PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Mary Balmer
Pre-K
(253) 858-7632
mbalmer@sncsgh.org
ABOUT MRS. BALMER
BA, University of Hawaii
Teaching Certificate, Seattle University
I have a passion for preparing children for a lifetime of learning. I strive to create a safe and rich environment that nurtures a child’s natural curiosity and excitement for learning, while helping to build a strong foundation of faith and academic success. I am excited to work with parents to make your child’s introduction to schooling both positive and successful. I live in Gig Harbor with my husband David and our two sons, Jacob and Michael. Michael is currently a student at St. Nicholas, and Jacob is a graduate of St. Nicholas, attending high school at Bellarmine Prep.
*For admission into Pre-K, the child’s fourth birthday must be no later than August 31st of the year the child is admitted.
PRE-K HIGHLIGHTS
“Moving Up” Ceremony
Annual Auction
Annual Barbecue
Assemblies
Cross Country
Extracurricular Clubs
Fall Festival
Field Day
Field Trips
Maritime Festival
Movie Nights
Tree Lighting
CURRICULUM
Math
Children will be introduced to problem solving, basic math vocabulary, concepts of counting, on-to-one correspondence, shape recognition, patterning, measurement, sorting, graphing, simple addition and subtraction.
Science
Children will build upon their natural curiosity to investigate and make sense of the world. Children will focus on four steps in the scientific discovery: explore, investigate, collect and communicate. Children will explore science as inquiry, life science, earth and space science, physical science, and science in personal and social perspectives.
Social Studies
Children will learn about self, family, school helpers, community members, traditions, celebrations, other cultures, and problem-solving. Children will participate in projects to help others in need.
Religion
Children will get to know Jesus Christ, His teachings, their Catholic faith, celebrate the Liturgical year (Advent, Holy Days and Feast Days) with an emphasis on gifts from God (plants, animals, and human beings) and His love for us. Children will hear Old and New Testament Bible stories, pray with others and by themselves.
Language Arts
Each day, children will be exposed to alphabet instruction, phonemic awareness, literature, oral language, pre-handwriting and writing activities, sound blending, word building, reading, spelling, creative writing and literature.
Reading
Children learn the letters and sounds of the alphabet. Then they will learn to read, spell, and write simple words and learn some high frequency words.