Kindergarten instruction is designed to meet each student at their individual stage of development. Large group and small group experiences allow for both heterogeneous and homogeneous instruction.
Reading and Language Arts
Instruction includes lessons and activities focused on concepts about print, phonemic awareness, decoding/word recognition, vocabulary/concept development, phonics, structural features of informational materials, and comprehension and analysis of grade level appropriate text. Students discuss ideas and tell stories while using pictures, letters, phonetically spelled words, and conventionally spelled words. Instruction introduces students to the written conventions of Standard English. Students write capital and lowercase letters of the alphabet while correctly shaping and spacing the letters, and are encouraged to use basic punctuation. Instruction facilitates students’ abilities to listen and respond to oral communication. Students are given opportunities to deliver brief oral presentations about familiar experiences and interests.
Math
The enVisionmath 2.0 program is used in Kindergarten. In addition, a morning math meeting is held daily to review math concepts – counting, days of the week, months of the year, continuing patterns, creating/interpreting graphs, place value, and basic addition/subtraction. Large and small group instruction includes number sense, basic computation, sorting/classifying objects, identifying and describing shapes, measurement, and problem solving.
Science
The three core concept areas include Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth and Science. Students learn about science and engineering concepts through exploration, planning, and carrying out investigations along with observation, asking questions, discussion, and the analysis of data to solve a problem. Instruction utilizes a hands-on approach with activities such as exploring the inside of a pumpkin and experiencing the life cycle of the butterfly! While learning about our solar system, students look forward to a field trip to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
Social Studies
Instruction focuses on examples of responsible citizenship, our world past/present, symbols of the state/nation, maps/globes, and historical figures who showed honesty, courage, and responsibility. Celebrations and holidays are recognized as a way of remembering and honoring important people and events.
Religion
Instruction is centered on the key elements of the Archdiocese of Washington guide, Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization. The key elements include: knowledge of the faith, liturgy and sacraments, morality, prayer, and education for living in the Christian community. Students form an understanding that Jesus loves them and wants them to love others in return. Students are introduced to scripture, the Holy Family, Lent, Good Friday, Easter/the Resurrection story, Advent/Christmas, saints, and prayers. Participation in school-wide service projects helps students to understand the importance of serving others.
Enrichment classes include Physical Education, Art, Music, Technology, Library and Spanish
Teacher: Megan Dennis
Megan Dennis earned a B.A. from The Catholic University of America in Early Childhood Education and an M.S. in Special Education from St. Joseph’s University. Mrs. Dennis joined the Holy Cross School faculty in 2025. Her prior experience includes working in Fairfax County Public Schools as a Kindergarten teacher where she was recognized as a finalist for the Fairfax County Teacher of the Year in 2012-2013. In addition, she has worked at Little Flower School and with the Yabe International Exchange Program. Mrs. Dennis has been a volunteer School of Religion teacher at Holy Cross Parish since 2022. Mrs. Dennis believes in a faith-based education and strives to merge learning and faith throughout each school day.
Teaching Assistant: Adele Mathews
Mrs. Adele Mathews studied travel and tourism before moving to the United States from England in 1999. She left the workforce to raise her four children, all of whom have attended Holy Cross School. Mrs. Mathews has been a dedicated volunteer at Holy Cross since 2005 and has served in many roles including Co-Chair for the annual gala, Co-Chair for the Father-Daughter Dance and as a Room Parent. Mrs. Mathews was excited to join the Holy Cross staff in 2016 as the certified kitchen manager. She enjoyed serving lunches to the students for two years as well as assisting in the office. In 2019, Mrs. Mathews became the Teaching Assistant for Kindergarten. She loves greeting the sweet faces of her students each day and states, “It is truly a wonderful experience to be a part of a loving and faith-filled school community.”