In first grade, students become strong, fluent, and independent readers. Their comprehension skills are growing along with the content knowledge in Science, History, and Bible. Throughout the year, their number skills develop in the areas of addition, subtraction, and geometry. As first graders, they learn that we are part of a community that works together, helps one another, tries new things, and listens to one another. They learn how to put their ideas into sentences and paragraphs to communicate their thoughts and ideas.

First grade is full of adventures! We get to go on two field trips in first grade. First, we adventure to Peltzer Farms in the fall, where students learn about farm life and how to grow a garden. Then, the class visits the Birch Aquarium, where we learn about all of God’s many creations in the ocean. Students also participate in weekly chapels where we worship together and enjoy presenting our own original chapel to our friends and family. First grade is full of learning, fun, creativity, adventures, new friends, and memories that last a lifetime.

Mrs. Vanderlaan graduated from Cal State San Bernardino with her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies. She has taught kindergarten and first grade for the last four years. Mrs. Vanderlaan feels blessed to be an educator at a Christian school and is excited to watch her students grow both academically and spiritually. 

Mrs. Harper is excited to join the Calvary Murrieta family this year as a first grade teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from California State University San Marcos and brings with her four years of experience teaching kindergarten. With a heart for young learners, Mrs. Harper is passionate about creating a welcoming and nurturing classroom where students feel safe, encouraged, and excited to learn. She strives to instill not only a love for reading, writing, and foundational academics, but also to guide her students in growing their faith and character through Christ-centered teaching.