FIRST GRADE

Mrs. Marla Adrian

Resume: Mrs. Adrian is dedicated to making learning a rewarding and fun experience for her students.  She has been a teacher for 15 years and has taught every grade from First through Eighth, giving her many valuable experiences.  Using the gifts that God gave her, Mrs. Adrian was nominated Teacher of the year for the state of North Carolina.  Having taught in the public school system prior to her 5 years at Holy Cross, she appreciates being able to share the love of Jesus with her students. Mrs. Adrian is blessed with two wonderful sons.  Mark graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Finance, but received a calling to work in Lutheran ministry.  He is in his last year at Concordia Seminary, in St. Louis, Missouri.  Last June, our family was blessed as he married Amy, a wonderful addition to our lives. Mrs. Adrian's younger son, Michael, also graduated with his Master's Degree from the University of Florida last December (Go Gators!) in the field of Decision and Information Sciences.  He is currently working in his career field in Fairfax, VA, just a few miles from Washington, DC.  Mrs. Adrian's greatest joy is teaching God's children, but she also loves the beach, travel, boating, reading and time with her family.

My Mission -  "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." - 3 John 4

It is my mission to provide a warm, positive and energetic learning environment for my students, encouraging each to grow in God's light.

About This Class: Fourth grade is a year of immense growth with a focus on active learning and independent thinking.  Students flourish in a warm environment that encourages them to stretch to their fullest potential. Students learn about God's constant love for His children in Religion, and the wonderful gift that he gave us all through Jesus. Our theme for this year is "Share the Story" and throughout the year we will lead students to find God's purpose for them, with an emphasis on discipleship and serving others. Reading reaches new heights this year as students grow in their comprehension and understanding of the material.  We will work with fundamental skills in large group together and then break into small groups to meet the reading level of each student. Math reviews skills that were introduced in Third Grade, expanding them to new levels..  Emphasis is put on application and abstract thinking. Science and Social Studies have changed at Holy Cross this year.  Our text comes in the form of unit based newspapers filled with activities and exploration.  We will learn all about the state of Florida in Social Studies and will plan a trip to St. Augustine, one of the first settlements in America, to bring our studies alive. Science units will include: Physical Science; Geo and Space Science; and, Life Science. We will be planning at least one field trip per grading period to take our learning outside of the classroom.