This is one of the most important years of your child's academic career, a time when attitudes toward school are formed. Since Kindergarten helps build a foundation for learning, we can build a strong one by working together toward the same goals for the benefit of your child. Parents are the primary teachers of their children. At St. Anthony School, teachers work in collaboration with parents to help guide children to thrive and grow. Our goal is to ensure that each child has a solid foundation of academic and social skills by the completion of their kindergarten year. Teachers often use techniques that mix learning and play. Children develop a strong base of reading and writing skills using a phonics-based program. Math concepts become real with manipulatives and other sensory materials.
During the course of the year, Kindergarteners will participate in KinderCamp, Red Ribbon Week, the Christmas program, Catholic Schools Week, and KinderDerby.
Faith is nurtured every day through bible stories and learning about Jesus. Children learn that they are a part of God's family. In addition to learning prayers such as the Our Father and the Hail Mary, students also learn about the Creation story, All Saints, how God loves them, and how and why to love one another.
We bring faith alive through weekly masses, living the virtues, values integrated in the subject area, and our monthly Stewardship Program.
The students will develop a solid foundation in reading and phonics, and thus become successful readers and writers. The following skills will be taught throughout the year: phonemic awareness, letter and sound recognition, sight words, oral blending, handwriting and punctuation, sequencing, and exposure to literature everyday.
Students will learn about life science, earth science, and physical science. In life science, animals, plants, health, and safety are covered. In earth science, topics covered are agriculture, farming, and weather. Physical science covers types of matter, mixtures, sounds, and energy. In addition to these, the five senses are also covered.
Students will learn about the seasons, community and patriotism, holiday traditions, President's Day, and Columbus Day.
Technology has become a constant in our everyday lives. We want to make sure that our students are given the foundation to build upon in this technological world. During the course of the year, Kindergartners will participate in interactive games that teach mouse skills and problem solving, reading and math games, and a basic introduction to applied digital skills. They will also learn the different parts of the computer, such as the keys on the keyboard and what they do. Kindergarten will also learn the basics of coding.
Students will learn basic rhythms, pitch variation, dynamics and tempo, singing in groups while blending voices, matching dynamic levels, and responding to cues of a conductor.
In art, Kindergartners will learn the art elements and vocabulary, art appreciation, make unique creations and faith-based holiday projects.
Students enjoy simple games and structured play to develop gross motor skills and movement patterns, listening and following directions, identifying body parts, and manipulating sporting equipment.
Kindergarten Teacher
I attended St. Anthony School as a student from second through eighth grade. I graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 1997. I attended Indiana University Southeast and received my Elementary Education Bachelor's degree in December 2001 and my Master's degree in 2008.
I began working at St. Anthony School in 2002. I began teaching in 3rd grade and stayed there for ten years. I then made the move to Kindergarten where I have taught for over 10 years. I love different things about both grades, but I really enjoy all the fun things I gets to do with my students in Kindergarten.
I am married to Tom Bettler who is also an avid volunteer at St. Anthony’s School and Parish. Together, we have 2 sons, Jackson and Luke. We have a greyhound named Hoosier. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching T.V., and crafting for school. I am so blessed to be a part of this SAS family!
Kindergarten Teacher
t.worden@stanthonyschool.us
Hello! My name is Theresa Worden and I am so excited to be a part of he St. Anthony School family! I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and moved to Indiana to attend Marian University where I received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I also met my husband at Marian and we got married there in June 2023. Prior to teaching at St. Anthony’s, I taught kindergarten at a charter school in Indianapolis. We moved to southern Indiana to be closer to my husband's family, including his adorable niece and nephew. My husband and I are currently members at St. Mary Navilleton in Floyds Knobs. I enjoy playing music and spending time with my dog (Teddy) and cat (Stella). I look forward to working with you and your child as they learn and grow, both academically and spiritually.