Junior Kindergarten, 3 Year Old Class

Growing up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, I played multiple sports and took part in various school activities. Through these experiences, I cultivated an appreciation for the joys of play and the many life lessons that they provide. Growing up in a small town, I realize the privilege I had of being able to walk down the hallway and know everyone I passed. It created a loving and accepting environment, and in much the same way, we create that culture at MDS.

Spending time with young children is an easy and quick way to remember the beauty in the small things in our daily lives. Children love freely to those who need it most, and the world can always use more love. My goal is to foster that love and allow them to spread it everywhere they go. Creating an environment where children feel safe to learn and explore is my top priority. I want them to feel enticed to ask questions and make mistakes through learning and playing.

While at Concordia College on a softball scholarship, I studied Psychology and Biology. Since then, I have continued my Early Childhood training through Caldwell Community College. I look forward to expanding my knowledge both inside and outside of the classroom.

Emily Lima
Junior Kindergarten 3 Assistant

I lived in Rhode Island most of my life before moving to North Carolina in 2017. During that time, I raised my two children and worked in public schools as a Kindergarten teacher as well as graduating from Rhode Island College in 2006 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.

Prior to MDS, I have had two-years of experience as a preschool lead and as a kindergarten teacher. I enjoy early childhood education, but the best part is watching children learn, grow and develop. I believe in a supportive, gentle environment where they can explore and play, as I think play is an important part of childhood development and educational growth.

The best part of being a teacher, is the learning that goes along with it. I look forward to working with the children at Morganton Day School and I am honored to be apart of an amazing school community.

Growing up on the coast has made me enjoy the ocean and all the beach has to offer, but for the past 5 years, living in Morganton, I have enjoyed living near the mountains. In my spare time, I enjoy live music and spending time in nature.

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 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.