Horizon 2025 - Flipbook - Page 16
LOWER SCHOOL NEWS
Christine Davis, Head of Lower School
With 298
students in the
2024-2025
school year,
Lower School
set a record
for its largest
enrollment.
Students and
teachers were
engaged in their
classrooms with Montessori lessons,
language therapy and special events
both on and off campus. All Lower
School students experienced robust
enrichment through the specials
program.
At the Early Childhood through
second-grade level, students
participated in STEAM, library/
makerspace, PE and Showtime. At
the third- and fourth-grade level,
offerings included drama, music,
STEM, coding, art and PE. Across all
of Lower School, students received
direct social skills instruction through
the Character Strong program.
International Day of Peace
Lower School students came together
to celebrate the International Day
of Peace on Sept. 19, 2024. Music
teacher and band director Ken Utz
led students and staff in singing and
signing “Light a Candle for Peace.”
Maria Montessori’s Birthday
Homecoming Week
Lower School celebrated Maria
Montessori on Aug. 30, 2024, in honor of
her birthday on Aug. 31. Chef Christian
Moreno and his staff helped bring the
celebration to life with a pink tower
cake and iced pink tower cookies.
Parent volunteers assisted with cookie
distribution as students and staff
honored the woman who created the
philosophy and materials used to deliver
Shelton’s multisensory curriculum.
On Oct. 28, 2024, the whole school
gathered for the homecoming pep
rally on the football field. Lower School
students celebrated their adopted high
school seniors, helped announce the
homecoming court and presented each
nominee with a special gift.
The Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo visited Shelton on
Oct. 8, 2024, giving Lower School
students the chance to meet a variety of
animals, including an anteater, a bearded
dragon, a tortoise and an owl. Students
learned fun facts about each animal and
were able to pet some of the furry and
scaly creatures.
On Oct. 18, 2024, third- and fourth-grade
students came together for a special field
day focused on building connections and
celebrating togetherness. Organized by
teacher Jennifer Drake, the day included
activities across the gym, baseball field,
playground and classrooms. Parent
volunteers helped make the event
special by leading games and serving
a picnic-style lunch.
Book Fair
Lower School students in Early
Childhood through fourth grade
learned a cheer routine from Shelton’s
Varsity Cheer team and Chargerettes.
They participated in the Junior
Charger Cheer Clinic and performed
during halftime at the varsity football
game on Sept. 13, 2024.
14
NOVEMBER 2025
THE HORIZON
On Nov. 11, 2024, Lower School students
gathered in the Moody Fine Arts Lobby
for a heartfelt Veterans Day ceremony
honoring Shelton staff members who
have served in the military. Each veteran
was recognized and thanked for their
service. Students presented handmade
posters from each classroom along with
a small token of appreciation to show
gratitude. It was a meaningful morning
filled with pride, respect and reflection as
the community came together to honor
those who have given so much.
Primary Field Trips
Togetherness Picnic
Junior Charger Cheer
Veterans Day
The Scholastic Book Fair was a big hit
in Lower School, thanks to librarians
Mary Drexler and Marissa Montgomery.
Students explored a wide variety of
books, sparking excitement and a love
for reading. On Oct. 17 and 21, 2024,
families joined for Books and Bagels
with a Special Friend, making memories
over stories and snacks. It was a joyful
celebration of books, friendship and
community.
SHELTON SCHOOL
Primary students enjoyed two field
trips that brought their learning to
life. At the Dallas Children’s Theater,
they experienced “Dino-Light,” a
glow-in-the-dark show combining
puppetry, dance and technology. At the
Heritage Farmstead Museum, students
participated in the Farmer Duck Tour,
which featured a storytime reading and
hands-on farm chores. Both trips offered
interactive ways to explore storytelling,
science and history.
Author Visits
Lower School students were inspired
by visits from three celebrated authors
this year — Kwame Alexander, Jerry
Craft and Don Tate. Each author shared
stories, creative processes and personal
journeys as writers and illustrators.
The events were made possible by
the Shelton Parents’ Association in
collaboration with librarians Mary Drexler
and Marissa Montgomery. The authors
sparked imagination and a love of
storytelling
in young
readers.
