St. Mary’s Episcopal School

Reflects the joy of learning and growth in the love of God, family and friends.

Kindergarten

St. Mary’s Episcopal Kindergarten is designed to promote a lifelong passion for learning.

Through our play-based learning and inquiry, the children will discover new ideas, develop inquisitive minds, and become independent in their quests for success. Our goal is to develop emotionally sound learners who are ready for a rigorous 1st grade setting in either private or public school.

Included in our plans are:

  • Kindergarten Adventures
  • A multisensory approach to learning.
  • Independent and collaborative group activities.
  • Solid Academic foundations in literacy (phonics, reading, writing) and numeracy.
  • Challenging inquiry and creative problem-solving.
  • Activities that promote mutual respect and develop Christian values.
  • Nature-based learning activities.
  • Enrichment opportunities in Art, Music, and Physical Education.

Day-at-a-Glance

9:00 – 9:20 Arrival – *Sign in, Put away belongings, complete morning jobs, choose from: Art Studio Math/Reading/Writing Tubs, Dramatic Play
9:20 – 9:35 Morning Meeting (preview of day, handwriting lesson,weather, calendar math/100 days math)
9:35 – 10:00 Math Workshop, *Mini-Lesson, *Rotate through Small Group, Independent Work, Snack, Free Choice
10:00 – 10:20 Playground/Nature Trail/Outside Time
10:20 – 10:40 Phonics Mini-Lesson + Practice
10:40 – 11:40 Reading Workshop – *Mini-Lesson (approx 8-10mins), * Rotate through Small Group (10 min with 4-5 groups), Independent Reading, Free Choice
11:40 – 12:10 Writing Workshop – *Mini-Lessons, Independent Writing, Share (teacher conferences with individuals when needed)
12:10 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 1:00 Playground/Nature Trail/Outside Time
1:00 – 1:30 Resource (Art, STEAM, Music, PE, Foreign Language, Chapel)
1:30 – 1:50 Free Choice + Snack
1:50 – 2:00 Read Aloud
2:00 Dismiss/Carpool

Introducing Rebecca Gathright

I consider teaching Kindergarten at St. Mary’s Episcopal School a serendipitous opportunity. I grew up in Petersburg and Chesterfield County attending both private and public schools and was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. When my husband and I began looking for a preschool for our daughter, we immediately knew St. Mary’s was the right fit and a magical place for her to learn.

I am currently a JK assistant teacher at St. Mary’s. I have had a wide variety of teaching opportunities including a middle school math
teacher in Prince George County, an elementary school Reading Specialist in Hanover County, and a PK-8 Learning and Literacy Specialist at a Quaker Friend’s school in Philadelphia all while earning my Masters in Reading and Post Masters in Administration and Supervision through Virginia Commonwealth University.

When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and family at the beach in the Outer Banks and you can always find me with a good book in my hand. I have a passion for teaching children how to read and can’t wait to share the love of reading with each and every one of your children.