1st Grade

 

Dear students, parents and guardians, 

Hello!

 

You finished Kindergarten and now you are a First Grader! We know you are excited and probably a little nervous about starting a new school year. We are too!

 

We want you to know that we have been busy planning many exciting activities for the year and we are thrilled to be a part of your journey in First Grade. 

 

The First Grade is such a special time in your learning adventure! We can't wait to meet you and begin a fun-filled year!

 

Love, 

Your First Grade teachers

 

* 3 Pocket Folders (name on it)

* Backpack without wheels (name on it)

* 1 pair of headphones (name on them)

* 1 plastic pencil box (name on it)

* 1 pair of kid scissors

* 4-6 glue sticks

* 2 Packs of #2 Pencils

* 1 pack of pencil top erasers

* 1 pack big pink erasers

* 1 box of 24 Crayola Classic Crayons

* 1 box of Crayola Classic Broad Tip Markers

* 1 package of black thick dry erase markers

* 1 package of colored pencils

* 1 box of tissues

* 2 containers of Clorox Wipes

* 1 roll Paper Towels

* 2 boxes of ziploc bags (sandwich size and gallon size)

* 1 Composition Book

To be ready for first grade, students should have a solid foundation in early literacy and math skills. They should be able to recognize and produce the sounds of each letter, understand both consonants and vowels, and understand how they function in words. Students should also be able to count to 100 and write numbers correctly. Familiarity with number bonds is essential, allowing them to understand simple addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 5 + 3 equals 8). In addition, students should be able to write simple sentences, using correct capitalization, punctuation, and spacing between words. These skills will help them succeed as they move into more advanced learning in first grade.

 

Suggestions for the summer:

• Help your student learn how to tie their shoes
• Teach them how to open items in their lunch box
• Memorize their student ID number (same as kindergarten) 

Miss Caitlin Zellner

Hi!

My name is Caitlin Zellner and I am your child's first grade teacher! 

I am so excited to be here at Greenbrier for my 4th year teaching and 6th year with the district. I graduated from Northern Arizona University in May of 2020 with my Bachelors degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, I also have my SEI endorsement. Teaching has been my dream since I was in 2nd grade and feel so lucky to add your student to the classroom family we will create. 

Some fun facts about me are: I love Disney, I love Carrie Underwood, and can't live without some sort of caffeine (Dutch Bros Rebels, coffee, etc.). I love baking, especially with my sourdough, and watching Hallmark movies and crime/medical shows in my free time. 

I can't wait to work with all of you to create a safe, fun, and adventure filled year of learning and creativity. 

Never hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.

Miss Zellner

caitlin.zellner@dvusd.org

602-467-5551

 

Mrs. Courtney Berkebile

 

                                                                                                                                                                        Hi Honeybee Families, 

Welcome to First Grade! My name is Courtney Berkebile and I am so excited to be your child’s teacher this year! We are going to have a great year making new friends, learning new skills and so much more! 

I wanted to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about me. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Grand Canyon University in 2013 in Early Childhood Education. I am very passionate about teaching and helping my students learn and grow in academics but also as little humans! I am married to a wonderful man named Scott. We have one amazing daughter, Ellie and one fur baby, Jett. We love spending time together as a family and traveling to see new places. During my free time, I love to bake, watch documentaries and go shopping! 

Let’s work together this year and help nurture our students to be the best they can be! 

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you, 

Mrs. Berkebile