{"id":11163,"date":"2026-05-14T09:17:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T14:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thesummitprep.org\/1st\/?p=11163"},"modified":"2026-05-14T09:17:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T14:17:11","slug":"my-how-theyve-grown-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thesummitprep.org\/1st\/2026\/05\/14\/my-how-theyve-grown-2\/","title":{"rendered":"My, How They’ve Grown!"},"content":{"rendered":"

We have had the most wonderful year in first grade full of memories, fun, and of course LOTS of learning – both academically and socially! It\u2019s been a year of learning how to read more challenging words, solve trickier problems, and navigate friendships with a little more empathy and a lot more confidence.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve watched hesitant readers blossom into book lovers, proudly sharing that they read a new book or asking “Can I bring my book out to recess?”. Writers who once struggled to sound out some words are writing complete sentences and interesting details in their best handwriting. In math, we\u2019ve tackled everything from number bonds to clocks and coins. We’ve built a passion for protecting the environment, respecting other cultures, examining the weather, and learning more about absolutely everything we can. I\u2019ve seen so many lightbulb moments that I\u2019ve lost count.<\/p>\n

Equally as important, the first graders have continued to grow socially and personally. This year, we took turns, learned how to apologize and mean it, included friends who were sitting alone, and spoke up when we needed help. We practiced mindfulness, resolved conflicts with love, named our feelings, and discovered that making mistakes is a part of learning.<\/p>\n

And, of course, we made so many memories! Some of our favorites have included: dress-up days where we giggled at everyone’s fun costumes, singing the Honey Bunny Money song and doing the silly motions, checking out Mr. Possum’s new seasonal hats, having Leif visit our room for reading time, watching the snow out the window, our kickball game with Dr. Heet, baking and eating pumpkin bread and Irish soda bread together, watching Pumpkin Jack over the months, and of course those very special high fives at teacher table when a student worked so hard for a skill and finally got it!<\/p>\n

To the first graders: thank you for the laughter, the learning, and the endless love. I am so lucky to have spent this year being your teacher. You worked so hard and it shows! As we always say in first grade: HAVE FUN, BE SAFE!<\/p>\n

To their parents: Your support and love for your child shines through every day in the classroom. It’s what makes our Summit community so kind, supportive, eager to learn, and endlessly joyful. Thanks for sharing your babies with me! I am grateful for you every day.<\/p>\n

Enjoy this collection of photos from our last two days of school featuring some special memories and the cutest almost-second graders around!<\/p>\n

Ms. Ursino’s adorable view during one of our read alouds:<\/em><\/p>\n

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Birthday party to celebrate our many summer birthdays<\/em>\"\"<\/p>\n

Field day fun!<\/em>\"\"<\/p>\n