1st

First Grade is the year of budding independence. Throughout the year, we work on building a collaborative spirit that fosters a fun and positive classroom community. This is done with the guidance of the St. Mary Student Learning Expectations and the love of Jesus Christ.

2nd

Second Grade is a very special year because students receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. But it is also important because students learn how to manage their time responsibly as they complete daily classroom assignments and homework, Christian Service, projects, and the requirements of other school activities.

3rd

Third Grade is a big academic leap from second grade. Students are becoming more independent and self-aware. This is the year students begin to transition from learning to read, to reading to learn. We work on independence and organization beginning the first day of class. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own belongings, their own space, their own behavior, and their own learning. We work on growth mindsets, and develop an inner voice that is encouraging and growth-minded. Third graders work hard on building their academic persistence and stamina.

4th

Fourth Grade is an important time of transition in elementary school. As fourth grade students, children have more responsibilities with homework each day, book reports, and keeping all work organized including their planners, books, and both short- and long-term assignments.

5th

Fifth Grade students will have an increase in responsibilities. Students will work in small groups, but the majority of work is completed independently. The units in fifth grade begin tackling complex literature and ideas that connect with history, science, and the arts. Students develop their writing skills within many genres. Students will have approximately an hour to an hour and-a-half of homework each night, and will be responsible for short- and long-term written reports and presentations. Students will also be responsible for keeping work organized in their folders and interactive notebooks, using their planner daily, and completing assignments as they are assigned.