🌲 Evergreen First Grade at Beattie Elementary
First grade—known as Evergreen, after the majestic Colorado tree—marks an exciting year of discovery, growth, and increasing independence. Under the guidance of Mrs. Spotz and Ms. Gillum, students receive both academic support and social-emotional encouragement in Beattie’s open, co-taught environment—where collaboration blossoms and boundaries between learning and play dissolve.
🌱 What Makes Evergreen Special
- Hands-on & Social Learning: Lessons are interactive and group-focused, with real materials and playful exploration.
- Creativity Everywhere: Students incorporate art, drama, and innovation into everyday learning experiences.
- Evergreen Tree Connection: Just like the evergreen tree that flourishes year-round, our classroom community supports steady growth and resilience, rooted in care and connection.
- Outdoor Classroom Engagement: Students plant and care for apple trees in Beattie’s outdoor garden—learning biology, responsibility, and teamwork.
- Flexible Learning Structures: Units are taught as a full class, in small groups, and individually—thanks to our co-teaching model.
- Motivating Rigorous Tasks: Challenges are thoughtfully designed to stretch each learner, with support from both teachers.
- Guest Speakers & Storytelling: Community members and spellbinders share stories that spark curiosity and inspire learning.
- Field Trips & Assemblies: Experiences beyond the classroom connect students to their world.
- Technology-Rich Support: Digital tools enhance engagement and foster 21st-century skills.
- Math with Manipulatives: Hands-on materials help build deep understanding of patterns, operations, and problem-solving.
- Reflect & Goal-Set Cycles: Students celebrate strengths, identify areas to grow, and set personal learning goals.
- Empathy & Community: Alongside academics, we practice being kind, respectful, and supportive—just like a tree supports its forest companions.
By Year’s End
Evergreen Bighorns emerge with more confidence, stronger thinking and social skills, and a deeper love of learning. They grow—just like the evergreen tree—through every season, rooted in a caring environment and nourished by thoughtful, co-taught instruction .
