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Kindergarten
Guided by the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth, we take a hand on, project-based and investigative approach to our learning.
The kindergarten classroom is a positive and nurturing learning environment where each students’ strengths, needs, and interests are met. A multimodal approach to learning which includes kinesthetic, auditory, and visual modalities is valued and implemented.
Our days are filled with learning about our Catholic faith, discussing important social-emotional lessons, and engaging in rigorous academic work that helps to build strong academic foundations.
Each week we visit the library, playground, and Preschool/Kindergarten Garden. We happily sing, dance, create artwork, and engage in celebratory events as we joyfully take part in our year of learning.
Meet the Teacher
Miss Candice Kelchner
Miss Kelchner earned her bachelor of science degree in journalism from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Additionally, she obtained her multiple subjects credential and master of arts in teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University. Miss Kelchner is enthusiastic about working with all students and is excited to nurture each child's academic growth and faith life.
First Grade
Welcome to first grade, this is a year full of growth for your child.
Students become more aware of others around them and learn how to work together in small groups. They become attentive listeners, develop the skills to follow multistep directions, and learn how to wait their turn. We also work on public speaking in morning meetings and on share days.
In religion, students learn how to live as children of God, how we live as a family, and a community by incorporating the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth of respect, hospitality, love, justice, compassion, and patience.
First grade is the exciting year where students become exceptional readers by using letter sounds to decode simple and more complicated words. Students become independent readers by working in small groups to encourage reading at all levels.
In writing, students continue practicing proper letter formation and learn how to compose complete sentences to include all capitalization and punctuation. Throughout the year, students learn how to organize their thoughts and work through the writing process.
In math, students learn how to write and count up to 120. We practice counting by 1, 2, 5, and 10 starting at a different number other than 0. We work on addition and subtraction facts by using daily two-minute drills. Students learn concepts such as “less than”, “greater than”, and “equal to”. At the end of the year, we work on simple patterns, shapes, time, coins, weight, length, and simple fractions.
In the world of science, students get a better understanding of the Earth’s oceans and sea life. Students understand nature lifecycle’s including living things and what they need to grow. In social studies, students learn about the past, how things change, individual responsibilities of citizenship, their communities, and the traditions of the United States.
Meet the Teacher
Second Grade
The second-grade year is one filled with many fun and exciting activities and events.
This is an important year in which second graders learn and grow spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. As a class, the children prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. They also continue to learn about the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth and incorporating these values into their daily lives.
We encourage a collaborative environment where students feel safe, loved, and empowered. In second-grade, Nazareth School plans engaging lessons that allow all students to reach their full potential. The classroom routine is consistent, allowing second graders to feel successful in their daily activities. Our goal is to ensure students become lifelong learners, caring individuals, and self-motivated.
During the year, our class learns cursive writing, adding and subtracting hundreds with regrouping, and the responsibilities of being a member of different communities and groups. As is our custom in second-grade, we visit Nazareth House on a monthly basis to share our time and talents with the senior residents.
We encourage the joy for reading in all of our subjects. For instance, stories in our reading books demonstrate how characters share and care about other people in our culture. These are lessons we can take to heart and hopefully put to use in our daily lives.
Our second grade is a wonderful place where the children learn to grow both spiritually and academically, but most of all, we make learning fun and have a great time in the process.
Meet the Teacher
Mr. Guy Hillila
Mr. Hillila has a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in teaching and learning. He has been teaching since 2004 and enjoys preparing his students for their sacraments.
Third Grade
Third grade is an exciting time for student development–socially, academically, and spiritually.
Students’ religion classes give them a deeper appreciation for Scripture, liturgy, community, and prayer. Many of our award-winning literature selections focus on the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth. Catholic identity is highlighted in social studies and science. We are called to live respectfully in community with others and to be good stewards of the earth.
Our math program focuses on building fluency and application of prior skills and developing an understanding of multiplication and division skills, and strategies. Our grammar instruction teaches students to communicate their written ideas clearly and correctly. Third-graders have many opportunities to apply writing skills across our entire curriculum.
As a class, we love to work on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through project-based learning techniques.
Third grade at Nazareth School is filled with many wonderful learning experiences!
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Amy Meder
Mrs. Meder grew up in San Diego and attended St. Vincent's for kindergarten through eighth grade, followed by OLP for high school, and graduated from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. There, she received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, and went on to earn a Masters Degree in Reading Education from San Diego State University. She has taught second through fifth grades for over ten years in the Diocese of San Diego. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students practice perseverance and have their "lightbulb" moments.
Fourth Grade
Welcome to fourth grade at Nazareth School! Students embark on an exciting journey filled with new information and creativity.
In religion, we continue to incorporate the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth and how they relate to the liturgical calendar and the Ten Commandments. It is important for fourth graders to discuss and understand how the Ten Commandments apply to them on a personal level. Students also learn to pray a decade of the Rosary daily with special intentions.
Students utilize their prior knowledge of writing as well as their new grammar lessons to produce well-written work in all subject areas. In math, students will master multi-digit multiplication, long division, and fractions that will prepare their math foundation for later years.
In science, students learn through a hands-on approach. Observation of seed germination and journal writing will document every step of their science experience. When the seedlings are ready, they will transplant them into our beautiful Nazareth School garden. This is just one of the many exciting lessons fourth-graders endeavor throughout the year.
In social studies, we learn about our rich California history and its journey to statehood. We travel through time studying about the early Californians, the Gold Rush, and the state's development. Fourth graders also learn about the 58 California counties through an engaging song, which they thoroughly enjoy.
Fourth grade at Nazareth School is a wonderful place to learn and grow!
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Maria Walthall
Mrs. Walthall is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, with a bachelor of arts degree in art education, and she is continuing on with her master's degree in education. She began teaching in 1998 and has happily taught fourth grade for 13 years and third grade for three years. She is a lifelong learner who constantly strives to further her knowledge, and a mother to two incredible, kindhearted sons.
Fifth Grade
By integrating the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth of respect, hospitality, love, justice, compassion, and patience into the entire curriculum, fifth-grade students deepen their relationship with God through knowledge (head) and faith (heart). We call this the Nazareth Way.
Fifth grade is a transition year as we prepare for the challenges of middle school. We widen our view of the world by learning about our American heritage and the beloved fifty states. The students steadily and progressively move towards becoming independent learners and critical thinkers in all academic subject areas.
By providing a loving, nurturing, and spiritual environment, fifth-graders reach their highest potential.
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Donna Rose
Mrs. Rose earned her bachelor of arts degree in liberal studies from San Diego State University and has taught since 1990. She feels blessed to call Nazareth “home” since 2012. Fifth grade is her happy place.
Sixth Grade
Sixth-grade is an exciting time of change for our students as they embark on their first year of middle school. Students experience a true junior high environment with rotating classes and subject-specific teachers. This is the first progression towards their preparation for high school. Rest assured, they will quickly get comfortable in their new role as a middle school student.
One of the highlights for our students is Sixth Grade Camp. Students spend a week in beautiful Julian connecting to nature and God. It is a wonderful outdoor learning experience for the students that fosters the growth of both their social and leadership skills. In this environment, relationships become stronger, and students grow as a family. During this time and throughout the year, sixth-grade continues to learn about the Nazareth Way through the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth.
By the end of sixth grade, your child is comfortable with their role as a middle school student and is ready to enter seventh grade with great enthusiasm.
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Bethanny McGuire
Homeroom Teacher
Religion: Grade 6
Literature: Grade 6
Social Studies: Grades 6,7,8
Mrs. McGuire grew up in San Diego and studied at California State University, San Marcos earning a bachelor of arts in history and dual credentials in both social studies and English. She has taught in Catholic schools for over eight years and is passionate about making her students confident writers.
Seventh Grade
Our seventh graders experience many exciting adventures inside and outside of the classroom.
Continuing their high school preparation, students focus on the “Life of Christ” and the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth in religion; world cultures in social studies; biology; pre-algebra; writing and grammar in language arts; many novel studies in literature; Spanish 1A; and physical education; as well as an integration of technology and the arts.
Technology is utilized throughout the curriculum in order to prepare students for the demands of high school. One supplemental learning platform is IXL which provides individualized learning catered to student ability. It is the next generation in assisting and helping students enjoy math, science, language arts, and Spanish and leads to achieving outstanding results. Students also attend Spanish class twice a week in preparation for their high school foreign language curriculum.
In the fall, students rotate between going to the Museum of Tolerance and the John Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. In January, with the guidance of our middle school science teacher, students participate in our Nazareth School science fair, and many go on to compete in the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair and then on to the California State Science and Engineering Fair. In the spring, the students set out to sea to study marine life aboard the Marine Science Floating Lab.
Seventh grade is an exciting year!
Meet the Teacher
Homeroom Teacher
Religion: Grade 7
Grammar & Vocabulary: Grades 6,7,8
Writing: Grades 6,7,8
Ms. Sipe grew up attending schools in the San Diego Catholic Diocese. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education, minoring in social studies. Since 1994, Ms. Sipe has enjoyed teaching in the diocese, sharing her faith and love for learning with all her students.
Eighth Grade
The eighth-grade year is one filled with excitement and anticipation.
Eighth-grade students prepare academically and socially for high school. They visit Catholic high school campuses and begin reviewing for the HSPT (High School Placement Test) entrance exam.
Some exciting activities for the eighth-grade class include Shadowplay, May crowning, eighth-grade retreat, prayer services, talent show finale, Halloween Haunted House, Disneyland, and various eighth-grade privileges. Many of the students participate in our annual school play as well as various sports. In addition to all the eighth-grade activities, our students are challenged with classes in Church History, Algebra, U.S. History, Life Science, Language Arts, Spanish, Art, and P.E.
Since we follow the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth, we require students to participate in service hours each quarter. Our eighth-grade class service project focuses on beach clean-up days. Acting as role models for the younger students, the eighth-grade students sit with their kindergarten Prayer Buddies during school liturgies, and they help their buddies with various school projects. Eighth-grade enjoys spending time and working with their prayer buddies.
The eighth-grade year at Nazareth School is not only challenging but includes a variety of fun activities. At the end of a very fulfilling and rewarding year, our students graduate prepared for high school and walk away from Nazareth with many fond memories.
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Kathryn Valenti
Religion: Grade 8
Literature: Grades 7 & 8
Mrs. Valenti has been a teacher since 1989. She studied at Loyola Marymount University, Chapman University, and Notre Dame University. She enjoys teaching her students about her favorite playwright, Shakespeare.
Middle School Advanced Math/General Math
The math curriculum at Nazareth School reinforces students' reasoning and analytical abilities. Students learn to be critical thinkers and problem-solvers in regard to the world around them.
In middle school, an advanced math program enables students to reach their full potential. General math students are given the gift of smaller class size in order to master their math skills.
Meet The Teacher
Mrs. Kinkead is a graduate of the University of San Diego and holds a Master’s Degree in Education. She has been teaching middle school math since 2004 and her passion is instructing advanced math.
Resource
Guided by the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth and our faith in God, the learning support director provides a supportive learning environment where an individualized approach is taken to help students grow in all academic areas.
Meet The Teacher
Mrs. Amy Meder
Learning Support Director
Mrs. Meder grew up in San Diego and attended St. Vincent's for kindergarten through eighth grade, followed by OLP for high school, and graduated from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. There, she received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, and went on to earn a Masters Degree in Reading Education from San Diego State University. She has taught second through fifth grades for over ten years in the Diocese of San Diego. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students practice perseverance and have their "lightbulb" moments.
Science
The science curriculum at Nazareth School provides our students with a “hands-on” exploration of our world. In middle school, the curriculum for Earth Science, Biology, and Physical Science allows students to develop an understanding of scientific principles through experimentation and concept understanding. Students are encouraged to be creative in exploring their own scientific questions.
The Scientific Method is key to allowing our students to explore topics and phenomena. With concept support within each curriculum area, they are able to research and develop their own procedures for experimentation. The skills they acquire can transfer to the application of critical thinking, organization, discipline, and data processing for analysis.
Our seventh-grade students, with the guidance of the science teacher, have repeatedly been invited to present their projects at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair each year. Their success has been documented by receiving not only first and second place awards but Junior Division Sweepstakes Awards as well. Professional organizations have found a number of our student’s projects worthy of additional awards and have invited them to give presentations to the organization’s membership.
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Marilyn Reed
Science Specialist
Mrs. Reed has worked for over 20 years as a high school and middle school biology teacher. She has an M.S. in Biology and an M.A. in secondary science curriculum. In 2011, she was runner up for the California State Science Fair Teacher of the Year award in Los Angeles, and in 2019 received the award for Excellence in Science Teaching from the San Diego Science Educators Association. Additionally, she was part of a grant through UCSD for the promotion of NGSS in middle school.