Hi! I am Ms. Amy, and I am new to WFS this year. I teach Kindergarten, 1st grade phonics and 1st through 3rd grade Math. Our phonics and math lessons are embedded in our English Language Arts curriculum, along with history, social studies, earth science, and life sciences, including health and human anatomy. The interdisciplinary nature of our ELA curricula encourages students to do some deep exploration of specific subject matter while learning and practicing new language arts skills that are foundational to all learning.
As a new member of the WFS teaching staff I have discovered wonderful strengths in this little school. We are intentional about having small class sizes, which means increased attention to each learner’s needs. Just like public schools, we follow the Kansas State Standards, which allows our students to transition smoothly into public education at any point. In addition to having a strong and integrated curriculum we broaden our children’s educational horizons with afternoon enrichment classes and monthly field trips. Enrichment activities like Spanish, Music, Sign Language, Baking, Art, Board Games, Physical Education, Library, Worship and Godly Play stretch our students’ cognitive and social/emotional development in beneficial ways. Some of our enrichment classes are taught by retired educators who love teaching children and enjoy bringing their expertise to Wichita Friends School. This expands the opportunities our students have to build friendships, practice communication skills and receive loving affirmation.
I would like to note two other strengths that I have come to deeply appreciate. WFS has a “SPICES” curriculum. The SPICES are a Quaker teaching tool that reflect the Quaker testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Stewardship of God’s Creation. Learning about the SPICES throughout the year gives us a non-doctrinal way to practice values rooted deep in the Bible and in our American ideals.
Conscious Discipline is the classroom management system we use. It teaches children (and adults!) about self-control and self-regulation through practicing respect and affirmation. As children learn to identify, control, and manage their emotions they are enabled to make safe and healthy choices and develop healthy relationships with classmates and friends.
I hope some of my initial impressions of Wichita Friends School bring joy and understanding to you. We are a close-knit school community – children, families and teachers – and we love working together to help our children feel empowered and ready to thrive in life.
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