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1st Grade

Our 1st grade students move from Primary School to Lower School with an intentional, structured transition that helps them develop focused learning behaviors and ownership of their work. Hands-on learning opportunities are carried into 1st grade, with a greater emphasis on independence and depth of understanding.

Students also spend time in more structured, sequential lessons that:

  • encourage them to develop listening skills,
  • engage in active participation in academic discussions,
  • apply new knowledge to follow-up assignments, and 
  • participate in whole-group, small-group, and independent learning experiences, with frequent chances for movement and active learning. 

1st Grade Curriculum

In 1st Grade at St. Mark's, Students Practice:

Independence

Focused Learning

Engaging with Hands-On Learning Centers

Listening and Speaking Skills

Active Participation

Meet the 1st Grade Team

Margaret Alvarez

Margaret Alvarez

Art Teacher, Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Dewayne Bowden

Dewayne Bowden

Lower School Physical Education Teacher; Lower School Athletics Coordinator
Sara Brannon

Sara Brannon

Lower School Music Teacher, Choral Director
Alex Doan

Alex Doan

1st Grade Teacher
Maria Lomonaco

Maria Lomonaco

Primary School and Lower School Spanish Teacher
Rachel Mahaffey

Rachel Mahaffey

1st Grade Teacher
Cat Thomas

Cat Thomas

1st Grade Teaching Assistant
Kristin Uptmor

Kristin Uptmor

Primary School and Lower School Librarian; Primary School Technology Teacher