First Grade

Meet the Teacher Video

When I was a young girl, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I admired the teachers I had and strived to be the best student I could be. They say to choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. While teaching is an important job, there is much work to do and it's the most fulfilling work, aside from being a parent. I believe that I am lucky to feel so passionate about what I do and couldn't imagine myself anywhere but here doing what I love.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is structured so that all students can find success. Students are challenged at a level that is appropriate for their individual learning needs. We actively use centers to differentiate so that students can thrive and best learn. Math and science are hands-on and students play a key role in their learning and discovering. First grade is an important year in the development of reading. We work on sight words, phonics, writing, spelling, fluency and confidence with public speaking.

Our Classroom

I believe a classroom should be engaging, colorful, and reflective of who my students are. A classroom should support a positive mindset, as well. In our classroom, students understand that it is our "home" for learning and a place where they feel safe, loved, and capable of great things. Students in 1st grade understand the importance of learning, as well as having fun. They are actively engaged, supported, and are participants in their learning. Students are encouraged to always do their best and to take pride in their work and in who they are.

Choose Love

Choose Love for Schools is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program designed to teach students, educators and staff how to choose love in any circumstance thereby creating a safer, more connected school culture. This program incorporates neuroscience and positive psychology to teach mindfulness, character, and emotional intelligence. These essential life skills and tools make students better learners, more desirable employees and happier, healthier, human beings.

Virtual Mass

Whether we attend Mass in person or virually, nurturing our faith in an important theme in our learning. Students learn about church teachings, as well as being a light in the world for others.

Hands-on Engineers

Our science curriculum allows students to become engineers in training. They learn about the design process and are active in ther learning.

Visible Learning

When students are aware of learning objectives, they become more active in their learning. Visible learning occurs when teachers see learning through the eyes of students and help them become their own teachers.

Positive Mindset

How we interact and encourage students affects their attitudes toward learning. The growth mindset allows people to value what they’re doing regardless of the outcome. They’re tackling problems, charting new courses, working on important issues. Fostering a positive mindset, especially at a young age, can be so impactful to a student's personal growth.

Faithful Reminders

First graders are reminded of how special they are and the gifts they have to share with others. They are often asked to look for God in others, and to let others see God in them.

Goals

At St. Pius Catholic School, we strive to nurture faith, inspire minds, and awaken talents. These reminders are seen throughout the school, as well as said as part of our school prayer.

Projects

Students love to be a part of surprise projects including Christmas gifts for their families, as well as Mother's Day and Father's Day presentations. It is one way we can share love to those we hold close.

Community Involvement

Our community extends beyond the classroom. We love having first responders come talk to us and to show our gratitude.