Curriculum Highlights for 3rd-5th
- Intentional focus on development of whole child: academic, social, and emotional
- Classroom projects and inter-curricular work used to promote hands-on and replicate real-world learning
- Strong emphasis on writing and communication skills
- New literacy curriculum that incorporates the arts and sciences
Meet the 3rd -5th Grade Team
Caring, Passionate Educators and Mentors
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Tracy Lewis
3rd Grade Teacher & Team Leader
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Louis Torchio
4th Grade & Music Teacher
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John Gordon
5th Grade Teacher, Head of Business Development
Tracy Lewis
3rd Grade Teacher & Team Leader
What is Mrs. Lewis’ background?
Mrs. Lewis has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN, and a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.
About Mrs. Lewis’ family
Her family consists of a grown daughter who lives in California, a grown son serving as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force stationed in South Korea, and a husband who moved with her from Minnesota to North Carolina in 2018.
One of Mrs. Lewis’ funniest moments teaching
Once when Mrs. Lewis was about 42, she told her 5th grade class that she was 25. Apparently, this became the talk around the dinner table, and even though she had a 16-year-old daughter and some of her kids were pretty good at math, a group of moms brought her a 25th birthday cake on her birthday!
Mrs. Lewis’ proudest moment
“My proudest moment was when my son was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant.”
What are Mrs. Lewis’ hobbies?
Louis Torchio
4th Grade & Music Teacher
What is Mr. Torchio’s background?
Mr. Torchio has a Music Business degree from Montreat College and a Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education from Western Governors University.
About Mr. Torchio’s family
He has a wife of four years and a 16-month-old son.
Where did Mr. Torchio grow up?
Mr. Torchio grew up in Centreville, MD
Where is his favorite place?
Charleston, SC, is his favorite place.
Who influences or inspires him?
He is inspired by Jesus, Eddie Vedder, Bob Dylan, Ghandi, and Buddha.
What is his favorite quote?
Mr. Torchio’s favorite quote is, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
What are his hobbies?
John Gordon
5th Grade Teacher, Head of Business Development
What is Mr. Gordon’s background?
Mr. Gordon graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in business, went to the best MBA program for Entrepreneurship, Babson College, then spent 20+ years helping little businesses become bigger businesses before a recent career change.
What was Mr. Gordon like in school?
Mr. Gordon was a perfectionist who did not talk a lot but worked hard to get good grades.
Mr. Gordon’s favorite childhood memories?
He would play stickball in his backyard with his next oldest brother, who was his best friend throughout childhood. It was one thing he could beat his brother in. They played all the way through college, and he has the bad elbow to show for it.
What does he love most about teaching?
Mr. Gordon loves to watch the children’s growth: in spirit, humor, resilience, and of course, in academics.
Proudest Moment
Progress Monitoring: How do we know your child is ready for the Next Step?
- MobyMax used for individualized progress monitoring and differentiation instruction to fill in any learning gaps or further challenge students
- Acadience reading and math benchmark assessments used to monitor growth
- Yearly standardized assessment used as a tool to guide instruction and measure student growth but not as definitive way in which growth is measured
Five Star Accreditation for 5-Star Care. Capable, loving preparation for elementary school.
Focusing on the fundamentals and differentiation of strengths to target math and reading foundations.
A safe environment for developing mature teens ready for the challenges of high school and beyond.
