Lower School Parent Engagement

The Steward experience encourages meaningful connections inside and outside the classroom. Here, Spartans learn in an environment that enriches and inspires new ways of thinking … and new ways of looking at themselves and the world. 

Our strategic plan, Compass 2028: Inspire the Future, highlights the importance of building and engaging the community to make Steward stronger than ever. Parent partnerships are essential to our success, and in Lower School, these partnerships take shape in all sorts of ways. Below is a sampling of the wonderful ways that parents enrich the Lower School experience. 

Throughout this school year, first-grade parents have volunteered in their children’s classrooms as “mystery readers.” Parents provide several clues ahead of time, which are shared with the class during morning meeting. The students have a blast trying to guess who that day’s reader will be! The first-grade teachers put the door curtain down for added suspense, and the parent knocks three times while students wait in anticipation. Book selections have included familiar classics, humorous stories, holiday favorites, and books that hold particular significance to individual families.

“It’s maximum fun for all!” said First Grade Teacher Sabra Willhite. “The children love listening to a surprise story or two from the day’s visitor, and we cherish the connections we make with our families.”

Lower School parents bring extra joy to classrooms when they host parties, share what makes their culture special, and chat about their work in the community. This year, junior kindergarteners welcomed parents who gave presentations about Diwali and Rosh Hashana. These special guests read books, led dances, and served treats that are associated with these holidays. 

When a firefighter parent stopped by to talk about his work, our youngest Spartans listened intently … and then got to try on some of his firefighter equipment! And when third graders studied Asia, parent visitors led hands-on activities centered around the food, customs, and traditions that celebrate the Chinese New Year. Fifth graders learned about contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, famous for her pumpkin paintings and sculptures, and then created their very own Kusama-inspired pumpkin art. Parents who visited the classroom art gallery were delighted with their students’ creations.  

On Valentine’s Day, parents of fifth graders were invited to a hands-on activity that was full of heart! Blending science and mathematics skills, fifth graders led parents through creating bath bombs (scented orbs made of baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, oils, and fragrances that make bathwater fizzy and fun). 

“Fifth graders have been learning about matter and the signs of chemical reactions in their recent science unit,” said Fifth Grade Teacher Ron Coles. “Creating bath bombs is a great way to illustrate how combining common ingredients results in a chemical reaction (and a sweet-smelling bath treat!). It’s also a terrific way to incorporate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) lessons and team up with parents.”

In the second marking period, fourth graders deepened their understanding of science and social studies units by visiting the Science Museum of Virginia as well as Jamestown. 

“Parent chaperones were thoroughly engaged in the experience and had just as much fun as the students!” said Fourth Grade Teacher Sade Silver. “We are grateful for parent participation in our many experiences beyond the walls of our classroom.” 

Fourth graders are nearing the end of their year-long study of finance and entrepreneurship through the Mini-Economy program, a long-standing Steward tradition. Budding entrepreneurs study the basics of microeconomics and then design, manufacture, and plan the sales of their very own products. They will showcase their hard work at the upcoming fourth-grade Mini-Economy Market Day for parents as well as the Lower School community. Retired Steward teacher Chris Tickle, who returns to campus to guide students through their weekly lessons, said, “Mini-Economy is a wonderful way for students to have real-world conversations with their families. We are thankful for the support of our parents as students research and design their products!”

What do you get when you combine the joy of reading, school spirit, and athletics? Lower School Literacy Night! In January, Spartan families and faculty had a terrific time at our second annual Literacy Day at the U of R basketball game. Please save the date for our spring Literacy Night at the Tuesday, April 15 Flying Squirrels baseball game. The bases will be loaded with fun, and our fifth graders have been invited to sing the National Anthem! We look forward to celebrating them and our amazing community of readers.