Lower School
Building character that will last a lifetime.
During their Lower School years at San Domenico, students will master fundamental skills and gain knowledge in all of the core academic subjects, but we believe there’s more to an exceptional education. Through our very intentional approach, San Domenico students continuously develop their character in tandem with their academic growth.
At SD our educational philosophy is deeply imbued with our core values of study, reflection, community, and service. These values guide our student-centered classrooms and our commitment to developing habits of mind in our youngest students that will serve them throughout their K through 12 years here at SD, and out in the world at large. We nurture and foster our students' natural sense of inquiry and curiosity about the world around them, in a vibrant learning community.
Lower School News
![4th Grade studying Digital Media Literacy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727897804/sandomenico/thrpeaemp6anquxtie80/4thDigitalLiteracy100224-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727897804/sandomenico/thrpeaemp6anquxtie80/4thDigitalLiteracy100224-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1727897804/sandomenico/thrpeaemp6anquxtie80/4thDigitalLiteracy100224-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727897804/sandomenico/thrpeaemp6anquxtie80/4thDigitalLiteracy100224-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Fourth graders reflect on what it means to make healthy media choices.
![Homecoming 2024]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727729589/sandomenico/g6ql3btnext3j9tnfn0v/Homecoming093024.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727729589/sandomenico/g6ql3btnext3j9tnfn0v/Homecoming093024.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1727729589/sandomenico/g6ql3btnext3j9tnfn0v/Homecoming093024.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727729589/sandomenico/g6ql3btnext3j9tnfn0v/Homecoming093024.jpg","width":810}])
SD school spirit was on full display as seven teams competed in five sports on campus.
![K-12 Reading Buddies program in action]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727304739/sandomenico/xdn1xdif4hjrelfwhlrn/K12ReadingBuddies092524-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727304739/sandomenico/xdn1xdif4hjrelfwhlrn/K12ReadingBuddies092524-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1727304739/sandomenico/xdn1xdif4hjrelfwhlrn/K12ReadingBuddies092524-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727304739/sandomenico/xdn1xdif4hjrelfwhlrn/K12ReadingBuddies092524-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
SD alum’s “Reading Buddies” ROSE project continues to connect and delight Upper and Lower School students.
![Zakir Hussain and Sunny Yang playing]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726865942/sandomenico/ix8f2nyu3qy70f7ravnd/Hussain-Yang-Duet092024-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726865942/sandomenico/ix8f2nyu3qy70f7ravnd/Hussain-Yang-Duet092024-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726865942/sandomenico/ix8f2nyu3qy70f7ravnd/Hussain-Yang-Duet092024-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726865942/sandomenico/ix8f2nyu3qy70f7ravnd/Hussain-Yang-Duet092024-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Master tabla player Zakir Hussain performs with Virtuoso Program Music Director Sunny Yang at our annual Peace Pole ceremony.
![Celebrating Latin American Heritage Month in Dominican Hall]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726846897/sandomenico/k7vhjonhwn4qx6zwi8nh/LatinAmericanHeritage092024-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726846897/sandomenico/k7vhjonhwn4qx6zwi8nh/LatinAmericanHeritage092024-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726846897/sandomenico/k7vhjonhwn4qx6zwi8nh/LatinAmericanHeritage092024-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726846897/sandomenico/k7vhjonhwn4qx6zwi8nh/LatinAmericanHeritage092024-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, students are studying Latin American history, language, and culture.
![Covers of Books by Sonia Sotomayor]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726766175/sandomenico/f6cth49eykqnieybibqs/SoniaSotomayorBooks-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726766175/sandomenico/f6cth49eykqnieybibqs/SoniaSotomayorBooks-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726766175/sandomenico/f6cth49eykqnieybibqs/SoniaSotomayorBooks-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726766175/sandomenico/f6cth49eykqnieybibqs/SoniaSotomayorBooks-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Librarian Karlyn Strand offers context and reading recommendations in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
![Dancers at the Opening of School Community Reflection]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726265882/sandomenico/wy9rn9daz4tl3yddehfj/OpeningCommReflection091324-thmb2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726265882/sandomenico/wy9rn9daz4tl3yddehfj/OpeningCommReflection091324-thmb2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726265882/sandomenico/wy9rn9daz4tl3yddehfj/OpeningCommReflection091324-thmb2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726265882/sandomenico/wy9rn9daz4tl3yddehfj/OpeningCommReflection091324-thmb2.jpg","width":810}])
San Domenico students, staff, and guests gather for the annual Opening of School Community Reflection.
![Lower School Science Class]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726170982/sandomenico/vlvutqsylnaqiojxsvau/LSScienceDiffusion-091224-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726170982/sandomenico/vlvutqsylnaqiojxsvau/LSScienceDiffusion-091224-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726170982/sandomenico/vlvutqsylnaqiojxsvau/LSScienceDiffusion-091224-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726170982/sandomenico/vlvutqsylnaqiojxsvau/LSScienceDiffusion-091224-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Lower School students practice the scientific method in grade-level science experiments.
![5th grade music class with Mr. Pierce]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725642466/sandomenico/sdhzpknn7d5jlkwutzij/5thJazzMrPierce090624-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725642466/sandomenico/sdhzpknn7d5jlkwutzij/5thJazzMrPierce090624-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725642466/sandomenico/sdhzpknn7d5jlkwutzij/5thJazzMrPierce090624-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725642466/sandomenico/sdhzpknn7d5jlkwutzij/5thJazzMrPierce090624-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Music teacher Steve Pierce brings innovative teaching technique and jazz into SD’s Lower School music classroom.
![School Ties Summer 2023]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725397858/sandomenico/hfxr2pkzhu9gwcdg1yvz/SchoolTiesSummer2024-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725397858/sandomenico/hfxr2pkzhu9gwcdg1yvz/SchoolTiesSummer2024-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725397858/sandomenico/hfxr2pkzhu9gwcdg1yvz/SchoolTiesSummer2024-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725397858/sandomenico/hfxr2pkzhu9gwcdg1yvz/SchoolTiesSummer2024-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Enjoy the Summer 2024 Issue of School Ties: Study, Reflection, Community, Service
![First Week of School - KG students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725050783/sandomenico/uuxeeexypnwvhwaahy6r/LSFirstWeek083024-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725050783/sandomenico/uuxeeexypnwvhwaahy6r/LSFirstWeek083024-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725050783/sandomenico/uuxeeexypnwvhwaahy6r/LSFirstWeek083024-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725050783/sandomenico/uuxeeexypnwvhwaahy6r/LSFirstWeek083024-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
For Lower School students, new daily routines present opportunities for growth and connection.
![Ms Baker and Ms Krizek ready to welcome students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724340815/sandomenico/f0fjtdnqvgsviw7monde/LSWelcome082224-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724340815/sandomenico/f0fjtdnqvgsviw7monde/LSWelcome082224-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724340815/sandomenico/f0fjtdnqvgsviw7monde/LSWelcome082224-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724340815/sandomenico/f0fjtdnqvgsviw7monde/LSWelcome082224-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Our teachers enjoy the process of making each classroom a welcoming space.
![Paul Gives Paws a High Five]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724271471/sandomenico/muwquzwao25528d49hk9/PaulPawsHighFive082124-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724271471/sandomenico/muwquzwao25528d49hk9/PaulPawsHighFive082124-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724271471/sandomenico/muwquzwao25528d49hk9/PaulPawsHighFive082124-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724271471/sandomenico/muwquzwao25528d49hk9/PaulPawsHighFive082124-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
The first day of school is underway! While this morning’s household routine may have felt like an abrupt end to summer, today is the culmination of many weeks of planning and preparation on campus...
![Summer Reading graphic]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717019233/sandomenico/fbeyyxf1apelqyzsf9ng/SummerReading053124.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717019233/sandomenico/fbeyyxf1apelqyzsf9ng/SummerReading053124.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717019233/sandomenico/fbeyyxf1apelqyzsf9ng/SummerReading053124.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717019233/sandomenico/fbeyyxf1apelqyzsf9ng/SummerReading053124.jpg","width":810}])
SD Librarian Karlyn Strand offers tips on finding that perfect summertime page turner.
![4th Grade on the Marine Mammal Center field trip]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717170391/sandomenico/e7u3cb5fyhqenvkbxbrl/4thMarineMammalTrip053124-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717170391/sandomenico/e7u3cb5fyhqenvkbxbrl/4thMarineMammalTrip053124-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717170391/sandomenico/e7u3cb5fyhqenvkbxbrl/4thMarineMammalTrip053124-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717170391/sandomenico/e7u3cb5fyhqenvkbxbrl/4thMarineMammalTrip053124-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Students spend the day studying marine mammals and ocean conservation.
Curriculum Overview
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Mathematics - 1st
We teach math skills using hands-on manipulatives, pictorial representation, and abstract symbols.
Mathematics - 2nd
Problem solving is a key feature, with students working independently and in groups.
Mathematics - 3rd
Students develop into mathematical thinkers with a mastery of abstract problem-solving.
Mathematics - 4th
Students use conceptual models to visualize abstract mathematical operations, such as fractions.
Mathematics - 5th
Students learn multiple methods for computation, building a repertoire of strategies.
Mathematics - K
Students strengthen their math concepts and fluency with daily, hands-on math stations.
Music - 1st
Students learn how participating in music can enhance their lives and the world around them.
Music - 2nd
We play many songs together as an ensemble or band, learning different instruments and parts.
Music - 3rd
We sing songs and play instruments from many different cultures, eras, and composers.
Music - 4th
Students choose an instrument or music class to develop their interest in popular and classical music.
Music - 5th
Students may continue with the previous instrument of choice, or select another instrument class to round out their musical experience.
Music - K
Students study notes and rhythms through singing, movement, and hands-on instrument play.
Physical Education - 1st
Students continue to build healthy habits with physical activity, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
Physical Education - 2nd
Students learn to demonstrate independence and a sense of fair play and cooperation through play.
Physical Education - 3rd
Games focus on proper motor patterns while engaging in moderate and vigorous physical activities.
Physical Education - 4th
Students learn fitness and skill development through assigned tasks during games and activities.
Physical Education - 5th
Students perform fitness activities to build strength, endurance, coordination and agility.
Physical Education - K
Students explore and develop kinesthetic skills and coordination through cooperative games.
Reading - 1st
Students work on developing strong reading habits to become independent readers.
Reading - 2nd
Students develop and strengthen skills such as retelling, questioning, and summarizing.
Reading - 3rd
Three simple words set the foundation of our third grade literacy program: Reading is thinking.
Reading - 4th
Students begin to interpret books by searching for clues and making connections to their own lives.
Reading - 5th
Students work on determining themes, inferring, analyzing the author’s craft, and more.
Reading - K
With exposure to fiction and non-fiction books, students learn to see themselves as readers.
Science - 1st
Students investigate the world and record their findings in science notebooks.
Science - 2nd
Through investigation and observation, students form deeper understandings of the world around them.
Science - 3rd
Students make models, code, investigate questions, and use the engineering design process.
Science - 4th
Students see themselves as scientists who ask questions, think critically, and develop hypotheses.
Science - 5th
We use hand-on investigations in multiple fields of science: Earth, Life, Physical, and Computer.
Science - K
We focus on hands-on learning through experiments and scientific explorations.
Social Studies - 1st
Students gain a view of their place in the world by studying community, leadership, and identity.
Social Studies - 2nd
Students write to pen pals, examine food supply chains, and learn about societal Changemakers.
Social Studies - 3rd
Students focus on Marin County, including geography, indigenous peoples, and local government.
Social Studies - 4th
We study the history of California and explore how our past influences our present and future.
Social Studies - 5th
Students study and create projects based on geography and the history of the United States.
Social Studies - K
Three distinct units help students learn to think deeply about the world around them.
Visual Arts - 1st
We explore Andy Goldsworthy, study Berthe Morisot, and use Matisse’s interiors for inspiration.
Visual Arts - 2nd
We paint upside-down like Michelangelo, draw self-portraits à la Mona Lisa, and draw landscapes.
Visual Arts - 3rd
We draw flowers like Georgia O’Keeffe, explore Salvadore Dali’s surrealism, and build Miwok kotchas.
Visual Arts - 4th
We explore color theory, Japanese Sumi-e ink painting, mosaics, architecture, and more.
Visual Arts - 5th
We draw still-life from observation, explore advertising, practice digital photography, and more.
Visual Arts - K
We paint like Kandinsky while listening to Stravinsky, draw with scissors like Matisse, and more.
Vocabulary and Grammar - 4th and 5th
A rich and varied vocabulary provides a critical foundation for reading comprehension and academic achievement.
Word Study - 1st
More advanced phonemic awareness and complex spelling patterns and rules are introduced.
Word Study - 2nd
Fundations continues to play a crucial role in our second-grade curriculum, building on the foundational literacy skills developed in earlier years, essential for becoming proficient readers and writers.
Word Study / Phonics - K
Students build phonemic awareness and phonics skills, essentials for reading and writing.
Word Work - 3rd
Third graders learn about proper grammar usage, sentence structure, and punctuation.
World Languages - 1st
Students continue with one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin by briefly reviewing the topics presented during the prior year, before being immersed in the new year.
World Languages - 2nd
Students continue with one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin, which at this point become a full immersion experience.
World Languages - 3rd
Students continue with one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin, having reached a personal confidence in speaking each language and following class routines.
World Languages - 4th
Students continue with one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin, gaining a more complex and nuanced understanding of each language.
World Languages - 5th
Students continue with one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin, as they prepare to choose the language they will focus on in Middle School.
World Languages - K
Students take one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin, beginning their journey of exploring new languages and cultures.
Writing - 1st
Students learn to write with detail, using writing to teach, persuade, and entertain the reader.
Writing - 2nd
Lessons dig deeper, asking students to stretch their thinking and pay closer attention to details.
Writing - 3rd
Our immersive writing units are designed to make students excited to get words out on the page.
Writing - 4th
Students begin to craft fictional stories, creating believable characters with depth and complexity.
Writing - 5th
Units of study include Personal Narratives, Research Reports, Opinion Essays, and Memoirs.
Writing - K
With daily writing experiences, students move through writing stages at various rates.
