Academics and Curriculum

Descriptions of each grade both socially and academically may be reviewed under the Student Life tab by grade and class title. Art, music, science, P.E. Spanish, ENCORE and individualized student services are under the heading "Specials".

General Curriculum
Percy Priest offers a traditional standards-based K-4 curriculum in a nurturing and supportive atmosphere. Our highly qualified teachers are dedicated to using innovative teaching approaches and providing creative learning experiences for the children. Percy Priest provides a strong foundation for future learning in all core academic areas: math, reading, language arts, science, and social studies. Area middle schools consistently report that Percy Priest students are among the best prepared for the academic rigors of fifth grade.

For a complete list of academic standards by grade visit the MNPS website.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Percy Priest Welcomes New Faculty and Record Number of Students

Nashville, TN – Tuesday, August 31, 2010 – Percy Priest Elementary started off the school year with a record number of students, several new faculty and staff members, and a continued commitment to curricular excellence.

For students at Percy Priest, the first day of school was full of new beginnings, from new teachers and classmates to a new climbing wall in the gymnasium. Over 500 students are currently enrolled at Percy Priest, the highest enrollment in over 15 years, according to Principal Melinda Williams.

This year, Mrs. Williams will be assisted by Mrs. Antonia Spearman, Percy Priest’s first Assistant Principal. A graduate of Tennessee State University and Trevecca Nazarene University, Mrs. Spearman has over 30 years of experience as an educator. She comes to Percy Priest from JE Moss Elementary, where she served as Assistant Principal. “My mission as assistant principal” says Spearman, “is to assist the principal, and ensure the academic excellence of every student.”

Percy Priest also welcomes three new teachers this year: Reading Specialist Jeanne Lobb, Consulting Teacher Jennifer Coats, and Art Instructor Denise Benton. Mrs. Donna High, a former third grade teacher at Percy Priest, will return this year as Technology Coach, a new part-time position funded by the Percy Priest PTO. Mrs. High will provide professional development and on-site technical support for teachers as they implement technology in their classrooms.

Additional faculty changes at Percy Priest include the creation of a second “looping” team, Mr. Brad Tanner and Dr. Rebecca Bourlakas. Students in Percy Priest’s looping classrooms have the same teacher and classmates for both first and second grade. “We are so excited to add a second looping opportunity for students,” says Principal Williams. “Research shows that this multiyear experience offers many social and academic benefits for students.”

Teachers at all grade levels will continue to use the Singapore Math curriculum, now in its second year of implementation at Percy Priest. Developed in Singapore, this curriculum uses problem solving and model drawing to provide an in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts. Many teachers at Percy Priest also use Quantum Learning techniques in the classroom. Based on brain research, this comprehensive learning program uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic strategies to aid in retention. Mr. Lance High, a fourth grade teacher at Percy Priest, is certified Quantum Learning facilitator.

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