Mrs. Patricia VanHoegarden  

Welcome to my first grade classroom. Every year I have the privilege to teach a "lively" and "promising" group of first graders.  After thirty years as an educator at Cass School District, I continue to have the same passion for teaching that I had when I taught my first class.

First grade is an important year because often at this time children develop an attitude about school that lasts a lifetime.  This is a year where there is much growth emotionally, academically, and socially.  The first goal for my students is to enhance their self confidence and desire to learn.  Developing good work and study skills also contribute to students' success.  Working together with parents has been an important part of my program.  Children who feel that they have this support do well in school.

Our school day consists of  listening, reading, speaking, and writing.  These areas are integrated into every discipline of the curriculum.  Students learn to read, write stories, spell, perform math tasks, and problem solve.

My students are my family at school. I refer to them as "Our Classroom Family."  The children believe in this concept by the way they treat each other with respect and support of each other.

That is why I always have the best class in the world!!!!

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