Brandi (Bee) McFadden
Grade 5/6 Teacher
Middle School Coordinator
Faculty Co-Chair
I became part of our school community in 2016 and instantly fell in love with the creativity, warmth, and connection I found here. Over the years, I’ve taught Enrichment classes and served as a Grades Teacher, and both experiences have helped me grow deeply, not only as an educator, but also as a person. The heart of this school, for me, is always the students. Their curiosity, imagination, and unique perspectives inspire me every single day. I feel lucky to have guided two classes through graduation and am thrilled to now return as a lead teacher for a mixed middle school class. In addition to teaching, I’m grateful to support our program through my role as Middle School Coordinator. My new motto is that knowledge begins with the heart and I hope to carry that into both my life and my teaching.
Outside of school, I’m happiest with a good fantasy novel in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. I love thrifting for hidden treasures, tending to my plants, and, of course, adding to my ever-growing book collection. At home, life is lively and full with my husband, our four kids, and five animals. It’s a little chaotic at times, but always filled with humor, love, and patience.
5th Grade
Science
Botany
Mathematics
Fractions and decimals; metric measurement; freehand geometry
Language Arts
Ancient mythologies; dictation; Continuation of child-led writing with an intentional emphasis on extended grammar skills, descriptive & expository writing
Geography & History
North American geography & civilizations; Ancient cultures such as (but not limited to) India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt & Greece
Art
Painting and drawing; sculptural modeling
Foreign Language
Spanish
Handwork
Knitting simple article of clothing; woodworking
Movement
Group and teamwork activities
Music
Physical education; group games; Pentathlon training – discus, javelin, long jump, wrestling, running
6th Grade
Science
Physics I, Mineralogy, Astronomy
Mathematics
Geometry and business math
Language Arts
Independent reading and book reports; independent writing with an emphasis on extended grammar skills, spelling, research papers and business letters
Geography & History
Ancient Rome through the Middle Ages; World Geography
Art
Painting – landscapes, color contrasts, triads, spectrum; Drawing – exact geometrics, black & white; Sculptural modeling
Foreign Language
Spanish
Handwork
Advanced sewing (creating a pattern), Needle felting, Spinning and weaving, Woodwork
Physical Education
Intramural group sports, running, fitness & calisthenics
Music
Stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass); choir
