In First Grade, a supportive and engaging experience is designed to meet the needs and learning styles of each child. There is a strong belief in hands-on learning, which involves the active participation of the students. When the students are able to experience the subject matter, they are more likely to grasp the material. The classroom is designed to be focused around instruction, independent work, cooperative group work and learning centers.
Reading & Language Arts
Reading is a very important part of First Grade. Some students come into First Grade knowing how to read, while others are still working on letter sounds. Through learning centers, we are able to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all of our students. The Wonders program is used for phonics, reading, and writing instruction. A variety of genres are explored to help students develop a large sight word vocabulary. Re-reading texts is encouraged to promote fluency and comprehension. We also work on handwriting. Students write both fiction and non-fiction narratives.
Math
First Grade uses the enVisionmath 2.0 program. The class focuses on basic addition and subtraction strategies. Students begin solving word problems, pulling out important information and disregarding unnecessary information. Skip counting is reviewed to help with counting money and telling time, as well as to help with the introduction of multiplication. Math tools, like rulers, unifix cubes, tangrams, dice, and geoboards are used to create a hands-on experience.
Science
In Science, students learn how to sort and classify plants, animals, and items based on different characteristics like shape, size, texture, and color. In the classroom, Science Fusion is used to help with instruction.
Social Studies
In Social Studies, students compare schools from the past to the present using Harcourt’s Horizon text. The class examines their role in the community, as well as the role that certain professions play in the community. Students discover their responsibilities as members of their city, state, and country and further explain what they can do to make their home a better place. Current events and holidays are discussed throughout the year.
Religion
First Grade uses Loyola Press’s Christ Our Life religion textbook to guide discussions about how God is our Father and how He sent us His Son, Jesus. Students learn about ways Jesus shows us His love and how God is good. Students learn that they are all members of God’s Church and how they can be be more like Jesus. Lastly, students learn about the Golden Rule and the importance of treating others with respect.
Enrichment classes: P.E., Art, Music, Technology, and Spanish
Teacher: Mary Rosa
Mary Rosa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education at East Carolina University. She is Maryland state certified elementary Education teacher. She earned a Master’s Degree in Reading from McDaniel College and is a certified Reading Specialist. Mrs. Rosa started her career at Holy Cross in 2017 as the First Grade teaching assistant. During the 2018-2019 school year, she was the First Grade co-teacher. Currently, she is the lead First Grade teacher.
Mrs. Rosa actively brings differentiation into the classroom while also creating a safe and welcoming learning environment for each student. Growing up with a Catholic education, Mrs. Rosa is thankful for the opportunity to continue teaching within our faith as we strive to develop the whole child.
Teaching Assistant: Patty Sergi
Patty Sergi earned a Bachelor in Science at University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and a Master in Business Administration degree at Bentley College. Mrs. Sergi began working at Holy Cross as the First Grade Assistant in 2022. Mrs. Sergi became the Art Teacher in 2023 while still supporting First Grade three days per week. Previously, Mrs Sergi worked for Fidelity Investments in New Hampshire as a Director of Human Resources for 13 years. In 2011, Mrs. Sergi began her education career as the Art Teacher at Country Day School of the Holy Union, a small Catholic school in Massachusetts. In 2019, she transitioned to a Paraprofessional role in the Special Education department at Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School in Massachusetts.
Mrs.Sergi loves being with children every day and truly believes in educating the whole child. She enjoys the energy and excitement that the students bring to school each day.
Teaching Assistant: Francesca Russo
Mrs. Russo earned a Bachelor of Art degree from Mount Saint Mary's University and a Master's in Education, Professional Studies from Marymount University. She has over 12 years of experience teaching PreK 3 and Kindergarten within the Archdiocese of Washington. In 2004-2005, Mrs. Russo was awarded the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year (from Holy Cross). That same year she received the Knights of Columbus Monsignor O'Donnell Teacher of the Year Award. Mrs. Russo also has administrative experience as she was a Preschool Director for 6 years for a small Christian Preschool in Rockville, MD. She rejoined the staff of Holy Cross in 2023 as the Office of Childcare Coordinator, VIRTUS Compliance Coordinator and First Grade Teaching Assistant. Mrs. Russo enjoys being the #1 fan at her children's sporting events, gardening and Sunday night dinners. Mrs. Russo lives in Rockville with her husband and three teenage children.