Grade 1 (Mrs. Sadkowski)

Dear Parents / Guardians,

Welcome to 1st grade! My name is Patrycja Salamon and this will be my second year at Mater Dolorosa School. I have graduated from Westfield State University with my Early Childhood Education, with and without disabilities, degree. I have spent many years in classrooms as a substitute teacher and I have also worked in a daycare setting. 

First grade is a very exciting time in a child's life. When speaking to some of the future first graders, they told me that they are very excited to have their OWN desk and to participate in learning centers. In first grade, we focus heavily on reading, as it is the time when students go from blending sounds to being a fluent reader. I monitor their reading using the DRA reading assessment throughout the year, in order to meet the end-of-year goals. 

We also work on expanding our writing abilities and learn to always “Wear Our C.A.P.S.”:

C- Capitalization

A- All Sentences Make Sense  

P- Punctuation

S- Spelling/Spacing 

As we move on during the year, we start working on a more complex writing process where we brainstorm, work on a draft, revise with the teacher, and then write a final copy. We spend 50 minutes every day on improving our writing abilities.

In math, we spend a lot of time practicing addition, subtraction, and we use manipulatives to help us “see” the concept. We also work on geometry, fractions, probability, time, and money.

In addition to working very hard on math, writing, reading, and religion, we do a lot of singing and dancing in class. It is very important for younger students to move and have fun while learning. Physical activity in the classroom helps students unwind and get extra energy out. We also enjoy a morning and afternoon 15-minute recess. 

Every week on Fridays, students get a packet with their homework and they have a week to complete it. Homework consists of spelling words, math, grammar, and phonics. Each weeks’ homework will vary depending upon what will be covered in that given week. The homework is not graded, it is for the students to practice and reinforce the acquired knowledge. Additionally, every Friday, students will have a spelling test that is made up of 12 words. We practice the words throughout the week, but students are also asked to practice them at home.

Lastly, parent-teacher communication is very important and I will be using ClassDojo as a platform for correspondence. I will send you all the instruction at the beginning of the school year. For now, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at psalamon@materdolorosaschool.org.

The following school supplies are needed for first grade:

• Pencils 

• 48-pack crayon box

• A plastic pencil case

• An eraser

• 1 folder

• 2 glue sticks

• 2 boxes of Clorox wipes

• 2 paper towels

• 2 boxes of tissues 

• 1 big hand sanitizer

Thank you,

Patrycja Salamon