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Ms. Sara Gray » Bio

Bio

I am excited to welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year! I’m  looking forward to having your child as a student in 1st grade. This year, students will be learning deeply across all subjects through a variety of interactive and engaging activities.  In order to have a successful year, my most important goal is to create a community of learners in our classroom. I want your child to feel valued at school every single day.

 

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with my degree in Elementary Education and I have been teaching for 35 years. This is my third year at Athlos Leadership Academy, and I am so excited to get to know each student and their families.

 

I welcome and value parent communication throughout the the year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.

 

Please subscribe to our class website to receive weekly information about what is going on in our classroom: https://www.athlosbrooklynpark.org

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: sara_gray@alabpmn.org 

 

 
 

Classes

Posts

Look at the Week: May 11-15 2026

Hello First Grade Families!

Here is a look at our week:

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Monday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Your First Grader has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home:
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.
 
Language Arts: We will complete work on Unit 10 in our Benchmark Curriculum. Unit 10 focuses on science, specifically exploring how life would differ without sound, light, and heat. Students investigate the essential question, "How can we use light and sound?" through 3 weeks of reading and writing activities, covering informational texts about energy and technology.
  • Theme/Essential Question: How can we use light and sound? (Sound, Light, and Heat).
  • Phonics Skills: Focuses on silent letters (kn, gn, wr) and diphthongs (au, aw, augh).
Spelling: We will be learning about long e word spellings.This week’s spelling words are: funny, key, starry, sunny, baby, money, lucky, easy, silly, and happy. The spelling test will be on Friday.
 
Writing: We are writing about our class research project: Save the Bees! We are also working on Butterfly Observations and Journals.
 

Science: We will begin a unit called Energy all around us. We will explore energy by conducting experiments with sound, light, and heat.

Math: We will continue work on Unit 9 in our Everyday Math Curriculum focusing on Addition within 100, teaching students to add 2-digit numbers usung mental math, place value, open number lines, and regrouping. Key concepts include adding tens, decomposing addends, and strengthening place value understanding.

  • Mental Math & Place Value: Finding 10 more than a number, representing addition of tens, and modeling addition of tens and ones.
  • Addition Strategies: Using open number lines to add within 100, decomposing addends, and adding 2-digit numbers.
  • Regrouping: Adding 2-digit numbers with and without regrouping.
  • Word Problems: Writing equations to describe addition situations.
Upcoming Dates:
May 11 - 14: Book Fair

Our scheduled day and time for the Book Fair is Tuesday, May 12th from 11:00-11:30. If you would like your First Grader to purchase items with cash during our day and time slot, please send money with your First Grader on May 12th in a labelled baggie or envelope.

Parents who prefer to pay digitally can load funds to their child's e-wallet using the link below:

E-Wallet: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/athlosleadershipacademy

May 13: Father/Daughter Dance
May 14: Mother/Son Dance
May 15: PK-4th Music Programs & Crazy Hair Day
May 18: Animal Day/ Walking Field Trip to the park 10:15-12:00  
May 19: Pajama and Stuffed Animal Day
May 20: Talent Show &Twin Day
May 21: Field Day/MN Sports Day
May 22: Field Day & Hoodie Day
May 25: Memorial Day - No School
May 27: MAY MADNESS
May 29: Last Day of School for PK-7
 

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

 

Look at the Week: May 18-22 2026

Hello First Grade Families!

Here is a look at our week:

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. 

Homework: Your student’s last Homework Packet for the year will be sent home on Monday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Your First Grader has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home:
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.
 
Language Arts: End of the year assessments and review.
 
Spelling: No more spelling tests for the year. Spelling review.
 
Science: Butterfly observations and study of Symmetry. 
 
Math: End of the year assessments and review.
 
Upcoming Dates:
May 18: Animal Day/ Walking Field Trip to the park 10:15-12:00  
May 19: Pajama and Stuffed Animal Day
May 20: Talent Show &Twin Day
May 21: Field Day/MN Sports Day
May 22: Field Day & Hoodie Day
May 25: Memorial Day - No School
May 27: MAY MADNESS
May 29: Last Day of School for PK-7
 

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

 
 

Look at the Week: May 4-7 2026

Hello First Grade Families!

Here is a look at our week:

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Monday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Thursday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Your First Grader now has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home:
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.
 
Language Arts: We will continue work on Unit 10 in our Benchmark Curriculum. Unit 10 focuses on science, specifically exploring how life would differ without sound, light, and heat. Students investigate the essential question, "How can we use light and sound?" through 3 weeks of reading and writing activities, covering informational texts about energy and technology.
  • Theme/Essential Question: How can we use light and sound? (Sound, Light, and Heat).
  • Phonics Skills: Focuses on silent letters (kn, gn, wr) and diphthongs (au, aw, augh).
 
Spelling: We will be learning about au and aw word spellings.This week’s spelling words are: walk, small, talking, salt, lawn, tall, claws, straw, draw, and caught. The spelling test will be on Thursday.
 
Writing: We are writing about our class research project: Save the Bees! We are also working on Butterfly Observations and Journals.

 

Science: We will begin a unit called Energy all around us. We will explore energy by conducting experiments with sound, light, and heat.

Math: We will continue work on Unit 9 in our Everyday Math Curriculum focusing on Addition within 100, teaching students to add 2-digit numbers usung mental math, place value, open number lines, and regrouping. Key concepts include adding tens, decomposing addends, and strengthening place value understanding.

  • Mental Math & Place Value: Finding 10 more than a number, representing addition of tens, and modeling addition of tens and ones.
  • Addition Strategies: Using open number lines to add within 100, decomposing addends, and adding 2-digit numbers.
  • Regrouping: Adding 2-digit numbers with and without regrouping.
  • Word Problems: Writing equations to describe addition situations.
Upcoming Dates:
May 8: No School
May 11 - 14: Book Fair

Our scheduled day and time for the Book Fair is Tuesday, May 12th from 11:00-11:30. If you would like your First Grader to purchase items with cash during our day and time slot, please send money with your First Grader on May 12th in a labelled baggie or envelope.

Parents who prefer to pay digitally can load funds to their child's e-wallet using the link below:

E-Wallet: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/athlosleadershipacademy

May 13: Father/Daughter Dance
May 14: Mother/Son Dance
May 15: PK-4th Music Programs & Crazy Hair Day
May 18: Animal Day
May 19: Pajama and Stuffed Animal Day
May 20: Talent Show &Twin Day
May 21: Field Day/MN Sports Day
May 22: Field Day & Hoodie Day
May 25: Memorial Day - No School
May 27: MAY MADNESS
May 29: Last Day of School for PK-7

 

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

 
 
 
 
 

Book Fair Details

Our scheduled day and time for the Book Fair is Tuesday, May 12th from 11:00-11:30. If you would like your First Grader to purchase items with cash during our day and time slot, please send money with your First Grader on May 12th in a labelled baggie or envelope.

Parents who prefer to pay digitally can load funds to their child's e-wallet using the link below:

E-Wallet: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/athlosleadershipacademy 

Thank you,

Sara Gray

 

Look at the Week April 27- May 1 2026

Hello First Grade Families!

Here is a look at our week:

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Monday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Your First Grader now has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home:
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.
 
Language Arts: We are beginning work on Unit 10 in our Benchmark Curriculum. Unit 10 focuses on science, specifically exploring how life would differ without sound, light, and heat. Students investigate the essential question, "How can we use light and sound?" through 3 weeks of reading and writing activities, covering informational texts about energy and technology.
  • Theme/Essential Question: How can we use light and sound? (Sound, Light, and Heat).
  • Phonics Skills: Focuses on silent letters (kn, gn, wr) and diphthongs (au, aw, augh).
Spelling: We will be learning about silent letter word spellings.This week’s spelling words are: gnome, sign, knot, write, knock, wrong, know, comb, wreck, and wrap.The spelling test will be on Friday.
 
Writing: We are writing about our class research project: Save the Bees! We are also beginning Butterfly Observations and Journals.

 

Science: We will begin a unit called Energy all around us. We will explore energy by conducting experiments with sound, light, and heat.

Math: We will continue work on Unit 9 in our Everyday Math Curriculum focusing on Addition within 100, teaching students to add 2-digit numbers usung mental math, place value, open number lines, and regrouping. Key concepts include adding tens, decomposing addends, and strengthening place value understanding.

  • Mental Math & Place Value: Finding 10 more than a number, representing addition of tens, and modeling addition of tens and ones.
  • Addition Strategies: Using open number lines to add within 100, decomposing addends, and adding 2-digit numbers.
  • Regrouping: Adding 2-digit numbers with and without regrouping.
  • Word Problems: Writing equations to describe addition situations.
Upcoming Dates:
April 30: Grade 1 Field Trip to Como Zoo: Permission Forms must be turned in
April 30: Raffle Baskets and Talent Show audition forms due
May 8: No School
May 11 - 14: Book Fair
May 13: Father/Daughter Dance
May 14: Mother/Son Dance
May 15: PK-4th Music Programs & Crazy Hair Day
May 18: Animal Day
May 19: Pajama and Stuffed Animal Day
May 20: Talent Show &Twin Day
May 21: Field Day/MN Sports Day
May 22: Field Day & Hoodie Day
May 25: Memorial Day - No School
May 27: MAY MADNESS
May 29: Last Day of School for PK-7
 

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

 

 

 
 

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

April 22nd: Earth Day
April 24th: Beach Day
April 30th: Raffle Baskets and Talent Show audition forms due
May 8th: No School
May 11th - 14th: Book Fair
May 13th: Father/Daughter Dance
May 14th: Mother/Son Dance
May 15th: PK-4th Music Programs & Crazy Hair Day
May 18th: Animal Day
May 19th: Pajama and Stuffed Animal Day
May 20th: Talent Show &Twin Day
May 21st: Field Day/MN Sports Day
May 22nd: Field Day & Hoodie Day
May 25th: Memorial Day - No School
May 27th: MAY MADNESS
May 29th: Last Day of School for PK-7

Look at the Week: April 20-24 2026

Hello First Grade Families!

Here is a look at our week:

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Monday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Your First Grader now has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home:
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.
Language Arts: We are continuing work on Unit 9 in our Benchmark Reading Curriculum: We Use Goods and Services. 
  • Essential Question: "Why do people trade?"
  • Theme & Content: Economics in the community, including needs vs. wants, trading items, and understanding money.
  • Phonics & Word Study:
    • Week 1: /ou/ (spelled ou, ow).
    • Week 2: /oi/ (spelled oi, oy) and suffix -ly.
    • Week 3: /oo/ (spelled oo) and vowel team syllables.
Spelling: We will be learning about oo word spellings.This week’s spelling words are: spoon, moose, kangaroo, cool, tools, goose, broom, cook, good, and food.The spelling test will be on Friday.
 
Writing: We are writing about our class research project: Save the Bees!
 
Science:  We are working on class research project: Save the Bees! We are studying the life cycle, anatomy, and critical role of bees as pollinators, and integrate Earth and Life sciences to help students understand how animals and plants depend on each other for survival.
 
Math: We will continue work on Unit 9 in our Everyday Math Curriculum focusing on Addition within 100, teaching students to add 2-digit numbers usung mental math, place value, open number lines, and regrouping. Key concepts include adding tens, decomposing addends, and strengthening place value understanding.
  • Mental Math & Place Value: Finding 10 more than a number, representing addition of tens, and modeling addition of tens and ones.
  • Addition Strategies: Using open number lines to add within 100, decomposing addends, and adding 2-digit numbers.
  • Regrouping: Adding 2-digit numbers with and without regrouping.
  • Word Problems: Writing equations to describe addition situations.
Upcoming Dates:
April 22nd: Earth Day
April 24th: Beach Day
April 30th: Raffle Baskets and Talent Show audition forms due
May 8th: No School
May 11th - 14th: Book Fair
May 13th: Father/Daughter Dance
May 14th: Mother/Son Dance
May 15th: PK-4th Music Programs & Crazy Hair Day
May 18th: Animal Day
May 19th: Pajama and Stuffed Animal Day
May 20th: Talent Show &Twin Day
May 21st: Field Day/MN Sports Day
May 22nd: Field Day & Hoodie Day
May 25th: Memorial Day - No School
May 27th: MAY MADNESS
May 29th: Last Day of School for PK-7
 

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

Look at the Week: April 13-17 2026

Hello First Grade Families!

Here is a look at our week:

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Monday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Your First Grader now has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home:
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.
 
Language Arts: We are continuing work on Unit 9 in our Benchmark Reading Curriculum: We Use Goods and Services. 
  • Essential Question: "Why do people trade?"
  • Theme & Content: Economics in the community, including needs vs. wants, trading items, and understanding money.
  • Phonics & Word Study:
    • Week 1: /ou/ (spelled ou, ow).
    • Week 2: /oi/ (spelled oi, oy) and suffix -ly.
    • Week 3: /oo/ (spelled oo) and vowel team syllables.
Spelling: We will be learning about oi and oy word spellings.This week’s spelling words are: boil, point, choice, toys, joy, voice, noise, soil, boys, and foil.The spelling test will be on Friday.
 
Writing: We are writing about our class research project: Save the Bees!
 
Science:  We are working on class research project: Save the Bees! We are studying the life cycle, anatomy, and critical role of bees as pollinators, and integrate Earth and Life sciences to help students understand how animals and plants depend on each other for survival.
 
Math: We will begin work on Unit 9 in our Everyday Math Curriculum focusing on Addition within 100, teaching students to add 2-digit numbers usung mental math, place value, open number lines, and regrouping. Key concepts include adding tens, decomposing addends, and strengthening place value understanding.
  • Mental Math & Place Value: Finding 10 more than a number, representing addition of tens, and modeling addition of tens and ones.
  • Addition Strategies: Using open number lines to add within 100, decomposing addends, and adding 2-digit numbers.
  • Regrouping: Adding 2-digit numbers with and without regrouping.
  • Word Problems: Writing equations to describe addition situations.
Upcoming Events:
May 8: No School
May 11-14: Book Fair
May 13: Father/Daughter Dance
May 14: Mother/Son Dance
May 15: PreK-4th Music Programs
May 20:Talent Show
May 27: May Madness
 

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

 
 
 
 

Look at the Week March 30-April 3

Hello First Grade Families! I hope everyone had a great break!

Here is a look at our week:

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Tuesday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Your First Grader now has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home:
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.
 
Language Arts: We are completing work on Unit 8, titled Observing the Sky and explores why the sun, moon, ans stars capture our imagination. Over three weeks, students will focus on R-controlled vowels (ar, or, ur), and identifying key details about sky objects, featuring topics like daytime/nighttime, the moon, and stars.
  • Essential Question: Why do the sun and the moon capture our imagination?
  • Theme: Observing the Sky (Science connection).
  • Phonics Focus (R-Controlled Vowels):
    • Week 1: "Bossy R" /ar/ (e.g., car, star, part).
    • Week 2: "Bossy R" /or/ (e.g., corn, more, roar).
    • Week 3: "Bossy R" /ur/ (e.g., turn, bird, shirt).
  • Vocabulary: Words include observe, explore, sky, planet, light, shadow.
  • Key Concepts: Identifying sky objects (sun, stars, moon) and understanding daily/seasonal change
Spelling: We will be learning about boosy r "ur" word spellings.This week’s spelling words are: girl, shirt, fern, bird, curl, first, over, hurt, chirp, and turn.The spelling test will be on Friday.
 
Writing: We will write informative/ explanatory narratives and creative texts about observing the sky.
 
Science:  We will begin a class research project: Save the Bees! We will study the life cycle, anatomy, and critical role of bees as pollinators, and integrate Earth and Life sciences to help students understand how animals and plants depend on each other for survival.
 
Math: We will complete Unit 8 in our Everyday Math Curriculum, titled  
Meanings of Subtraction / Subtraction Word Problems. This unit builds fluency in subtraction, using tools like part-part-whole mats and number lines to represent equations, with a strong focus on modeling and solving word problems.
Key Skills:
  • Word Problem Strategies: Representing and solving "take from" and "take apart" problems
  • Subtraction Fluency: Subtracting within 20, specifically focusing on subtraction strategies and solving for missing numbers.
  • Modeling: Using drawings, math tools, and equations to represent story problems.
 

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

 

Look at the Week: March 9-13 2026

Hello First Grade Families!
 
Here is a look at the week:
 

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Monday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Your First Grader now has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home:
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.
 
Language Arts: We are beginning work on Unit 8, titled Observing the Sky and explores why the sun, moon, ans stars capture our imagination. Over three weeks, students will focus on R-controlled vowels (ar, or, ur), and identifying key details about sky objects, featuring topics like daytime/nighttime, the moon, and stars.
  • Essential Question: Why do the sun and the moon capture our imagination?
  • Theme: Observing the Sky (Science connection).
  • Phonics Focus (R-Controlled Vowels):
    • Week 1: "Bossy R" /ar/ (e.g., car, star, part).
    • Week 2: "Bossy R" /or/ (e.g., corn, more, roar).
    • Week 3: "Bossy R" /ur/ (e.g., turn, bird, shirt).
  • Vocabulary: Words include observe, explore, sky, planet, light, shadow.
  • Key Concepts: Identifying sky objects (sun, stars, moon) and understanding daily/seasonal change
Spelling: We will be learning about boosy r "ar" word spellings.This week’s spelling words are: jar, market, star, garden, charm, card, farm, artist, park, and dark.The spelling test will be on Friday.
 
Writing: We will write informative/ explanatory narratives and creative texts about observing the sky.
 
Science: Observing the sky, our Solar System
 
Math: We will Begin Unit 8 in our Everyday Math Curriculum, titled  
Meanings of Subtraction / Subtraction Word Problems. This unit builds fluency in subtraction, using tools like part-part-whole mats and number lines to represent equations, with a strong focus on modeling and solving word problems.
Key Skills:
  • Word Problem Strategies: Representing and solving "take from" and "take apart" problems
  • Subtraction Fluency: Subtracting within 20, specifically focusing on subtraction strategies and solving for missing numbers.
  • Modeling: Using drawings, math tools, and equations to represent story problems.
 
Upcoming Events:
  • March 9: Trimester 3 begins
  • March 23-27: Spring Break (no school)

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

 

 

Look at the Week: March 17-20 2026

Hello First Grade Families!
 
Here is a look at the week:
 

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Tuesday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Your First Grader now has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home:
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.
 
Language Arts: We are beginning work on Unit 8, titled Observing the Sky and explores why the sun, moon, ans stars capture our imagination. Over three weeks, students will focus on R-controlled vowels (ar, or, ur), and identifying key details about sky objects, featuring topics like daytime/nighttime, the moon, and stars.
  • Essential Question: Why do the sun and the moon capture our imagination?
  • Theme: Observing the Sky (Science connection).
  • Phonics Focus (R-Controlled Vowels):
    • Week 1: "Bossy R" /ar/ (e.g., car, star, part).
    • Week 2: "Bossy R" /or/ (e.g., corn, more, roar).
    • Week 3: "Bossy R" /ur/ (e.g., turn, bird, shirt).
  • Vocabulary: Words include observe, explore, sky, planet, light, shadow.
  • Key Concepts: Identifying sky objects (sun, stars, moon) and understanding daily/seasonal change
Spelling: We will be learning about boosy r "or" word spellings.This week’s spelling words are: morning, porch, shore, born, score, short, for, store, more, and horn.The spelling test will be on Friday.
 
Writing: We will write informative/ explanatory narratives and creative texts about observing the sky.
 
Science: Observing the sky, our Solar System
 
Math: We will Begin Unit 8 in our Everyday Math Curriculum, titled  
Meanings of Subtraction / Subtraction Word Problems. This unit builds fluency in subtraction, using tools like part-part-whole mats and number lines to represent equations, with a strong focus on modeling and solving word problems.
Key Skills:
  • Word Problem Strategies: Representing and solving "take from" and "take apart" problems
  • Subtraction Fluency: Subtracting within 20, specifically focusing on subtraction strategies and solving for missing numbers.
  • Modeling: Using drawings, math tools, and equations to represent story problems.
Upcoming Events:
  • March 20: Jersey and Hat Day Represent youth programs, professional leagues, or your own squad, showcase the hat - cowboy hats, top hats, helmets, winter hats, chef hats, bonnets, sun hats, silly hats, etc., wear a matching jersey and hat OR show off two different teams/styles, embrace your imagination -  homemade items are uniquely you!
  • March 23-27: Spring Break (no school)

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

 

Look at the Week March 2-6, 2026

Hello First Grade Families!
 
Here is a look at the week:
 

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Monday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words, every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Your First Grader now has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home!
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.

 

Language Arts: We will continue working on Unit Seven in our Benchmark Curriculum. We will dive into "Past, Present, and Future" to explore the essential question: Why is the past important? Throughout this unit, students will examine how technology, schools, and daily life have changed over time while learning about influential historical figures. We will focus on reading skills like using timelines to understand sequences. By connecting historical events to their own lives, students will gain a better understanding of how the past shapes our world today. This unit encourages students to build on prior knowledge to understand historical context and sequencing.

Writing: We will write complete sentences about our past, present, and future.

Spelling: This week we will be learning about long i word spellings: i,y, igh, and ie. This week’s spelling words are: bright, light, sky, by, night, kind, climb, try, find, and time. The spelling test will be on Friday.

Social Studies: We will work on a unit titled Past, Present, and Future. We will learn about Time and Chronology.

Math: We will continue Unit Seven in our Everyday Math Curriculum. In this unit, students will move beyond basic counting to develop "fact power"—the ability to recall math facts quickly and accurately.

  • Visual & Concrete: Encourages using manipulatives (e.g., base-ten blocks) to bridge to abstract, symbolic math.
  • Problem Solving: Guides students to determine appropriate solutions for different problem types, rather than just receiving instructions on how to solve them.
     
Upcoming Events:
  • March 9: Trimester 3 begins
  • March 23-27: Spring Break (no school)

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

Epic Books Login Info

Your First Grader now has an Epic Books account that can also be accessed from home!
 
kids.getepic.com/students
class code: nlz7758
Student clicks on their icon and name.
 
Happy Reading,
Sara Gray

Look at the Week February 23-27 2026

Hello First Grade Families!
 
Here is a look at the week:
 

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Monday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet to school on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words, every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Language Arts: We will continue working on Unit Seven in our Benchmark Curriculum. We will dive into "Past, Present, and Future" to explore the essential question: Why is the past important? Throughout this unit, students will examine how technology, schools, and daily life have changed over time while learning about influential historical figures. We will focus on reading skills like using timelines to understand sequences. By connecting historical events to their own lives, students will gain a better understanding of how the past shapes our world today. This unit encourages students to build on prior knowledge to understand historical context and sequencing.

Writing: We will write complete sentences about our past, present, and future.

Spelling: This week we will be learning about long e vowel teams. This week’s spelling words are: clean, sweet, leaf, eat, tea, bee, feast, sweep, green, and need. The spelling test will be on Friday.
 

Social Studies: We will work on a unit titled Past, Present, and Future. We will learn about Time and Chronology and students will create a timeline that identifies at least three events from their own life.

Math: We will continue Unit Seven in our Everyday Math Curriculum. In this unit, students will move beyond basic counting to develop "fact power"—the ability to recall math facts quickly and accurately.

  • Visual & Concrete: Encourages using manipulatives (e.g., base-ten blocks) to bridge to abstract, symbolic math.
  • Problem Solving: Guides students to determine appropriate solutions for different problem types, rather than just receiving instructions on how to solve them.
Upcoming Events:
  • February 24: World Fair
  • February 27: Retro Day (free dress day for all students)
  • March 9: Trimester 3 begins
  • March 23-27: Spring Break (no school)

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily. 
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]

Look at the Week February 17-20 2026

Hello First Grade Families!
 
Here is a look at the week:
 

Take Home Folders: Your First Grader's red take home folder is to be sent between home and school in your First Grader's backpack. You will find our Homework for the week along with a list with the week’s spelling words to practice at home.

Homework: Your student’s Homework Packet will be sent home on Tuesday. Your child may work on Homework each night of the week, and then return the Homework Packet on Friday. Please read with your First Grader for twenty minutes, work on sight words, and work on spelling words, every night. Work on Raz Kids and IXL.

Language Arts: We will begin work on Unit Seven in our Benchmark Curriculum. We will dive into "Past, Present, and Future" to explore the essential question: Why is the past important? Throughout this unit, students will examine how technology, schools, and daily life have changed over time while learning about influential historical figures. We will focus on reading skills like using timelines to understand sequences. By connecting historical events to their own lives, students will gain a better understanding of how the past shapes our world today. This unit encourages students to build on prior knowledge to understand historical context and sequencing.

Writing: We will write complete sentences about our past, present, and future.

Spelling: This week we will be learning about  long o vowel teams. This week’s spelling words are: gold, boat, show, hold, go, roll, coach, road, slow, and know. The spelling test will be on Firday.
 

Social Studies: We will work on a unit titled Past, Present, and Future. We will learn about Time and Chronology and students will create a timeline that identifies at least three events from their own life.

Math: We will begin Unit Seven in our Everyday Math Curriculum. In this unit, students will move beyond basic counting to develop "fact power"—the ability to recall math facts quickly and accurately.

  • Visual & Concrete: Encourages using manipulatives (e.g., base-ten blocks) to bridge to abstract, symbolic math.
  • Problem Solving: Guides students to determine appropriate solutions for different problem types, rather than just receiving instructions on how to solve them.
Upcoming Events:
  • February 24: World Fair
  • February 27:Retro Day (free dress day for all students)
  • March 9: Trimester 3 begins
  • March 23-27: Spring Break (no school)
 

Reminders:

  • Send weather appropriate clothing with your child daily as we will go outside for recess daily.
  • Make sure your child has shoes for fitness. We go to fitness on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Please make sure your child is reading, working on sight words, and working on spelling words every night.
  • Communicate with the front office about any end of the day transportation changes by 2:00 pm.
  • Please make sure you are checking your child’s red take home folder nightly. Students should bring their homework folder to school daily.
  • Student login information for RazKids and IXL was sent home. Please help your child login to each site and work for a few minutes each night. These sites will be used as needed if we have to stay home for weather, or other reasons.

Please don't hesitate to reach out any time.

Thank you,

Sara Gray

Grade 1 Teacher

Room 228

Phone: (763) 777-8942 ext. 8809

Email: [email protected]

Website: [email protected]