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Greetings from the Parish Day School
Preschool through 3rd Grade
Blazing a Trail
Fall 2022
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"Play is the highest form of research."
Albert Einstein-
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Head of School's Reflection | |
Dear Friends of Redeemer,
Nine years ago, when I was hired as the Director of Redeemer, my youngest son Cole who was in third grade at the time said, “Mom, now that you are in charge of Redeemer, can you please make a big kid school so I can come back?” Cole is about to head off to college, a little too old to return to Redeemer, but these days I reflect on his comments often.
In looking back, I too remember thinking that I wished my children’s time at Redeemer would last forever. I loved knowing splotches of paint and muddy knees meant a great day, and that they learned by using their five senses, through exploration and play. I was grateful that they were in a school where childhood was not rushed but treasured, and learning was driven by curiosity - messy, noisy, interactive.
Research proves that greater brain plasticity and stronger neural connections occur when the senses are engaged in an active, joyful, fun environment. This is why the early learning years are so magical. It is a time of explosive growth!
At Redeemer we are excited to create a unique learning model, preschool through third grade, a full early childhood experience. While this might be novel in Baltimore, similar programs have existed since the 1960s. Our model provides young students opportunities not found elsewhere, impacting independence, confidence and self-worth; it is an excellent foundation for preparing for and navigating all that lies ahead.
This update will provide a glimpse of the exciting things happening at Redeemer. If young children are given the opportunity, it is amazing to see all they can accomplish!
Warm regards,
Mary Knott
Head of School
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Cognition Today
Why Fun, Curiosity, & Engagement Improves Learning
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2nd Graders on Campus
This fall we welcomed our first class of second graders to campus! Their classroom is currently housed in the campus cottage, which was retrofitted with a brain break and play space, locker room, electronic whiteboard, and collaborative learning space. We are grateful to alumni, parishioners, family members, and the Boy Scouts for donating their time and expertise to transform it.
Stories of Faith
Our preschool students attend a weekly chapel service, and new this year, our elementary students take a weekly class with our Day School Chaplain, Rebecca Ogus, or as we like to call her, Mother O! The class is grounded in the philosophy of Godly Play, which nurtures the spiritual lives of children through story, wonder, and play.
Commitment to Affordability
With the help of the Church's Covenant Fund, over the past three years the Day School has increased need-based financial aid by over 50%. We are committed to providing an affordable school option for the early years with low student-teacher ratios in an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment.
After School Enrichment Programs
This fall Redeemer offered its first after school enrichment programs. Students in our pre-k through 2nd grade classes had the opportunity to take Sketches & Skits, a drama and singing class, or Science Academy, an interactive science course.
Korean Classes
In addition to offering Spanish classes to our kindergarten and pre-first, Redeemer now has a weekly Korean class for first and second graders. The class focuses on basic language and vocabulary, as well as aspects of Korean culture.
First School Musical
Last spring our first grade students performed Lion King, Kids! Learning lines and solos, working as a team, and performing in front of over 125 people offered the students an incredible opportunity to develop confidence, leadership, and collaboration skills.
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"The period between preschool and third grade is a tipping point a child's journey toward lifelong learning."
(Initiatives from Preschool to Third Grade; Education System of the States, 2018)
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Dear Folks,
I am so excited about the development of the Parish Day School as we add 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, and all the ways that we are fulfilling the goals of early childhood education. Our noisy, happy environment makes learning imaginative and fun—and all of us are growing along with it. We are just in the concept phase, but leaders are already working with architects and contractors to envision the best way for buildings to expand, as well. You can catch the spirit in the drawing below!
Love,
David Ware
Rector, Church of the Redeemer
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Admissions
Redeemer has a longstanding tradition of promoting strong social, emotional and cognitive growth in young learners, emphasizing individuality within the context of a supportive and vital community with programs for 2s through third grade.
The Redeemer teachers are a talented, kind, and dedicated group of professionals whose mission is to provide a nurturing environment in which to educate 21st century learners.
As we expand our program to complete early childhood education through third grade, we are excited to welcome our first group of third graders in the fall of 2023.
Our website will provide a glimpse of who we are. Families interested in enrollment are encouraged to visit our school to see first-hand the spirit and energy of Redeemer Parish Day School.
We are proud of who we are!
Please click here to learn more about the admissions process.
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Community Engagement at PDS
Strengthening Ties with the Baltimore Community
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Redeemer Parish Day School is committed to strengthening our community through the hands and hard work of our students. Our community engagement initiatives are carefully selected and structured to ensure our students recognize the impact they can make at a young age.
We are thrilled to partner with the following:
Boots for Baltimore
In partnership with the church, the Day School students gather coins and lose change to purchase work boots and warm socks to serve the homeless, the jobless, and the working poor.
CARES/GEDCO Food Pantry
Each week students contribute canned goods and non-perishable items during our chapel service and Stories of Faith for GEDCO's North East Food Pantry. The Parish Day School does a special drive during the holiday season, collecting items for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
First Fruits Farm
First Fruits Farm is a non-profit, Christian ministry dedicated to providing fresh, nutritious food for the hungry. This fall students, teachers, and parents helped bag 18,000 pounds of potatoes to further the mission to GROW MORE, GIVE MORE, SERVE MORE.
Govans Elementary
Govans Elementary is a pubic charter school, operated by the Baltimore Curriculum Project. About 1 mile from Redeemer, Govans has partnered with Redeemer since 2011. Our first grade students participate in the “Hi, Neighbor!” Initiative, which is a child-centered program whose goal is to build community by bringing students together.
John Hopkins Pediatric Oncology
The Pediatric Oncology Program of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center is focused entirely on the research and treatment of childhood cancers. Each spring the PDS students, 2s through 2nd grade, participate in Pedal for Pediatrics @ Redeemer to raise necessary funds to support new discoveries to improve the lives of children with cancer around the world. To date, we have raised over $75,000.
ShareBaby
ShareBaby seeks to address the unmet needs of of Baltimore's most vulnerable young children. During the Christmas season, the Parish Day School hosts a drive to collect diapers, baby wipes, hats, and mittens.
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We Want to Stay Connected
Redeemer Parish Day School is a wonderful community of families, teachers, staff, alumni, extended family, and friends. As we expand our program through third grade we provide a unique learning model not found elsewhere in Baltimore. During this exciting time in our school history, we are excited to connect with the wonderful people who make up our community.
We are interested in knowing more about you and sharing news and information about our program and school growth. Please click the link below and consider forwarding this email to family and friends who might be interested in hearing from us.
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