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Early Ed: NIDO Classroom (18-36 Months)Monarch Classroom (3-5 Years)Forest Classroom: KindergartenBeehive Classroom: 1st & 2nd GradeWolfpack Classroom: 3rd & 4th GradeMiddle School: 5th through 8th Grade
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About GCS
About Our School6 Unique ApproachesGCS CurriculumFaculty & StaffAdmissionsBolling-Clay ScholarshipJob OpportunitiesStudent LifeStudent Services
Classes
Early EducationNIDO Classroom: 18-36 monthsMonarch Classroom 3-5 year oldsElementary EducationForest classroom: KindergartenBeehive Classroom: 1st & 2nd GradeWolfPack Classroom: 3rd & 4th GradeMiddle School Education5th Through 8th Grade
Funding & Events
GCS General FundGCS Middle School Capital Campaign
Contact
Contact GCS
Donate To GCS

Welcome to the Beehive Class

First and Second Grades - to honor their active learning and energetic grappling with big ideas. The intention is to provide dynamic learning experiences that supports a growing drive to do and be and understand.

At GCS, our Beehive Classroom focuses on a positive, encouraging introduction to an academic setting while recognizing the power of play. We believe that much of a child's learning is constructed through play as they then have authentic experiences with leadership, collaboration and critical thinking. Through child-led, teacher directed experiences, and a rich literacy component, Beehive students are incorporating social skills, language development, reading and writing skills, science and social studies discoveries, and developing a love for math.
Exploration
‍We start each morning encouraging students to explore the ever changing materials in the classroom which are tied to one or more units of study.  This time to come into the classroom and get comfortable is an important piece of flexible time within an increasingly structured day as students adjust to the academic aspects of first and second grade.

‍Morning Meeting
After exploration, we start each and every day with a class meeting.  During this time, we greet each and practice social skills, listening skills, and memory skills.  Morning Meeting is a time to thoroughly discuss the day and schedule so that students feel comfortable knowing what to expect.  Activities may include a book or story as well, as we study different subjects throughout the year.  

‍Daily 5
Daily Five is an academic component of GCS that helps students foster independence and time management skills. Because of our individualized curriculum, each student will learn how to work independently and in small groups, as well as one-on-one with the teacher within this framework. More information on Daily 5 is included in the Beehive Academic Overview each year.  

‍Wiggle Time /Recess
Beehive students enjoy a morning and afternoon recess time.  Ample time to play and enjoy the outdoors is an important piece of our daily routine.

‍Number Corner
Number Corner is a daily math meeting that puts students in charge of calendar work and data collection.  This is used in conjunction with other math instruction but is always a favorite time of day for students to chart findings and solve problems and patterns.


Shelf Time
‍Shelf time is an important part of the work students in the Beehive Classroom do. Studying in thematic units allows students to explore materials and games that are related to subjects and to find their own interests and creativity along the way. Balancing structured academic time with time to explore the classroom materials creates the environment of learning that makes the Beehive Classroom tick!

Responsive Classroom
Responsive classroom practices create a culture of friendship and respect between students and teachers. Project-based learning allows students to learn through a variety of experiences and field-trips throughout the year foster opportunities to engage with the community in ways that bring learned skills to life. Our multi-age class helps the Beehive students develop a sense of community that supports varied social and academic development by fostering collaborative skills, while diminishing competition and comparison since all students are not expected to have identical skills. A love of learning is the outcome when students are able to express themselves in their own unique learning style.

Latest Events in Monarch

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Meet the teachers

Stephanie Dickenson
Lead Teacher

Rosie Ketchum
Co-teacher

Stephanie Dickenson
Lead Teacher – Beehive Classroom

BA - Elementary Education K-9 Mathematics Bluefield State CollegeTeaching has always been my passion. I was able to fulfill that dream in 2007 when I graduated from Bluefield State College with my Bachelor’s degree in education. Mathematics is a favorite of mine, so it became my specialization. After graduating, I had the privilege to work for Greenbrier County Schools as a substitute teacher and then classroom teacher at Alderson Elementary School for nearly a decade.

Over the years, I have been a lead teacher in kindergarten, first, second and fifth grades. My teaching style is to embrace the moment, inspire my learners, and work hard to know what my students need in order to be successful in reaching their goals. I am excited to implement creative projects to support the brain-based curriculum being used at Greenbrier Community School.

My husband and high school sweetheart, John, was by my side the whole time of becoming a teacher. We have now been married for twenty years and have two children, Lexi and Luke. We enjoy traveling to Florida to visit our family farm, but always miss the beautiful scenic views of West Virginia when we are away.  

Beehive Classroom Community
My goal for the learning environment at Greenbrier Community School is to create a positive, loving community, where students are led to ask questions and investigate their theories. Students will have high standards and take risks. Our Responsive Classroom based community will use project-based learning, and small groupings, while also having independent time. In addition to our pinpointed focus on academics, we will have a vision of social and emotional well-being. As a multi-age class focused on community, the students have ownership of our classroom and work off of intrinsic rewards. We will take some very important time to establish the relationships among us needed to succeed together.

I look forward to supporting your children on their educational journey!
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About GCS

Our mission is to cultivate an inclusive community founded on relationships that nurtures the whole child and inspires creativity, problem solving, and independent thinking through challenging and collaborative learning experiences—empowering every student to grow as an engaged citizen and critical thinker.

The Greenbrier Community School

413 Oak Street, Lewisburg, West Virginia 24901
phone 304.793.2420
‍info@greenbriercommunityschool.org