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. 

Micaela Summers is a wonderful addition to our Calvary Teaching team. She earned a Bachelors in Liberal Studies from Providence Christian College. Mrs. Summers has experience teaching 3 years at a Christian school in Bakersfield, CA. She is excited to beign her journey in 1st grade! Her favorite part about being a teacher is being part of all the growth that happens in the school year. She is looking forward to guiding and walking alongside her students as they learn new things and grow in their relationship with Jesus!