NewsRegister.com: Learning Curve

The building blocks of learning By February, kindergartners are confident veterans of the school system. Six months into their formal education, they are well on their way to learning the myriad things they'll need to know in the next 12 years and beyond.

First-graders focus on reading First-graders love nonfiction. The moment teacher Jodi Vicknair pulled out the book "Spiders," her students were ready with more facts about arachnids than a spider has legs and eyes put together.

Second Grade

Eager for education Every lesson delights second-graders. As Debbie Schrepel goes over the day's schedule - the day's WORK - her second-graders react as if she is opening a treasure chest filled with fun things to do. Reading! Writing! PE! Math! Tech lab! Library! Each subject brings gasps of joy, smatterings of applause.

The tale of Efren and the leprechaun Efren Flores

Student teacher helps manage second-grade math lesson Katie Bryne

Third-graders show their independence The title character in "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher," the book teacher Susan Stubberfield is reading to her class, doesn't want to go to school one morning. His mother diagnoses Jeremy's illness: Monday-morningosis.

Fourth Grade

Fourth-graders take on more complex concepts On March 17, the 9- and 10-year-olds in one Newby Elementary School classroom could think of only one question. Where did Larry the Lucky Leprechaun hide his pot of gold?

10-year-old taking on more responsibility Matt Silver

Social studies a big part of fourth-graders' day Curriculum

Alliteration lesson stretches fifth-graders' language skills Connie Webb's fifth-grade students savor poetry. Eager readers, they scramble to get their hands on the latest collections Webb and librarian Joyce Lowry bring into the classroom at Memorial Elementary School - the likes of "Garbage Delight," "Giant Children," "Alligator Pie."

Teacher thrives in fifth-grade class Connie Webb

Fifth-grader inspired to write Grace Lawson

Making the transition Fresh from the secure environment of elementary school, sixth-graders ease into the wilds of middle school with a schedule that's partly their choice and partly chosen for them.

Finding their niche Seventh grade is a year of stability. There is no new school to become accustomed to, and no pressure to pick out high school courses. Just time for 12- and 13-year-olds to study, socialize and explore their strengths.

One step away from high school

Freshmen favor freedom of choice A year ago, today's McMinnville High School freshmen were eagerly awaiting the end of middle school. Although most were a little anxious about the unknowns of high school, they were looking forward to more freedom - more choices, more opportunities, less structure, fewer restrictions.

McMinnville's ninth-graders adjust to high school routine Upperclassmen help make the transition from middle school smoother

Making the most of 10th grade On rare occasions, Kim and John Gregor hear their youngest son, Bryan Gregor, complain that school is boring. But they know he doesn't mean it. "All kids say that," said Bryan's mom, who works with special needs students at Duniway Middle School.

Juniors

From band to babies, juniors have busy day At 7 a.m., McMinnville High School is quiet. But by 7:10, the school - its north hall, at least - is filled with music.

Jazz jump-starts music lover's day Junior Dalena Frost starts school an hour earlier than others

Seniors focus beyond grad day Some will go to college; others to working world as change draws near