Teachers

Mrs. Laura Carpenter (ART)

Laura received her B.A. from James Madison University (JMU) in the School of Media Arts and Design. She has taught art at Redeemer Classical School for three years, has taught Stepping Stones for two years, and has taught art programs for children ages 4 - 14 in New York, Charlottesville and Harrisonburg.

Mr. Mike Martin (PHYS. ED.)

Mike graduated with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education from Eastern Mennonite University in 2000. He is a M.S. candidate in Kinesiology from JMU. He taught four years of PE at Elkton Elementary School and is currently in his third year teaching ninth grade PE at Spotswood High School. He is also the men's assistant soccer coach at Eastern Mennonite University. His wife (and Stepping Stones assistant), Danielle, graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology in 2004 from JMU. She is currently in her fourth year teaching PE at J. Frank Hillyard Middle School and in her fifth season as the girl's soccer head coach at Broadway High School.

Mr. Arthur Rogers (LATIN/HISTORY)

Arthur has been teaching Latin at Redeemer Classical School for the past three years. He attended college in Arkansas and graduated second in his class. Currently, he is completing a Ph.D. at the University of Virginia in Medieval Literature. He has taught for several years at both private schools and colleges, but finds teaching at Redeemer the most rewarding and meaningful. He is married to Redeemer's first grade teacher, Mrs. Christina Rogers.

Miss Julie Staber (MUSIC)

Julie is currently pursuing her B.A. in English from JMU, with a concentration in Music Education. Julie has received vocal and instrumental training from a young age. She has taught students from pre-school to college how to read music. She currently participates in several celebrated JMU musical ensembles such as the Marching Royal Dukes, the University Chorale, and the JMU Pep Band. This is Julie's third semester with Stepping Stones.

Join in 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, resulting in WORSHIP of the Source of all wisdom, truth and 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 worlds of art, music, physical fitness and history. These once-a-week afternoon sessions are open to pre-K through sixth grade students.

Classes meet Wednesday afternoons from September 17th through December 10th at RCS's Keezletown campus. At the end of the 12-week semester, SS student work will be featured in Redeemer Classical School's Christmas Evening Program on Tuesday, December 16th. Fees include classroom materials and t-shirt.

Classes

Illustration Inspirations

Art (A, B and C): In this exciting new class, learning to draw could not be more fun! Student drawings will be inspired by the unique styles of storybook illustrators.

Section A will introduce drawing via the Five Elements of Shape, the most basic grammar of drawing. Using their understanding of these elements, each student will be guided along — step-by-step — as they re-draw original works from various children's books they'll read.

Section B will be higher-level drawing— though still introductory — which works with more complex illustrations as they practice the Five Elements of Shape and also begin to learn about the Elements of Design (line, shape, color and texture). Like Section A, Section B will create their own illustrations after hearing stories or descriptions read aloud.

Section C will widen students' skills to include the study of form and value and work with more advanced color theory. They will create original illustrations for a short story they'll write together as a group.

A Musical Adventure Through The Bible

Music (A, B and C): Students will explore some of the most famous Biblical stories through song and movement. Adventures will include "A Whale of a Tale is the Tale of a Whale" (Jonah's story) and "Noah's Ark, One Wide River." The class will finish with the Christmas story by learning songs from the musical "God of Wonders." It promises to be an exciting semester — and definitely full of music!

Fun, Fitness and Physical Activity

Physical Education (A, B and C): The skills and benefits of physical activity that children learn in their youth will remain with them for their entire lives. During this course the teachers will provide students with an enjoyable and safe fitness experience. The goals will be to develop cooperation/teamwork skills, movement skills, and age-appropriate, sports-specific skills … and not to mention to have lots of fun!

When in Rome

Latin/History (B and C): Students will learn about the language, literature, and history of ancient Rome. With the teacher's direction, they will study Latin by learning songs, chants, and grammar. They'll also recite prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance in Latin. Students will learn about the most important legends and historical events of Rome through storytelling and play-acting. Also during these classes, students will clean and research ancient Roman coins that they may take home to keep at the conclusion of the semester.

NOTE: Students will be divided into one of three sections (A, B or C) based on their current grade level:
Section A [pre-K (age 4) & K]
Section B [1st - 3rd grades]
Section C [4th - 6th grades]