Welcome to First Grade

April 2026

Please see below for this week's news and important 1st Grade Updates! 

Language Arts 

We are working on Unit 9 Fundations. We will focus on the concept of closed syllable. A closed syllable ends in a consonant and only has one vowel. The vowel in a closed syllable is short. It is important for your child to recognize a closed syllable because when the vowel is closed in at the end of a word, the vowel sound is short, as in the word "math" or "cat".  See how to mark up closed syllable word by clicking the button below. Trick words are: say, says, see, between, each.  We will continue our small group reading instruction. 

Math 

The focus will be:

• Adding and subtracting a two digit number to a one digit numbers using a variety of strategies such as: 

  • Base 10 blocks 

  • Hundreds Chart 

  • Open and Closed number lines 

  • Decomposing 

• Addition and subtraction word problems 

• Fact Fluency 

Science/Social Studies

In Social Studies focusing on how to use maps and describe physical characteristics of places. They will also discuss weather and environment and how they play an important part in protecting the environment. 

Religion 

This week our learning goals include: 

• Jesus Sends Us the Spirit 

Specials 

Monday: Music

Tuesday: PE (PE Uniforms)

Wednesday: Library

Thursday: World Cultures

Friday: Art 

Announcements: 

First Grade Patriot Project 

In an effort to learn more about our great nation, first graders will participate in a Patriot Project. To become a First Grade Patriot, the students will memorize the Pledge of Allegiance and demonstrate flag etiquette in our upcoming unit. First graders must also choose one of the activities below to complete. Upon completion of the project, the children will earn their own flag and a very special certificate proclaiming them as a “First Grade Patriot”. We will celebrate this accomplishment with a Patriotic Concert and display of the projects Wednesday, May 27, 2026. 

It is our intention for this project to be a fun learning experience for you and your child. It is our wish that these activities will help our students gain a sense of pride and gratitude for the blessing of living in this great nation. As a culminating activity to our unit of study, we will be taking our field trip to the Memorial Mall in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 21, 2026. 

Patriot Project Activities: (choose one)- Due, Tuesday, May 26th

• Pick a topic that interests you and your child, research it and create a project. The project can be a poster, diorama, or picture book to name a few. Creativity is encouraged! Please see below for some ideas to get you started! You are not limited to this list.

Social Studies Standard: In this unit, students will recognize and celebrate symbols of the United States, as well as contributions people from our past have made.

1. American Symbol 

   • American Flag 

   • Star Spangled Banner 

   • Statue of Liberty 

   • White House 

   • Bald Eagle 

   • Liberty Bell

   • Mount Rushmore 

   • The Capitol 

2. Historical Site 

   • Fort McHenry 

   • Mount Vernon 

   • Washington Monument

3. Historical Figures

   • George Washington                                        

   • Rosa Parks

   • Thomas Jefferson

   • James Armstead Lafayette

Important Dates:  

• Monday, April 13th- Classes Resume 

• Monday, April 20th- St. Kateri Tekakwitha Feast Day (Purple House)- Wear your house color! *DATE CHANGE* and PAC Spirit Night at Nonna Angela’s in Crofton 4:00 - 8:00 PM 

• Wednesday, April 22nd- Grades K-3 Mass 

• Friday, April 24th- Spirit Wear Day & SOTI Gala

• Tuesday, April 28th- Cold Stone Creamery Fundraiser 3:00-8:00pm 

• Friday, May 1st- Manners Cafe/Spirit Wear Day/Early Dismissal

• Monday, May 4th- School Closed 

• Friday, May 8th- Spirit Wear Day 

• Friday, May 15th- Spirit Wear Day & Mother/Son Event @ 6pm

• Wednesday, May 20th- House Day (wear your house color) / All School Mass @ 1:30

• Thursday, May 21st- First Grade Washington D.C. Field Trip 

• Friday, May 22nd-  Spirit Wear Day/ Early Dismissal

• Monday, May 25th- No School- Memorial Day

• Tuesday, May 26th- Patriot Project Due 

• Wednesday, May 27th- Patriot Concert (evening)

• Friday, May 29th- Spirit Wear Day 

You can contact our team at the following email addresses: 

Mrs. Clough          [email protected]

Ms. Colbert   [email protected]

Mrs. Guillen   [email protected]