Join the Fun!

Stepping Stones at Redeemer Classical School is a program of enrichment classes taught from a classical Christian perspective — a program which seeks to cultivate a love of WISDOM, a passion for TRUTH and a delight in BEAUTY. Discipline, joy, respect, diligence and integrated thinking make their way into each lesson as experienced teachers guide students in their explorations of the exciting world around us.

Classes will run Tuesdays January 22 - March 26

Registration is $120 per class. Register before January 15th for only $100! (Note: A $10 material fee applies for certain classes.)

Register Online- Click Here

Class Schedule

Globe Trotting: Hands-On Exploration of the World (Grades 1-3, 4-6) (Zoe Hansen)

This geography class focuses on modern-day countries and cultures around the world, one nation each week.   We will sample foods, read stories, create projects and art, do experiments, study maps, and meet and talk to real people from cultures very different from ours.   Graduates of this class will see how people around the world are both very different but also very much like them.  We will continue on our journey around the world with several new countries this term; both new and returning students welcome.

Zoe Hansen has been a 3rd and 4th grade teacher at Redeemer and is currently teaching the 2nd grade class.  Previously, she homeschooled her four children for six years.  She spent 5 years as a missionary kid living in Europe and has traveled to many countries.  She also studied at the Art Institute of Atlanta and has occasionally filled in for art classes at Stepping Stones.  She is thrilled to be able to combine these experiences and interests in a class designed to introduce young people to the wonderful cultures around our amazing world.

Treasure Trove of Crafting (Grades 2-4, 5-8) (Martine LaPrevotte)  *Material fee applies

Loads of fun, crafting, sharing, and creating await students who sign up for paper crafting this spring in the Stepping Stones Program. Each group will complete projects involving paper quilling, scrapbook punch crafting, calligraphy, and paper beading. Create a bracelet or necklace that will be a surprise when the beholder finds out it ismade from paper! A unique hat or scarf hanger will be on the agenda to give for Father’s Day, if desired.We will layer cardboard and paper to reveal the end product: a useful, colorful gift anyone would enjoy. Finish off these gifts made with love by creating a handmade greeting card

Martine LaPrevotte is a graduate of Blue Ridge Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Animal Technology. Following her years in veterinary practice, Martine worked for nearly 15 years combined as an Activities Assistant at Sunnyside Presbyterian Home and as Activities Director at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. She attained and maintained certification as a Virginia Activity Professional and was elected President of the Central District Activities Professional Association.  Martine developed children’s crafts, stories, and educational materials to an adult level. Children gravitate to Martine and her husband Rick and enjoy their humor and laughter.  Martine now looks forwards to serving younger students as a facilitator to success and achievement by encouraging creativity and imagination.

Meeting Classical Music (Grades Prek4-2) (Libby O'Neil)

Students who take this class will learn to notice music and think about what they hear.  They will learn about the lives of composers, the connection of music to the time and place it was written in, and instruments from around the world.  We will interact with music through movement, story and crafts.  Students who take this class will listen to components of music more deliberately.  Open to new and returning students.

Libby O'Neil studied music and history at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA.  She has enjoyed working with children in a pre-school setting previously as well as in private violin lessons.  She is excited to share her love and wonder of music while enriching exploration with historical context.

Forensics Workshop (Grades 6-8) (Anne-Merrin Clemmer)

No, this is not the classical version of CSI. It has nothing to do with analyzing evidence or solving crime. Rather, logic-school students in this forensics class will learn the art of public speaking and dramatic interpretation of poetry and prose. Each week students will be introduced to a new category of forensics as recognized by the Virginia High School League: poetry interpretation, prose interpretation, serious and humorous dramatic interpretation, serious and humorous duo interpretation, extemporaneous speech, impromptu speech, original oratory, and debate. We will attend a VHSL meet at Harrisonburg High School in March to watch our favorite events, and in May we will perform some of our best pieces in the school's spring program.

Anne-Merrin Clemmer graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in English, a secondary education minor and an ESL minor, and Master of Arts in Teaching. As a teenager she participated in her high school's forensics club and competed in poetry interpretation and storytelling, representing her school at the state championships two years in a row. Now the 6th-8th literature and 6th-grade history teacher at Redeemer, she is excited to tap into the oratory and dramatic talent of the logic school students.

Act It Out (Grades 4-6) (Carol Quintero)

Become a Drama King or Queen! Learn acting techniques, Improvisational skills, and practice and perform for the stage.  Have fun while gaining confidence pretending to be someone, or something else.  We'll also dabble in writing our own plays.  Final performance will be in front of a tough audience, our families!

Act It Out (Grades 1-3) (Carol Quintero)

Become a Drama Prince or Princess!  Play games that actually teach you acting.  We'll act out familiar folk tales and Bible stories.  We'll learn pantomime and tricks to life on the stage.

Carol Quintero has been acting her whole life and then went to Hollywood to try out her life dream to be a singer, actor, and dancer like her favorite star - Gene Kelly. Instead she wrote screenplays and directed movies but eventually returned to humbler parts of the country to teach acting and writing and to direct plays with all ages.

Stretch-n-Grow Reads (Grades Prek4-1) (Bethany Storella)

What do you get when you put reading and exercise together? Stretch-n-Grow (SNG) Reads!! We start by reading great children’s story together and then we get up and put the story in motion! Excellent early reading skills are incorporated into each class like: recognizing the title, author, beginning and ending sounds, and beginning/middle/end of the story. Developed and tested by a Reading Specialist, SNG Reads! appeals to all kids of learners and encourages physical activity too!

Body Builders: working out our faith physically and spiritually (Grades 3-6) (Bethany Storella)

An uplifting workout awaits the “Body” Builders in this class! Mind, body, & spirit are challenged through a variety of scripture memorizations and physically challenging work-outs. Classes will include endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility techniques including (but not limited to!): kickboxing, strength/resistance training, yoga style movements (with a Christian flare!), jump roping, partner work, and group games.

Bethany Storella is the daughter of Redeemer's Kindergarten teacher, Shernae Storella.  Like her mom, Bethany brings a true love of children to all of her classes.  Bethany began teaching Stretch-n-Grow classes this past summer and has proven herself to be a wonderful teacher, motivator, and coach!

Puppetry!  (Grades Prek4-2) (Dorothy Scheel)  *Material fee applies

Learn to make and use your own finger and hand puppets.  We will make several different types.  Then we will use them to make up our own plays.  This is a beginner level class for students who are 8 and younger.

Marionettes!  (Grades 3-8) (Dorothy Scheel) *Material fee applies

Make your own puppet and learn how to work with a string puppet.  This is a class for older students who wish to study puppetry beyond the simple hand puppet.  Students will work on a skit to use their creations too.

Dorothy Scheel received her degree from Michigan State University majoring in art, history and education. She taught in the public school system while living in Michigan, has been teaching art to home school groups for 17 years, and part-time at Stepping Stones and Redeemer Classical School since their inception.

Blood & Guts: Getting to Know Your Inner Self (Grades 1-3, 4-6) (Leah Napotnik) *Material fee applies

The human body is fearfully and wonderfully made.; In these sessions we will take a look at the different systems that make the body run, including the circulatory system, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the immune system, and more.  Students should be prepared for some messy, hands-on exploration in some of our classes!  We will learn more about the magnificence of the Creator by studying how our own bodies work.

Leah Napotnik has a degree in Environmental Science/Wildlife Biology from Ferrum College.  She homeschooled her five sons and now assists a homeschooling family by teaching science and history part time.  She believes that through the study of science, the Creator is gloriously displayed.