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Mathematics
Mathematics: Math is seen as another language. We could call the subject “numeracy” in keeping with “literacy”, which may more accurately reflect our understanding of the subject. Children need practice in mathematics in order to build confidence, and they often do best when the approach to the subject allows them to grow their sense of number over time. A “spiral curriculum”, one that keeps returning to certain basic concepts while at the same time pushing outward, meets the needs of most children. We work with math standards established by the National Council of Mathematics and draw our resources from the Miquon Math Program, Bridges Mathematics Curriculum, Math Their Way and Marilyn Burns material.
Sources that Inform Our Curriculum
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The Curriculum in Action:
Students Write about Time
Faculty
Teaching at Lake and Park is collaborative as themes are shared across the grades and among the teachers. We believe that children benefit from learning art (and sports and music) from a teacher whom they also learn to read and write and do mathematics with; each teacher operates as a generalist. Because there is a strong multi-age component to each school day, each child is known and supported by the entire faculty.
Jami Baker
Jami Baker has a Master of Science in Childhood Education with a Bilingual Extension from CCNY and holds Bachelor Degrees in Linguistics, English Literature, and Spanish from WWU. She started her teaching career in the Galapagos Islands at a school dedicated to conservation and sustainability before becoming a NYC Teaching Fellow where she piloted the first Spanish English Dual Language Program in Brooklyn. Jami is also a certified Yoga Teacher and Social Emotional Learning Facilitator. Originally from Seattle, she is enthusiastic about blending Spanish with nature education in the PNW.
Quynh Cao
Quynh Cao teaches the children in the North Room. Cao received a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Texas A & M. She also holds a degree from Del Mar College in Digital Media. She joined our faculty in September of 2013, having taught in the Texas public schools before moving to Seattle. Cao serves as the school's registrar.
Camille Hayward
Camille Hayward is a graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in English and Elementary Education. Before founding the school is 2003, she taught at various independent schools in the Seattle area. As well as being Head of School, she continues as a teacher working in the Beginning Room. Camille grew up in the Greater Seattle area, in both King and Kitsap counties, which allows her to keep in regular touch with friends and family.
Eileen Hynes
Eileen Hynes holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Bank Street College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from Kenyon College. Eileen is the Director of Thematic Studies and the Admissions Director. Nationally Board Certified in 2006, she is a National Geographic Teacher Fellow and a NOAA Climate Steward. Eileen was named the Seattle World Affairs Council World Educator in 2016. She has been a faculty member since 2011.
Kim Martinson
Kim Martinson teaches the children in the Very Beginning Room and works in various capacities throughout the school. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and the Teaching of Social Studies from Western Washington University. Kim joined the Lake and Park faculty in 2016. When not in the classroom, Kim loves to travel. As a recently certified scuba diver, Kim enjoys observing that natural world through new perspectives.
Kieran McElvaney
Kieran McElvaney teaches in the Big Room. He holds a Bachelor degree in Early Elementary Education from Georgia
State University. Certified in Special Education, McElvaney taught in Fulton County Schools in Atlanta prior to his move to Seattle. Kieran brings his curiosity and love of the natural world into the classroom. He strives to inspire a love of learning and inquiry.
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McKenna Nading
McKenna Nading is a recent Whitman College graduate with a degree in Rhetoric, Writing, and Public Discourse. Before joining Lake and Park, she served as one of Whitman’s writing tutors. When summer rolled around, she worked as a camp counselor in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. She is able to bring her passion for writing and the outdoors into her role at school. While she often floats between classrooms working with all ages, her primary position at Lake and Park is After Care.
Elizabeth Russell
Elizabeth Russell is a graduate of The University of Vermont with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education. Prior to moving to Seattle, she taught a variety of primary grades at independent schools in The Bay Area. This year, Elizabeth will be teaching in the Beginning Room! In her free time she enjoys hiking with her dog and making pottery.
Marian Sheehan
Marian Sheehan holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota in Speech-Language Pathology. She works throughout the school as an academic support specialist. Sheehan joined the faculty at Lake and Park in 2015.