personal goals for development. The positive aspects of good sportsmanship, team play, and individual effort are encouraged on a regular basis. Students develop an appreciation and understanding of various activities including dance, bocce ball, disc golf, and traditional sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track. Special events such as orienteering, dance, and all-school field days give students alternative opportunities to become involved in health and fitness.  In addition, students become sensitive to the needs of their bodies and the practice of maintaining a healthy heart through Heart Awareness Month.

In the primary grades, attention is given to the development of fine and gross-motor skills. Students are introduced to basic skills development for various games. At the upper elementary level, continued development of skills that were previously introduced becomes standard. The development of those skills is then related to individual and group sports.

 

Religion

Middle School religious instruction begins by exploring the life of Christ in more depth and detail. As students progress lessons transition from learning about Christ toward studying how to remember Christ and who He is even after they have graduated from St. John’s. Using various media (contemporary music and films, television, books, etc.) as learning tools, students begin the process of analyzing what they are exposed to in their world from the Christian perspective.  The principles taught in Religion classes, faith in Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel and a Christian world view are fully integrated in to all subjects at St. John’s.

Language Arts

The language arts program reinforces and builds upon the grammar and literature learned in the elementary grades including reading from a novel. Students continue strengthening vocabulary skills with daily exercises and increase their understanding of the elements of sentences through diagramming sentences. The development of written and oral skills is a focus of the middle school program. Each student prepares a research paper, in MLA format, which includes the prewriting activities of creating and organizing note cards and then outlining. Critical thinking skills are enhanced through presentations, the writing of essays, and journaling. Our goal is to create a community of readers and writers.

Mathematics

Math studies in middle school prepare students for high school math curriculums and beyond. Students in the 6th grade become acclimated with basic abstract thinking by working with equations and develop more complex problem solving skills.As students acquire these skills they are grouped according to mathematics aptitude for the remainder of middle school. For those who become more adept at learning new concepts in math our program series is comprised of Pre-Algebra in 7th grade, and then Algebra I in 8th grade. At the end of Algebra I students complete the North Carolina State End of Course (EOC) test for high school credit allowing them to take Geometry in 9th grade. For the average math student our program directs students along the same path, but allows the student one more year of development by taking General Math in 7th grade, and then Pre-Algebra in 8th grade.

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum is an integration of experience and knowledge about human endeavors and human relations designed to foster informed and ethical participation in society. Our approach to understanding these endeavors and world cultures is taught from a Christian world view and responses from a Biblical perspective are encouraged from all students. Coursework focuses on Western civilization, world cultures, and U.S. history. Specifically our 6th grade studies South America and Europe. The 7th grade studies Africa, Asia and the Pacific Realm while the 8th grade focuses on U.S. History (including government concepts). Additionally the 8th grade visits Washington, D.C. in the spring allowing them to experience the government in a new and personal way.

One highlight of the year is when International Day is celebrated in 6th and 7th grades. Each student chooses a country from one of the continents studied during the year. Students prepare a report and display including “artifacts” such as food, clothing, figurines, or other items. The entire school visit the displays and hear presentations from the middle school students.

Science

Our students experience a hands-on program with scheduled lab activities. Our program integrates science with other curriculum areas such as mathematics, language arts, and social studies.

The science program at St. John’s strives to increase each child’s knowledge and understanding of God’s wondrous creation, the interrelationships of things in this creation, and the child’s place in all of this.

Inherent in our program is the goal of cultivating in our students the personal characteristics of good scientists. We hope they will become more curious, persistent in seeking knowledge, intelligently observant of the world around them, and cooperative, responsible, and scientifically literate citizens in an increasingly technological world. We endeavor to have our students develop appropriate and competent skills to work competently with basic lab equipment, carry out simple experiments following the scientific method, understand basic scientific processes and principles operating in the world. Through our program activities, we strive to have our students develop their skills of observing, classifying, measuring, communicating, predicting, recording and interpreting data, and controlling variables.

Computer

The faculty at St. John’s recognize the need for students to use computers to learn – not just learning about computers.  Because of this philosophy, students are encouraged to use technology in all their course work.  Teachers regularly use technology to enhance other curricular areas and students are encouraged to experiment.  Students are also guided through the steps of presentation using technology as an aid.  Students gain confidence and presentation skills as they learn presentation software. Our software titles include industry standard office titles (word processing, spreadsheet skills, slide presentation software, publisher skills, and note-taking/outlining skills, keyboarding, etc.), as well as Algebra I math programs, and a host of other creativity inspiring software.  Our 8th grade class compiles the entire all-digital school yearbook using our computer lab.  Our state of the art computer lab is fully furnished with new computers that are networked together and each controlled by one central “teacher’s” computer.  The network insures critical supervision of student’s activities as well as enhanced presentation abilities, and cooperative learning opportunities.  Several high quality internet and computer prevention and protection devices are in place to insure the safest atmosphere for our students.

Spanish

Learning another language is a rewarding experience and enhances the language arts curriculum.  Spanish instruction begins at third grade and progresses through eighth grade and helps to develop positive attitudes and excitement toward learning other languages, cultures, and customs. Students broaden their awareness and understanding of Spanish by acquiring skills of listening, reading, writing, speaking, and translating. An appreciation and awareness for the diversity of all God’s people is gained through their exposure to other nations and languages. Students embrace the language as instruction in the elementary grades introduces the fundamentals and primarily consists of a conversational focus.  The depth of study increases as the students advance through the program.  Middle School students develop reading, writing, and translation skills, and continually work to increase their fluency in speaking Spanish.

Art

The curriculum is taught so that each student shall benefit from varied art experiences. To the art student, art education brings an eagerness to create, an enthusiasm to participate and a satisfaction of achievement, while providing freedom for the child to use his own mode of expression using multiple mediums. Art is a complex discipline composed of numerous elements, principles and skills taught in ways appropriate to a child’s cognitive stage and physical abilities.  To encourage students in celebration of the creative gifts God has given them student art work is regularly displayed around campus.  Students consistantly received awards at the annual Dixie Classic Fair school art competition.

Drama

There are various common purposes of the drama program at St. John’s.  First, the program aims to develop individual self-confidence.  This is achieved through the experience of planning for, practicing, and executing plays.  Children learn that they can work toward and achieve a goal within a deadline.  At the same time, the children learn to overcome their fears of public performance by speaking, singing, and performing on stage.  Second, the program seeks to promote effective verbal and non-verbal communication and is designed to provide an outlet for expression and encourage a love for literature and developing of musical abilities.

An emphasis is placed on the importance of teamwork. Ideally, through participation in drama programs, students will make great progress toward becoming well-rounded individuals. Middle school programs are usually fully staged musicals including the use of lights, sets, costumes, makeup, etc.  All students are encouraged to participate with additional opportunities in stage management and technical crews.

Past Performances include:

• Annie
• Pirates of Penzance
• You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
• Virtue and Justice Triumph Again/The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf
• The Music Man
• Seussical
• The Wizard of Oz
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
• Alice in Wonderland
• Omlette: Chef of Denmark
• The Jungle Book

Music

A part of the overal Arts instruction at St. John’s, music instruction is designed to encourage understanding and appreciation of a variety of musical genre.  Music is an integral part of student life, religion course work, and is supplemented by musical experiences in weekly Chapel worship.  The entire middle school presents a musical every year and students have opportunities for solo work as well as group musical expression.

Physical Education

Physical Education at St. John’s enhances the physical development of all children and is designed to teach students a varied of ways to keep their bodies healthy. Classes are designed to provide learning experiences that challenge students to expand their skills and strategies through learning games and physical activities. St. John’s provides a fun, challenging, and comfortable environment as students are encouraged at setting personal goals for development. The positive aspects of good sportsmanship, team play, and individual effort are encouraged on a regular basis. Students develop an appreciation and understanding of various activities including dance, bocce ball, disc golf, and traditional sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track. Special events such as orienteering, dance, and all-school field days give students alternative opportunities to become involved in health and fitness. In addition, students become sensitive to the needs of their bodies and the practice of maintaining a healthy heart through Heart Awareness Month.

At the middle school level, focus is given to advanced development of skills as related to sports. Additionally, health and wellness activities prepare students to care for their physical needs for a life time.