Grades 1-3

Our Educational Philosophy

At Saint Anastasia School, we believe that first grade is a critical year in a child’s development. Our approach nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. We aim to create a supportive environment where students build confidence and gain foundational skills. Our philosophy emphasizes:

• Individualized Learning: Every child learns at their own pace, and our differentiated instruction ensures that all students are challenged and supported.
• Whole-Child Development: We focus on academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth to help students become well-rounded individuals.
• Hands-on Learning: Engaging students in experiential learning through play, exploration, and real-world problem-solving.

Curriculum Highlights

Our first-grade curriculum is designed to engage students and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Some of the core areas of focus include:

• Reading & Language Arts: Developing strong reading skills through phonics, comprehension strategies, and early writing. We use the Fundations program, which provides a structured, multisensory approach to phonics and spelling. Students engage in both independent reading and group literacy activities.
  • Archdiocese of Philadelphia Curriculum
• Mathematics: Building numeracy skills through interactive lessons in counting, addition, subtraction, and an introduction to problem-solving techniques.
  • Archdiocese of Philadelphia Curriculum
• Science & Social Studies: Exploring the natural world and learning about community, family, and global cultures through hands-on projects and inquiry-based learning.
  • Science Topics
  • Social Studies Curriculum
• Social-Emotional Learning: Fostering empathy, self-regulation, and teamwork through guided social lessons and classroom interactions.
• Art, Music, Technology, and Physical Education: Encouraging creative expression and physical health with a focus on developing fine motor skills and collaboration.
• World Language: Our Spanish program introduces students to basic vocabulary, greetings, and conversational phrases in a fun, interactive way.
• Religion: We integrate faith-based teachings that help students grow spiritually, understanding core values such as kindness, compassion, and respect. First graders are introduced to Bible stories, prayers, and concepts that reflect the school’s faith tradition, fostering a deeper connection to their beliefs.
  • Archdiocese of Philadelphia Curriculum

Meet Our First-Grade Team

Our dedicated first-grade teachers are passionate about helping each child thrive, and engaging all learners.

Enrichment Opportunities

In First Grade, we offer a range of enrichment activities to complement our core curriculum and engage students in new areas of interest:

• Special Events: Throughout the year, students participate in exciting events that bring learning to life, such as:
  • Rainforest Day: A hands-on, immersive experience where students learn about rainforest ecosystems, meet exotic animals, and create their own rainforest projects.
  • 100th Day Celebration: Marking the 100th day of school, this fun-filled day celebrates students' progress with themed math activities, creative projects, and special classroom events that focus on the number 100.

These enrichment opportunities help make learning dynamic, engaging, and fun for all of our students.
 

 Our curriculum follows the guidelines set by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, ensuring a comprehensive and faith-based education.

• Religion: Students deepen their understanding of God the Father, the saints, and being children of God. In Grade 2 Religion, some core themes include; the Blessed trinity, Topics Related to the Mass, Sacraments of Initiation/Healing/Service of Communion, Devotion to Mary, Liturgical Year, Saints as it relates to the time of year, Prayer, Sacramentals, and Social Justice topics. Students receive the sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. 
• English Language Arts: Focus on reading comprehension, writing skills, and vocabulary development. Students enhance their reading and writing skills through engaging literature, phonics instruction, and creative writing projects. Emphasis is placed on comprehension, vocabulary development, and expression. Students engage with a variety of texts to enhance their literacy skills. Students participate in the Wonders curriculum. 
• Mathematics: Our math curriculum focuses on building a strong understanding of numbers, addition and subtraction strategies, and introducing concepts like time, money, and basic geometry. Hands-on activities and games make learning fun and interactive. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving and critical thinking. Students participate in the Sadlier-Connect Progress in Mathematics curriculum. 
• Science: Exploring the wonders of the natural world through hands-on experiments and projects. In Grade 2 Science, a consistent focus is placed on the following key areas: Structure and Properties of Matter; Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems; Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth; and Engineering Design. Topics include plant growth, animal habitats, and the basics of weather, fostering a sense of curiosity about the natural world.
• Social Studies: Grade 2 Social Studies is organized into five units of study — Individual Development and Cultural Identity; Civic Ideals and Practices; Geography, Humans, and the Environment; Time, Continuity, and Change and Economic Systems. These units represent five of the unifying themes of social studies and may be presented in any order. Students study their community and learn about characteristics that define urban, suburban and rural communities. Emphases in the Social Studies curriculum include:  culture; time, continuity, and change; people, places, and environments; individual development and identity; individuals, groups, and institutions; power, authority, and governance; production, distribution and consumption; science, technology, and society; global connections; and civic ideals and practices. 
• Technology: Integrating technology into daily learning to enhance educational experiences and prepare students for the digital world. Each student receives an iPad in class and can explore programs such as ABCya, EPIC, IXL, Google Classroom, and many more.

Special Projects
Summer Reading: Each student reads two books over the summer and completes fun projects. This year’s books are two fiction books by Tomie DePaola and one nonfiction book by him as well.

Community Service: Engaging in projects that help our local community and foster a spirit of giving.
 
Saints Museum: In preparation for All Saints’ Day, students dress up as a saint of their choice and complete a presentation acting as that person. All the students are displayed as a “wax museum” and have buttons to begin their presentation.
 
Prayer Partners: Students meet regularly with their upper school prayer partners to strengthen their relationship with others in the community, as well as with God.
 
Field Trips/Retreats

• Herr’s Potato Chip Factory: Students get a behind-the-scenes look at how Herr’s potato chips are made. They learn about the entire production process, from sourcing the potatoes to packaging the final product. This firsthand experience reinforces concepts learned in science and social studies.
• First Communion Retreat:  Held at St. Anastasia, students deepen their knowledge of the sacrament and explore their relationship with God, as well as the sacristy. Students engage in a game station, craft area, music, mediation, and watch videos relevant to the sacrament. 

 

 
The mission of our Grade 3 Catholic education program is to cultivate a nurturing environment where students grow in faith, knowledge, and character. We aim to foster a love for learning, a commitment to service, and an understanding of their role in God's creation. Our Grade 3 curriculum is designed to reflect these foundational beliefs, emphasizing religious education which engages students in learning about their faith, exploring scripture, and participating in prayer and liturgical experiences.
Curriculum Highlights
We take an integrated learning approach which connects themes and concepts taught across all subject areas back to Catholic teachings and values.

• Math - In Math, we learn the concepts of multiplication and division, fractions, geometry, problem solving, and make real word connections to these areas of study. 
• Science - We study many areas of science including force and motion, electricity, life cycles, animal adaptations and survival, weather, and engineering and design. 
• English Language Arts - We work to incorporate reading, writing, and language acquisition into all areas of study. We take the time to explicitly model, practice, and utilize reading comprehension strategies across numerous fiction and nonfiction texts and incorporate these skills into our writing. 
• Social Studies - Third grade focuses our study on the broader world. We reach beyond the borders of the United States and take a deeper dive into other world communities. We study the genres of geography, culture, government, and economics. We can learn more about ourselves when we study the lives of others. 
• Religion - We believe that education should be grounded in Catholic values. This includes integrating religious teachings into all subjects, allowing students to see the connection between their faith and daily life. By exploring biblical stories, the lives of saints, Mary, and Catholic traditions, students will learn how to apply these lessons to their interactions with others. In addition, we plan, prepare, and participate in the liturgical celebration of a Mass each year.

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated third grade team works collaboratively to implement the third-grade curriculum and bring out the best in our students. We ensure student success by teaching in a variety of ways that meets the needs of all learners. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive and fun learning environment where students can grow spiritually, emotionally and academically. Please meet Mrs. Kathleen Cervellero, Miss Kathleen Tricocci, and Mrs. Lauren Maher. 

• Mrs. Kathleen Cervellero comes to third grade as a graduate of Archbishop Prendergast High School and Penn State University. This is her twenty-seventh year teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and her eleventh at St. Anastasia.
• Miss Kathleen Tricocci is a graduate of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School and Rosemont College. This is her third year at St. Anastasia. 
• Mrs. Lauren Maher is an alumnae of St. Anastasia, Cardinal O’Hara High School, and Mount St. Mary’s University. This is her thirteenth year teaching at St. Anastasia.

Enrichment Opportunities

• Field Trip - Our science field trip allows students to dive deeper into the curriculum and gives hands-on learning opportunities. We learn from experts in the field who study fossils and analyze their relationships to life today.
• Theater Performance - Third grade works closely with the Music program to practice and perform a show each year.