First Graders Learn, Create, and Make Their Mark

Our students in Ms. Geraci's 1st grade class have been busy learning, creating, and building a strong classroom community! They’ve been practicing classroom procedures, building short-a words using Play-Doh and whiteboards, and collaborating to strengthen their sight word fluency. We also enjoyed the inspiring story The Dot and talked about what it means to “make our mark” this year. To bring that idea to life, each student painted and signed their very own masterpiece to display on our classroom windows. We can’t wait to see all the wonderful ways our students will make their mark this year!

First-grade students shape short-a words with Play-Doh at classroom tables.
Two students practice sight words together using a worksheet.
Students work in pairs on sight-word activities on the classroom rug.
Students paint individual watercolor pictures at their desks.
First graders create watercolor artwork inspired by The Dot.

TK Bootcamp: 10 Days of Learning and Fun

TK Bootcamp--10 days of learning and fun! We've spent the last few days describing the benefits of early childhood education and TK, but we've saved the best for the end: our TK program is where curiosity meets creativity, empowering students to unleash their imagination and transform their understanding of the world around them! Our teachers inspire active exploration, igniting a spark that fuels individual growth and collaborative discovery. Our TK Boot campers enjoyed the yard and all the new learning. Mrs. Hansen (left) and Mrs. Spore (right) are so excited to welcome a new group of scholars for the 26-27 school year. First day back is Wednesday, August 12th. Find your classroom number on the line up spots on the yard. We'll see you there!

TK Bootcamp Day 8

Day 8 of TK Bootcamp! Our TK students are learning all sorts of things; *walking in a straight line helps them learn how to gather quickly and safely and make the most use of their time getting from one place to another. *how to play collaboratively with a friend using words (and sometimes gestures) The giggles and smiles tell us they are having a lot of fun together.

Benefits of TK: Reducing the Achievement Gap

Day 7: "Reduces the achievement gap: Preschool and TK programs help level the playing field by providing all children with a strong foundation for learning and development, such as teaching them early language and math skills. As a result, all children have equitable access to both academic and social learning opportunities. During preschool and TK, teachers might be able to identify potential learning needs or other challenges early on that might impact a child's academic progress. These early boosts can help set children up for long-term success in school and life. All this and...TK helps spark a love of learning: TK teachers are specially credentialed experts in making learning fun! Early education programs emphasize the importance of learning through play and hands-on activity, which encourages children to enjoy learning."

Benefits of TK: Strong School Attendance

Day 5: "Encourages strong school attendance as they get older: A research study found that children who consistently attend preschool have a much higher chance of having good attendance in later grades compared to those who frequently missed preschool. Children who attend preschool and TK also tend to be more prepared for kindergarten, which leads to higher academic achievement in other grades. When children don’t attend early schooling, they can miss out on developing valuable social and emotional skills as well."

Benefits of TK: Social and Emotional Skills

Day 4: "Helps them develop social and emotional skills: As children interact with their peers in a safe and structured environment, they begin to form friendships and learn valuable lessons about cooperation and empathy. At the same time, children are guided by adults other than their primary caregivers, allowing them to learn how to follow directions and respect other adults. Attending preschool and TK can also help children learn about managing their emotions and developing resilience, or the ability to bounce back from challenges. They often learn new ways to express their feelings, resolve conflicts, and cope with setbacks."

Benefits of TK: Brain Development

Did you know how extremely valuable TK schooling can be to young learners? Starting today we’ll feature key benefits directly from First 5 California! Day 3: “Supports brain development: During preschool and TK, children are constantly learning new words and gaining communication skills. They have the opportunity to try new activities that involve counting, sorting, and simple problem-solving, and they might begin to understand numbers and patterns. Each of these learning moments help their brain develop, setting a strong foundation for the future.”

5th Grade Promtion!

We ended the 2025-2026 school year with such excitement and joy, reflecting on the memories we've made and the tremendous growth we've seen in each and every one of our students. We sent them off with this advice:

First, from Mrs. Dewey: Be kind. Middle school can feel big and overwhelming at times. One friendly smile, one encouraging word, or one act of kindness can completely change someone's day.

Second, from Mrs. Appleford: Be brave enough to try new things. Join a club. Play a new sport. Hang out with a new group of kids. Raise your hand and ask questions. You don't discover what you're capable of by staying in your comfort zone.

Third: Don't let mistakes define you. Every successful person you've ever heard of has failed at something—probably many things. Mistakes are proof that you're learning, growing, and taking chances.

Go out and SOAR, Eagles!