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Academics » Kindergarten - Fourth » Kindergarten

Kindergarten

Essential foundations for life-long learning begins with a solid understanding of literacy and mathematics. Math Investigations and the research-based phonics program Fundations, are integrated into the exploratory arts, self-discovery, and social interaction. Outside the classroom, children learn responsible citizenship through service projects, such as spending time with the elderly at Mountain Care and donating food to those in need.  Our first quarter focuses on attributes and kindergartners learn to sort and compare a variety of things- from buttons to seasons to even each other! We then discuss culture and how we celebrate different customs during fall and winter months. In the 3rd nine weeks, our science focus is forces and motion, and we enjoy participating in several experiments that are included in our school-wide STEAM event. Finally, we study the WNC environment with a unit centered around our local freshwater habitats and their importance to our area.

About Mr. Ryan
After earning dual certification in Elementary and Special Education from Slippery Rock University (Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania) in 2009 and completing a short stint teaching in Mexico City, Ryan went on to teach in a variety of different educational settings, ranging from K-5 Emotional and Behavioral Intensive Intervention to 4th Grade general education to 8th Grade inclusion. He is thrilled to be joining the ArtSpace team for 2018-2019 school year. When not teaching, Ryan enjoys reading, traveling, making and enjoying art and music, and spending time with his wife, Allison, and their animals.
 
About Mr. Jake 
Jake was born in Buffalo, New York and grew up in Sarasota, Florida. In 2014, Jake moved to Asheville to attend Warren Wilson College. In 2018, he graduated with a BA in Studio Art with a concentration in Printmaking and a minor in Early Childhood Education, after which he started working at Verner Center for Early Learning as a substitute and then Assistant Teacher. Jake is excited to start working as the Kindergarten Teaching Assistant for the 2020-2021 school year, especially because of his love for art and art education. He is looking forward to being part of the process of art-integration across the curriculum.
 
About Ms. Simone

Simone holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado, Boulder and completed the Teacher Education Program through Adult and Graduate Studies at Mars Hill University to obtain licensure in Elementary Education and Exceptional Children. Simone’s love of teaching started by being a music teacher after completing the teacher training for Music Together at the Center For Music for Young Children in Princeton, NJ. For ten years following Simone worked as an associate teacher in kindergarten, second grade, and with children with exceptional needs in grades 2-8 at Evergreen Community Charter School. Prior to teaching Simone was a floral designer, and a journalist for Florist’s Review magazine. In her free time, Simone loves to read, write, enjoy music, garden, and go for hikes with her husband and daughter.