Junior Kindergarten, 3 Year Old Class

Brandie Martin
Junior Kindergarten 3

Hanna Hurd
Junior Kindergarten 3 Assistant
+ JK Afterschool

I was born and raised in a small town in New Hampshire, where over the years I developed a strong connection to my community and a passion for working with children. 

Throughout my time living in New Hampshire, I attended college at New Hampshire Technical Institute, where I earned two certificates in Early Childhood Education. I am passionate about teaching and supporting young children because I believe early childhood education plays a vital role in a child’s development and future. Helping little ones learn, grow, and build confidence is incredibly rewarding and brings me great joy. I am excited to extend my growth in and out of the classroom. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I also love taking my two fur babies, Mollie and Mox, on walks and visits to local dog parks. When not at school, you can usually find me cooking, baking, or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.

Hello families! For twelve years, I have served children and families in the Junior Kindergarten program through play-based learning.  

With my B.S. in English Education., B.A. in English, and a minor in History from Appalachian State University, I taught in the NC public school system.  After the first part of my teaching career, I acquired my Master’s of Library and Information Studies and worked in various positions in public libraries from circulation and reference, library branch manager to my favorite, preschool and children’s programming.  To continue building on my many years in education, I am pursuing an additional degree in Early Childhood Education.

As a Morganton native, it has been a joy for my husband, children and I to be a part of this community for many years. My daughter is an alumni of MDS and my son is currently in the middle school program. When not working, I enjoy reading, hiking, and scrapbooking.

Junior Kindergarten 3 Units of Inquiry

Throughout each day, we teach key skills in social-emotional intelligence; such as: expressing our emotions through communication, listening to others, working together as a team and compassion for others.

How Our World Works: An inquiry into the natural world exploring animal characteristics, their environments and offspring.

How Our World Works: An inquiry into the natural world exploring animal characteristics, their environments and offspring.

How We Organize Ourselves: An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities: the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making: economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

How We Organize Ourselves: An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities: the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making: economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

How We Express Ourselves: An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

How We Express Ourselves: An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

Who We Are: An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means t

Who We Are: An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.