The theme for the fourth grade class is “Environments.” This year we are going to study animal and plant environments, indigenous and colonial cultures, and our own communities. This theme allows for the integration of all content areas through the arts and promotes a creative, student-centered learning environment.

Our first “environment” is our Hopes and Dreams project. The students used shoeboxes, magazines, and embellishments to create the ideal environments in which they can pursue their future careers. Inside the boxes, students wrote about their goals for the upcoming year and how accomplishing these goals will help them to achieve their future dream jobs. You can look at each display “environment” and see the diverse interests of the fourth grade class. They are wonderful to see and are open for public viewing.

Ms. Kate is originally from Nashville, Tennessee. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Art History, she moved to Washington, DC to begin the DC Teaching Fellows program. She taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grade special education students for three years in DC Public Schools. During this time, she earned her master’s degree in non-categorical Special Education. This is her first year at SAIL and she is so excited!

Mr. Christian is originally from Vinya del Mar, Chile. He received his undergraduate degree in special education at the Catholic University of Valpairaiso. He arrived in the United States in 2006 and began teaching eighth grade at SAIL upper school. He currently resides in Maryland with his wife and three children. This is his first year at SAIL lower school. His wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude keep the fourth graders on track!