Welcome to first grade!  I believe first grade is a significant year in a child’s school career if not the most important.  I am so excited to embark on this journey with you.  I look forward to partnering with you to ensure that your child has a wonderful first grade experience.  This is my eighth year at Marcy Open School and my fourteenth year as an educator.  I’ve worked with children in kindergarten through 4^th grade but my absolute favorite is first grade. 

First graders develop fundamental work habits, appropriate social behavior, problem solving, decision- making and academic skills.  Social emotional learning is just as important as the academics.  I do my best to integrate both areas in all parts of the day.  My hope and dream is that my students will try their best every day and take care of each other.   Marcy is an International Peace site so we encourage inclusiveness, kindness, and empathy.  It is important that we build a safe classroom environment.  Maintaining each child's self-esteem and building a secure foundation for future growth will always remain a priority in first grade.  Here are some ways you can help:

*Celebrate your child's success, no matter how small it may seem.  This will keep your child enthusiastic about learning and proud of their work!

 *Read to and with your child as much as you can.  The more your child is exposed to language, the easier it will be for them to incorporate new skills in reading and writing in the classroom.