Primary / Elementary Learning Community Kindergarten - 4th Grade
Students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade build a strong foundation in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking while developing creativity, independence, and positive social skills. As students progress through the elementary grades, they strengthen their reading and writing fluency, apply foundational math skills to increasingly complex concepts, and develop their ability to communicate ideas clearly through writing, research, and the use of evidence to support their thinking.
A supportive and nurturing learning environment promotes students’ spiritual, academic, social, emotional, and physical development. Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners, helping each student grow academically, personally, and in faith.
Primary / Elementary Learning Highlights
Kindergarten
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Host the Volunteer Breakfast and Mass
- 8th Grade Mass Buddies
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Kindergarten Star of the Week
1st Grade
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Fall Pumpkin Farm Field Trip
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6th Grade Mass Buddies
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Classroom “pet”. Each student gets to take home for a weekend and write about their adventures
2nd Grade
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Sacramental preparation and celebration of First Reconciliation and First Communion
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7th Grade Mass Buddies
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Field Trips to the Zoo and Pumpkin Patch
3rd Grade
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Pray the Our Father in sign language at 3rd Grade-led Mass
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Family Christmas Tradition project
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Veterans Day Mass and recognition
4th Grade
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Shark Tank economics unit
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Battle of the Books (4th-6th Grades)
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Student-produced film festival
Meet Our Elementary Learning Team
Our team at Saint Mary School is committed to nurturing the minds and souls of our students. With a strong focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth, our educators strive to instill values of compassion, integrity, and service in each child.
Mrs. Ellen Loffredo
Kindergarten Teacher
This is my first year teaching at Saint Mary. I am beyond excited to join the Saint Mary community, become part of a new team, and continue growing as an educator. I can’t wait to bring my enthusiasm, creativity, and love for Jesus into my classroom while continuing to teach the age group that I love so much. I love watching the students grow in their faith and in their learning!
Mrs. Susan McGready
2nd Grade Teacher
This is my first year teaching at Saint Mary. Second grade is the best place to be! My passion has always been preparing my students for the sacraments. I feel blessed to be a partner with our faith community in preparing children to receive Jesus for the first time!
Mrs. Catherine Wenzel
4th Grade Teacher
I have been part of SMS for 9 years as a parent and 5.5 years as a teacher. I teach to share my joy and passion for learning, and I love the families—especially the students! What I want most is for my students to become confident, lifelong learners filled with joy and faith.
Mrs. Suzanne Walzer
1st Grade Teacher
I teach to inspire students to exceed their learning goals while instilling the highest level of character formation, using differentiation to ensure every learner can be successful. I want to ignite an intrinsic passion for learning with an academic focus complemented by stellar social and emotional growth. My favorite part of SMS is the supportive and values driven community.
Ms. Angela Olson
3rd Grade Teacher
This is my 6th year at Saint Mary School. I want to guide students in being problem solvers and critical thinkers ready to accomplish whatever they want to achieve in the world, and become life-long learners.
