Elementary School
So Much Discovery!
Elementary School
Building Christian leaders prepared to thrive and inspire change
One of the most important decisions parents make is to select a school for their child. The teachers and children, curriculum, and environment will mold and influence a child for a lifetime. We believe the Lord has created each child with unique abilities, gifts, and talents and the Lord has a plan for their lives. It is our desire to partner with parents to instruct and teach your children to love, follow, and serve the Lord. The integration of faith and learning enables students to develop a biblical worldview to filter their ideas, thoughts, and actions.
Harmony Christian School is blessed with gifted and dedicated faculty and staff.
Enrichment
Enrichment at HCS is a place where students are able to explore new activities, stimulate their minds, feel empowered, be engaged, and know who they are in Christ.
We truly believe that “play is the work of children.” Through play, children develop physically, cognitively, linguistically, and socially. Your Elementary student will be able to participate in this the first three Friday’s in May of each year. The HCS Enrichment staff works diligently to partner with parents, teachers, and students on this wonderful educational journey.
Enrichment is designed to enhance a student’s HCS experience beyond the classroom. These offerings are provided in a safe and fun environment with caring staff and instructors. There is a number of distinct opportunities that comprise the program, each providing its own unique value to the student experience:
Enrichment electives: Cooking; ceramics; sports clinic; mosaic art; legos; tye dye woodworking; and more
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:6
What you can expect from our Elementary School program:
- Teachers with 20 plus of experience
- Classroom ratio of no more than 15 students to 1 teacher and 1 aid at all times
- Daily communication via, weekly newsletters, pictures of students sent home
- Clean and safe environment, doors secured, regularly scheduled drills
- Challenging curriculum taught from a Biblical worldview
- Core subjects in math, science, language arts, social studies, and literature
- Music, Art, Spanish, Physical Education and Chapel services (age appropriate) for all K-5th-grade classes
- Enrichment workshops like cooking, ceramics, sports clinic, mosaic art, legos, tye dye woodworking and more!
Elementary Staff
Mary Luna
K5 Teacher
MARY LUNA
Kindergarten
Why do you like teaching?
"I love how excited kids get when they learn something new."
What led you to HCS?
"I started teaching in public school but God brought me to private education a few years ago and I have enjoyed it ever since. I attend Harmony Church so I knew the school was a great place to work. I was very excited when a position opened up."
What have been your roles at HCS?
"This is my second year teaching Kindergarten at Harmony Christian School."
What do you enjoy most about your time at HCS?
"I enjoy the family atmosphere here at Harmony."
What are you looking forward to during this school year?
"I look forward to getting to know my students and their families."
What is your education background?
"I received a Bachelors of Education from SUNY Oswego and a Master's in Reading and Literacy from SUNY New Paltz. I have taught PreK through 12th grade over the years but always with an emphasis on Literacy."
Tell us some personal information you would like to share.
"I love to read and spend time in God's creation. The Lord has made some amazing things!"
Julianna Kranes
1st Grade Teacher
I teach because I want to make an impact. I want these building block learning years to be exciting and meaningful to all of my students.
Wendy Wilson
2nd Grade Teacher
WENDY WILSON
2nd Grade
Why do you like teaching?
"I love coming up with unique and new ways that reach the different ways of learning. It is so fun to be a part of those teachable moments and watch young faces brighten as they learn."
What led you to HCS?
"My children were attending HCS. I have always wanted to teach in the same school that my children were attending."
What have been your roles at HCS?
"I am the 2nd grade teacher. I am in charge of the Elementary Reading Celebration and leader of the ceramics workshop during Enrichment. Besides my classroom, you can find me during the day serving in various places such as MS homeroom monitoring, lunch with 2nd and 3rd grade, indoor parent pick up, and one of my most favorite place is outdoor bus duty!"
What do you enjoy most about your time at HCS?
"I really enjoy the parent involvement and support during school events. It's encouraging to see people working together for the benefit of our children as we serve the Lord."
What are you looking forward to during this school year?
"I look forward to the fun monthly events that take place in my classroom. It is encouraging to be a part of this themed learning, as well as the personal involvement of the parents with their children."
What is your education background?
"I have my Associates in Science from OCCC, Bachelors in Elementary Education (K-6)/Majoring in Math from SUNY New Paltz, and my Masters in Early Childhood Education (PreK-2nd) from SUNY New Paltz."
Tell us some personal information you would like to share.
"I have been married 21 years to my very supportive husband, Eric. We have been truly blessed with 4 encouraging, creative, and helpful children Vinnie, Julia, Abigayle, and Carley.
I love to camp, swim, go to the beach, go for a jeep drive, read, and do crafts."
Ashley Miedema
4th Grade Teacher
As long as I can remember God has given me the passion of teaching. I love being able to impact students and watch the light bulb turn on when they understand a concept. I love teaching my students the subjects, but also being able to have a relationship with them and get to know them. My students mean the world to me.
I was teaching at a private school and was not 100% happy there; so I reached out to HCS to see if they had any openings. They happened to have an opening in 4th grade and my desire was always to be able to teach in a Christian School.
I strongly enjoy being able to incorporate Christ into all my subjects and pray with my students and fellow coworkers. I also enjoy working in a positive environment where I get positive feedback from my coworkers and principal.
I look forward to watching my students grow academically and spiritually.
I graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2018 with a Bachelors of Art in Psychology and a K-6 Teacher Education Certificate.
I’ve been married to my husband, Bob, for a little over a year.
I love playing card games and hanging out with my friends. I also enjoy going to the beach and going on hikes.
Melanie Latimer
5th Grade Teacher, Vice Principal of Primary Education, Pre - K Supervisor
MELANIE LATIMER
Vice Principal and 5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Latimer is well known and loved throughout our school, especially by those students who have been fortunate to have her twice!
With 20 years teaching third grade, and 3 years teaching 5th, this is Mrs. Latimer's 23rd year at HCS!
When our students are asked about their favorite HCS memories, often Mrs. Latimer's exciting field trips are mentioned. She is also known for the fun and creative monthly "Book Share" assignments she gives her students.
Mrs. Latimer has an undergrad degree from Cortland and a Master's in Reading from SUNY New Paltz. She is a NYS Permanent Certified teacher.
Spending time with family, reading and photography are some of her favorite hobbies.
When asked about her favorite HCS memory, Mrs. Latimer replied, "When everyone came together like a family to celebrate my 50th Birthday."
Looking for more information?
If you are in need of more information, please either click the button below and fill out the form on the contact page or contact the school office directly.
According to Niche.com, Harmony Christian School is ranked #3 Best Private High Schools in Orange County, NY and #19 Best Christian High Schools in NY State.
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