Darlington School Lower School Viewbook

Chapter One

Let Your Story Begin

Darlington School’s Mission To empower students to learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect.

There is a story in your child.

It is a story unlike any other, because your child is unlike any other, bringing to the world his or her own unique interests, talents and gifts.

At Darlington School, we are helping students to live out their stories – to become confident, engaged learners, so that they can reach their full potential.

Here, we are equipping students to lead extraordinary lives, by giving them every opportunity and every means of support to help them aspire, achieve and succeed as never before. We prepare them for a life of success, no matter how they choose to measure it.

What will be your child’s story? Come and discover it – here, in a positive, nurturing learning environment where anything seems possible.

Let your child’s story begin.

Catalyzing Extraordinary Lives.

Darlington brings over 100 years of Excell A n Un ex pect ed Lesson Our curriculum represents the best of 21st-century teaching, shaped by national best practices and proven research.

Darlington stresses solid preparation in the fundamental academic skills of reading, literacy skills, phonics, writing and math.

Most Lower School faculty have earned master’s degrees.

Great lessons often come from a book. But other times, they fly right in your face. One of our kindergarten students caught sight of a dragonfly, so we left our books and set off to explore it. We examined it under a magnifying glass. We talked about its body parts. We discussed its big, bulging eyes, which led to a discussion of peripheral vision. We wrote about the dragonfly and drew pictures. It was a teachable moment that just landed right in front of us.

Faculty stay abreast of current research and participate in ongoing professional development to ensure the highest quality curriculum.

A pple Com mu t ers

A favorite third-grade tradition is our annual apple-picking trip. This excursion follows an in-depth unit on apples – covering the different kinds of apples, how they’re grown and where, what they’re used for, and more.

As part of our study, we travel to Ellijay, Ga., and visit an actual apple-packing plant, seeing firsthand how apples are picked and processed. For our students, it’s an exciting, up-close, “in-cider” look.

Darlington 7,138 miles

Our third-graders recently read “Angel Child, Dragon Child,” the story of a young Vietnamese girl’s first experiences in an American school. To add to the students’ understanding, an Upper School resident student visited the class. Fiona, who is from China, shared her own similar experiences about leaving her home to come to Darlington. It was an eye-opening experience, as a book and another part of the world were brought to life.

Fusing Lea r n ing a n d Fu n

Students in grades 3 and 4 use Fusion keyboards to improve their keyboarding, math and writing skills. These individual desktop keyboards are equipped with form lessons for typing, math drills and writing prompts. Students are able to work at their own rate to complete the drills, and are given instant feedback on how well they did. Our students love to work on their Fusions!

llence in Independent Education.

W DLS

WDLS is a closed-circuit television program produced by our fourth-grade class and aired each day to the entire school.

Every fourth-grade student has the opportunity to serve as an anchor, producer, writer and technician. Our young students take full responsibility for the daily program, and it is an impressive scene, as they apply their creative talents to one successful production after another – live on WDLS.

A Revolutionary Idea

You’ve heard of collecting and trading baseball, football and other sports cards. Well, our fourth-graders each created a collection of Revolutionary Era trading cards. Each student researched six historical figures, then created a card for each with a picture on the front and information on the back. They jumped in, they used their creativity – and the rest was history.

Our Teaching Philosophy is simple: Learning should

Students want to be here each day – they are excited and eager to learn.

Lower School students immerse in the learning process through class discussions, oral presentations, group work, centers, hands-on activities and enrichment classes.

Annual field trips include cultural and educational destinations such as Fernbank Science Center, Atlanta Aquarium, Alliance Theater, Woodruff Arts Center, TELLUS Science Museum and more.

As part of our Buddy Program, fourth-graders mentor pre-K students; third-graders mentor kindergarteners.

M eet A lbert Einst ein

Each year, second-graders complete a biography project in which they choose a famous person, living or dead, in whom they’re interested. They then research the individual through books and the Internet and complete a paper step-by-step with guidance from their teacher. As a grand finale, they dress up like their famous persons and present Albert Einstein, King Tutankhamen, Amelia Earhart and more to the other grades in the school.

Ex plori ng Ex plor ers

In a fourth-grade study of early explorers, students conduct research and are given a choice of projects. They might create an invitation to the homecoming celebration for their explorer. They may write a seven-day diary log for their explorer. They might write a one-act play, or put on a puppet show, or design and write a cover for a book about their explorer. Whatever project they explore, they all make an important discovery: hands-on learning is a lot of fun.

d be Active and Fun. Cr eat e a Colon y

In fourth grade, students learn about colonies by creating their own. Dividing into groups, the children invent their colony’s name, flag and laws, and they build a model.

They also write travel logs, detailing their journey to their new lands, and a colony journal, describing the first year of living in the settlement. It’s an original way to learn about the original colonies – creative, collaborative and fun!

Lea r n i ng P u nct uat ed By Fu n

In pre-K, students learn about punctuation and how to decide if a sentence needs a period, question mark or an exclamation mark. But instead of sitting and gazing at punctuation in a book, the students instead use their bodies to jump up and make the appropriate punctuation. It’s learning made active and engaging, and it’s a lesson on punctuation they’ll never forget – exclamation mark!

Geom etric Tigers

After learning about shapes, our pre-K students went to visit – and teach – an Upper School geometry class. The children instructed the older students on how to make circles and triangles out of squares and how to make ovals out of rectangles – resulting in a surprising tiger! The pre-K children taught with incredible confidence, instructing the 15-year-olds on making the tigers. Everywhere in the classroom were small tigers and big smiles.

Ca n ’t Catch M e!

Run, run, as fast as you can! We’re traveling the world with the Gingerbread Man! Pre-K students originally cooked him to eat, but he ran away and has been traveling the U.S. and the world ever since. Some of our Upper School boarding students’ families have spotted him in their hometowns, and we’re enjoying meeting the students and learning about their countries, people and cultures.

Ours is a Safe, Nurturing Environment where a chil

H a llow een Pa r a de We provide a supportive environment where children can experience success and, as a result, build self-esteem.

Darlington teachers form close relationships with their students and with their students’ families as well.

Our pre-first program is designed for students who need an extra year between kindergarten and first grade.

The amount of community service performed by our Lower School students is unmatched.

Each Halloween, our pre-K through fourth-graders dress up in costumes, along with their teachers, and parade around Little Tiger Field. Following the parade, students, teachers, parents and family make their way to the gym, where the various classes sing songs in celebration of Halloween. It’s a special afternoon – with a lot of smiles, a lot of laughter, and most likely a piece or two of Halloween candy as well.

H ey, Bu ddy !

Our Lower School Buddy Program encourages friendship and interaction between students at different grade levels, while providing an opportunity for older students to serve as mentors and role models for our younger children. Throughout the year, buddies meet for fun activities such as arts and crafts, story time, buddy lunches, holiday projects and athletic events.

R ea dy for First

Not every child is ready to move from kindergarten to first grade. Children develop at different rates, and neither chronological age nor intelligence is a guarantee of readiness. Our pre-first program, the only one of its kind in northwest Georgia, is designed for those children who need more time to strengthen and develop their skills. It makes sure that advancement is comfortable. It makes sure that learning is a joy.

ld can Experience Success.

A Nov el A pproach

Fourth-graders recently read the novel, “The War with Grandpa.” But instead of being tested on the literary elements, students demonstrated their knowledge in a more active way. They created PowerPoint presentations to illustrate the parts of the story – the characters, setting and theme, as well as the problem, “twist” and solution. It made the learning more hands-on. It made the learning more fun.

You ’r e G oi ng to be a Sta r

Each week in first grade, a different child is celebrated as our Star of the Week. The star creates and presents a poster about him or herself, while classmates interview the star.

Afterwards, the star receives complimentary letters from each student. These are bound and given to the child as a keepsake. It’s a special activity that enhances students’ speaking, listening and writing skills – but most of all their confidence and self-esteem.

H ello, M rs. Joh nson!

Parent sightings are a common occurrence at the Lower School. We very much welcome the participation of our parents, and we are blessed by their willingness to volunteer their time. Whether helping at special events, reading in classrooms, laminating or cutting, or offering encouragement at countless activities, our parents are an important part of a Darlington education – in our eyes, and in our children’s eyes as well.

Enrichments abound here – from Spanish, Art and

Spanish instruction starts in pre-K and continues each year.

Computer instruction begins in pre-K, as technology is fully integrated into all learning.

Over 70 students participate in our Lower School strings program; starting in first grade, students can choose violin or cello.

Band is open to students in grade 4, as participants choose any wind or percussion instrument; chorus is open to students in grades 3 and 4.

A n En richi ng Education

Darlington offers outstanding enrichment classes. Spanish instruction begins in pre-K. Our comprehensive art program begins in pre-K and covers a variety of media. Students start learning music in pre-K, can begin playing a stringed instrument in first grade, and woodwind, brass and percussion starting fourth grade. All students at each grade level learn keyboarding and technology. And all take part in physical education – those in grades 1-4 can even participate in an after-school cross-country team throughout the year.

Students in each grade participate in an annual class play, giving them an opportunity to perform onstage in a public arena.

H a n ds- On S cience

Students in kindergarten through fourth grade learn science by doing science. Led by our own “mad scientist” Dr. B, our lower school director, our Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) program was developed by leading scientists and teachers across the U.S. and is the only program of its kind in the area. What’s more, this best-practices science program is taught in our own magnificent Lower School Science Lab. It’s science that engages. It’s science that is real.

Bug-Ey ed En tomologists

In a school-wide study of insects, each Lower School class chose a bug they wanted to study.

Kindergarteners chose a lightening bug. Thirdgraders chose a praying mantis. Other subjects were bees, cicadas, butterflies and more. Students researched their insects.

They wrote about them. They drew pictures of them. They sang about them. They even caught them! The bugs may have been small.

But the lessons – and the fun – were huge.

Music to Science, Computer and Physical Education

Feliz Nav idad

Our Feliz Navidad celebration educates students about Christmas celebrations in Spanish-speaking countries. Students play Bolivian musical chairs, read “The Legend of the Poinsettia,” make handmade ornaments and take their swings at a piñata! Later, a mariachi band and Mexican dancers perform, students sing Christmas carols in Spanish, and the celebration concludes with an ice cream party, where students order ice cream and toppings in Spanish!

Fa ll for th e A rts

Each October, our Fall for the Arts event celebrates the artistic talents of our students in pre-K through 12th grade. From artwork exhibits, musical theater and poetry readings, to jazz bands, choral groups and our Lower School Strings Ensemble – not to mention face painting, crafts and a bake sale! – this festival is an opportunity for all Darlington students to come together, have fun and celebrate the fine arts.

A 21st- Cen t u ry Education

Technology is well integrated into the Lower School curriculum. All of our classrooms feature SMART Board technology and LCD projectors, and students begin using computers in pre-K. Each Lower School student has a personal web page, where work is stored. If a parent wants to see what a child has done from pre-K through fourth grade, the online portfolio is easily accessed via the child’s student page.

This is an Education of the Whole Child.

Darlington maintains a commitment to the

Judeo-Christian tradition, while honoring all cultures and beliefs.

Each year, the six building blocks of character

– honor, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship – are addressed.

Students are encouraged to explore and

expand their talents in academics, arts, athletics and leadership.

All students participate in both school-wide

and grade-level community service projects.

A strong physical education program teaches

students lifelong fitness skills.

Ch eck i ng I n on M ath

In third grade, students are given a checkbook (they create their own checks, complete with names and addresses), and an amount of “money” is deposited into their account. Rules are set on “getting paid” or “having to pay” – for example, if they bring in their homework, they might “be paid” $2.00 and can put that in their checkbook register, but if they forget their homework, they have to write the teacher a check for $2.00. It’s a fun learning experience that teaches math, responsibility, discipline and much more.

On th e Ru n

In physical education class, students participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Test each year. In fact, our students do the running assessment twice – in the fall and spring – as a way to regularly measure their progress. From the assessment, coaches then take the top boys and girls in grades 3 and 4 to compete in two runs in Menlo, Ga., and at Berry College, which prove to be winning experiences for all.

Th e Wor ld Com es to Da rlington

About 30 countries are represented at Darlington, and it is a joy, and an education, for our children to meet these students from around the world. Whether it’s a visit by a foreign resident student to one of our classrooms, or a special assembly led by exchange students, or mixing with international students at various campus activities, our Lower School students experience the world as few students their age are able to do.

Tri for th e K ids

Tri for the Kids is Darlington’s annual youth triathlon.

A family-oriented event, the triathlon includes biking, running and swimming for over 150 young participants in three divisions – 7-9 year olds, 10-12 year olds and the physically challenged – plus an adult distance race as well. It is a fun day for all, and the event raises over $20,000, all of which benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Georgia.

Ch a r act er I n Action Lower School staff members carry Commendation Pads to recognize exemplary actions by students during the week. These good deeds range from being particularly kind to visitors or being especially respectful, to going above and beyond in cleaning a room or holding the door for a teacher.

At a weekly assembly, teachers recognize the children, as they come forward to receive their much-deserved commendations.

Ea rly Serv ice

All Lower School students participate in both school-wide and grade-level community service projects throughout the year. From monthly meals for the homeless, canned-food drives and Christmas programs for senior citizens, to recycling efforts, warm clothing drives and Toys for Tots, these are just a few of the many examples of Lower School students reaching out and making a difference in the lives of others.

In a world that expects you to fit in… We teach you At Darlington’s Lower School, we realize the unique needs of elementary-age girls and boys, and we are sensitive to their overall development. Our program encourages each student to explore and develop self-confidence and selfesteem by recognizing their individual and group accomplishments. Here, we inspire individual and community conscience with personal integrity and high expectations.

Grades pre-K through 4 Average class size of 16 66% of faculty have advanced degrees Average faculty tenure is 10 years Spanish instruction begins in pre-K Science Lab for K through 4 Character Education Program that promotes and supports positive attitudes and values 11-acre campus in the heart of Rome, Ga.

Aca dem ics

Our academic program pairs rigorous challenges with unique opportunities for success. Our standards-based curriculum teaches students to read, write and think critically. That’s the beauty of the Lower School. We are not tied to state-mandated curriculum driven by standardized testing; we focus on innovation and progress. Not only do our students master skills and form habits that will prepare them to meet the demands of our Middle and Upper School college-preparatory program, they enjoy themselves while doing it!

The Science Lab supports the

Lower School’s hands-on approach to science. The science curriculum improvement study (SCIS) program, developed by leading scientists and teachers across the U.S., is a compilation of the best theories and practices in education, from psychology to pedagogy. In the lab, students study life, environmental, physical and earth science topics. They use notebooks and journals to collect data and information and have a great time using trial and error, the Scientific Method, and discovery to find solutions to problems. This weekly class is part of the curriculum for students in grades K-4.

to Stand Out!

Enrichment Courses Art Twice a week Art studio Green room Kiln Music Twice a week Darlington String Project for grades 1-4, directed by classically trained Juilliard alumna Yamaha Music In Education Keyboard Lab Beginners Instrumental Music Program Chorus Grade-level musicals

Computer/Technology Designated computer instructor Computer Lab featuring 21 touch screen computers 15 additional computers in classrooms 30 Fusion Keyboards in grades 3-4 SMART Board technology in every classroom Library 15,000 volumes Annual visit by noted children’s author Physical Education Twice a week Fitness testing twice a year Focus on fundamental movement skills, manipulative skills, and basic concepts of various sports and advanced dynamic games Spanish Twice a week Designated Spanish teacher Program begins in pre-K

The Teaching and Learning Center supports and

enhances the academic experience of all students in grades PK-12, while directly serving students who have mild learning differences. The Lower School has two designated learning specialists who support the entire community through instruction, professional development, parent resources and outreach programs. Students work with the learning specialists on an individual or small group basis, focusing on areas of weakness and strength. The Teaching and Learning Center staff works with teachers to develop appropriate differentiated instruction techniques that target students’ specific needs in all subject areas, including reading comprehension, phonics, spelling, writing and vocabulary development, and mathematics. Before and afterschool programs are also offered through the Teaching and Learning Center.

Oth er Progr a ms & Acti v iti es The Buddy Program encourages friendship and interaction between students at different grade levels, in addition to providing an opportunity for older students to serve as role models for the younger children. Buddies meet at various intervals throughout the year for fun activities such as art projects, story time, buddy lunches, holiday projects and athletic events.

Field Trips are coordinated within grade levels, providing opportunities for students to experience learning outside the traditional classroom. Students visit local sites in addition to taking advantage of the many cultural and educational opportunities available in the metro-Atlanta area (i.e. Fernbank, Atlanta Aquarium, Alliance Theater, Woodruff Arts Center, TELLUS Science Museum).

Circle Time occurs daily for students in pre-kindergarten through second grade.

At the beginning of each day, teachers take this opportunity to outline and review the learning activities for the day. This is also a time when character education concepts are explored and discussed.

Character Education is an important part of daily life at the Lower School.

Students incorporate the “6 R’s” (respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, restraint, relationship building and response to community) into a variety of different activities and assignments.

Community Outreach is one of the Lower School’s 6 R’s (response to the community), whereby students learn to give back to their community and develop compassion and empathy for others.

Safety Patrol is open to all students in fourth grade. They are assigned to three areas of the campus and assist the faculty in morning drop-off including bus arrival. Safety Patrol students encourage and remind their peers to observe safety rules at all times by setting good examples. Students work in teams and alternate weeks throughout the school year.

LOWER SCHOOL CAMPUS 105 Shorter Avenue Rome, Georgia 30165 706-291-2522 MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL CAMPUS 1014 Cave Spring Road Rome, Georgia 30161-4700 706-235-6051 www.darlingtonschool.org

Student Council is a student organization that develops young leaders and provides opportunities for service at the Lower School.

WDLS is a closed-circuit TV program produced by the fourth-grade class.

Every student has the opportunity to be an anchor, producer, writer and technician. The program is aired to the entire Lower School each day at 8:05 a.m.

Weekly Assemblies bring the whole school together to celebrate successes and recognize student achievements, both personal and academic. These assemblies reinforce the Lower School’s culture of community and honor those who demonstrate through word and deed our high expectations.

And the opportunities just keep growing‌ 100% college placement 20+ Advanced Placement courses Honors courses in every discipline 25 varsity athletic teams 3 specialized sports academies in soccer, tennis and golf Instrumental Music Conservatory 5 vocal and 10 instrumental ensembles in the Upper School 80+ leadership opportunities in the Upper School 60+ extracurricular opportunities in the Upper School Middle School Orchestra, Jazz Band and Chorus 21 Middle School athletic teams

Catalyzing Extraordinary Lives.