Classroom News

First Grade: Miss Hice, 1B  
                                
I was raised in North Ridgeville. I am a graduate of St. Peter School and North Ridgeville High School.  I earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Cleveland State University.  I have taught 22 years at "The best Catholic grade school!" Yes, I am biased!!  I taught 3rd grade for 15 years and 1st grade for the last 7 years.   I love the beach, painting, making crafts and my dachshund, Charlie.  My favorite times are those spent with my family and friends.

First grade is a special time when students are learning to be responsible for their learning.  It is no longer acceptable to expect mom or dad to do things for us but rather to recognize it is "my job" and take pride in this responsibility.  There is a mix of group and individual learning activities as the students settle into their rolls as life long learners.
 
    There is a strong focus on developing reading skills including phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, expressive oral reading, and reading for pleasure.  First graders also work hard developing their penmanship and writing skills. This is the year students learn addition and subtraction facts to 18, graphing skills, telling time and counting money.  First grade students learn about plants, animals, weather, maps, Special Americans and  holidays.
 
    Religion is taught as a way of life rather than a subject. The first grade students learn Catholic social justice teachings by participating in activities with and/or for members of the North Ridgeville Senior Center.  Each month the students interact with the Senior Center in different projects that help them to learn to live the gospels of Jesus.  Studies also include creation, Baptism, prayer, the life of Jesus, and the Holy Family.