• Curriculum Overview
• After School
• Events and Celebrations
• Service Learning and Partnerships
• Special Assemblies
• Mini Courses

by Suzanne Heckendorn, with Gloria and Ali, Main Circle Teachers

The "big picture" is central to all of the Main Circle's learning, with central themes such as Folktales, the Indonesia culture study, and Native American History, academic work stays engaging and interesting. For example, the current Folktale Study gives students an opportunity to read, comprehend, discuss and analyze stories. Writing activities include mapping out stories and creating stories within the genre. In math, students map out data as the elements of different stories and analyze the results to determine which elements are most commonly found in folktales. Engaging in philosophical discussions about folktale morals and examining different cultures through their folktales creates a perfect link to social studies.

Gloria and Ali work together on a daily basis for cohesion between both classrooms.  "Shared planning time is built into each week so we are always aware of what the other is doing and have the opportunity to plan activities together. The doors between our rooms are almost always open allowing a natural flow between the rooms." Kids and teachers enjoy rich cross-group connections.

In the Main Circle, Gloria and Ali introduce students to the concept of homework. Beginning in third grade, Ali and Gloria assign homework on Monday and expect it brought back on Thursday and Friday. Homework "gives parents a chance to work with their children at home and gives students a chance to think about and practice time management and responsibility. In the Main Circle, students start to see themselves as, and are treated more like, 'big kids,' with stepped up expectations."

Along with increased academic expectations, Main Circle is also a time when students get to experience several rich SRV traditions for the first time. These opportunities challenge students and encourage them to take risks. A spring overnight camping trip, participation in Track and Field Days in May, and learning and performing the traditional Sword Dance at May Fair are events children look forward to with both excitement and trepidation. Main Circle students take a more active role as community members. They partner with preschool students early in the year and have many opportunities to act as mentors. Third and fourth grade students are responsible for collecting recycling from their classrooms as well as the 'Chip' building, in addition to taking compost from 5 day preschool, Primary Circle, and Main Circle up to the Organic Garden and Learning Center.

Gloria began her tenure at SRV in 1992 and has worked as science teacher, preschool lead teacher and Main Circle lead teacher. She is particularly interested in literacy development, problem solving, and helping kids be active learners.

Ali joined The School in Rose Valley staff in 2005. Previously, she taught at Germantown Friends School and the Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School. Ali worked for two years as a Community Development Coordinator at the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center in Costa Rica. She is bilingual (Spanish/English) and her professional interests include bilingual education in the U.S. and Latin America.