First Grade

NOTE: If you are interested in enrolling your student at Pacific School, please complete the appropriate Interest Form. More information about our enrollment procedures is Here.

Ariana Mindelzun ("Ms. Ariana") teaches first grade and is assisted by Jason Cowley, classroom aide. The class meets from 8:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., except on Wednesdays, when students are dismissed at 1:00 p.m. Independent study students attend on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays only, while five-day students attend Mondays through Fridays.

Weekly Activities

The class has weekly hands-on science lessons using the FOSS Science Materials.
The class visits the school library in small groups. The librarian helps students check out books appropriate for their interests, studies, and reading level.
The class studies in the Life Lab garden each week. They learn earth science through a garden-based curriculum. They also work on planting, weeding, and maintaining the Life Lab garden beds.
We hope that health guidelines will allow us to resume our Reading Buddies program. Students are paired with an older student and they read aloud to each other.

Math
Math is taught at the same time in first through sixth grade. Students who are accelerated in math are evaluated and placed in leveled math groups as appropriate.

Ms. Ariana's Teaching Philosophy
Education is perhaps the most important element existing in our society. The children of today live our world of tomorrow and therefore it is critical that we provide them with the most outstanding education possible. A child's’ educational experience influences how they feel about themselves, the world, others, and learning. I am committed to being the most effective, inspirational and life-changing teacher I can be. I am devoted to each child that I teach and believe that they deserve the best from me. Being a teacher is one of the greatest honors I can imagine. Being a teacher means teaching children to think and create to their greatest capacity. It means inspiring children to be the best person they can be, both academically and socially. Teaching means being a nurturing, supportive and encouraging role model. Being a teacher is about not only instructing a learning goal but also fostering the desire to learn and the thirst for knowledge.

I believe that children learn best when:

the desire to learn is embraced
applying learned knowledge to real-life situations
we bring practical concerns and real-life issues into the classroom
learning engages emotions and intellect
they play an active role in their learning process
learning is fun, hands-on and exciting
encouraged to make mistakes
loved and respected for their individuality
a strong bond is formed between peers and teachers
teaching is done beyond classroom walls

At the end of the day, I measure my success as a teacher by asking the following questions:

Do my students ask questions? If my students are engaged and eager to want to know more, I feel I've done my job to ignite their curiosity.
Are my students willing to make mistakes and challenge themselves? I want my students to feel secure enough to mess up and try again, to fall down, fail, and learn to grow.
Are my students kind and compassionate towards themselves and others? Teaching is not just about providing information to students. It is about guiding young people towards their best selves. I feel I've served my community well when I observe generosity, inclusion, warmth, and acceptance practiced by my students.

As a teacher, I strive to provide each and every student with a learning environment supported by parental and community involvement, integrative curriculum and learners who are excited to return the following day. I am committed to creating a learning environment where students excel and shine each day, and walk forward into the world with this confidence.

Parent Resources

Communication
Open communication between teachers and parents is always of great importance to me, and it is paramount to our children’s success. Please reach out any time.

Emails: amindelzun @ pacificesd.org | jcowley @ pacificesd.org

Ms. Ariana Mindelzun, First Grade Teacher

Mr. Jason Cowley