Welcome to First Grade!!!

Hello! We wanted to provide an opportunity to speak to our families about the transition from Kindergarten, half days to First grade and full days. We will be honest to say that the beginning of the year will be challenging for all students to stay locked into school for the full day. However, we find that once we build their stamina and resiliency while using brain power throughout the day to complete tasks and assignments will allow this transition to occur sooner than later. The teachers have extensive experience and will support your student(s) during this transition, along with your help supporting and encouraging your child(ren) as they attend daily.

I am so excited for this coming year and cannot wait to meet your child! Listed are ways to connect with the expectations of first grade and what you can do this summer to ensure a smooth transition into first grade. We are also planning a staggered school year start for our first graders. You will be receiving information about that start later this summer. Have a great summer and see you in the Fall!

Hello, my name is Brandi Scott. I grew up in Reynoldsburg and I have a twin brother who is a firefighter/paramedic. I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2011, with a Master of Education degree. I am certified to teach kindergarten through third grade. I received my Reading Endorsement from Muskingum University in 2013. This endorsement certifies me to teach reading K-12 grade.

Some of my favorite things are reading, shopping, hiking, camping, teaching, playing fetch with my adorable dog Leroy, and spending time with my friends and family.

My name is Brittany Ackley and I teach 1st grade at Violet. This is my 12th year teaching and 4th year in 1st grade! I am a Pickerington graduate, and live in Pickerington with my husband and three children Addison, Jacob, and Luke. I love spending time with my family, being outside, and going to the beach. I am looking forward to meeting my new first graders this fall. First grade is full of so many new and exciting adventures! I can’t wait for another fun year of learning, making new friends, and creating memories! Enjoy your summer!

My name is Mary Beth Johann and the 2023-2024 school year will be my 23rd year at Violet Elementary. I have taught first grade for 22 years. I love teaching first grade because my passion lies in teaching children to read! Reading is the foundation to all academic success! I have been married to my husband Steve for 41 years and we have four grown children. All of our children attended Violet Elementary! I have one granddaughter and a second grandchild due in October 2023!

My education includes a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University, a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University, and a Master Degree in Educational Leadership from Ashland University. I also hold a Principal Licensure for grades K-9. My hobbies include doing Bible Study, taking walks, reading and spending time with my family.

Hi Violet Families!

My name is Ally Curl and after 3 wonderful years in Kindergarten, I am so excited to be starting my 4th year of teaching in First Grade!!! I’m so excited for this new adventure and can’t wait to get started with past and new students and families :) I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! I am spending mine by the pool reading books and hanging with my dog! See you in First Grade! :)

1. Continue to use iReady Reading throughout the summer, which will continue their practice in the areas of Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Comprehension-Literature, Comprehension-Informational text. It is so important to have your students reading during the summer months to ensure the continued development of their reading skills, which includes: letter recognition, letter sound awareness, and CVC words (i.e., cat, tub, mop).

• At-home Reading Activities from iReady
• Support Independent Reading
• Writing and Language Practice
• Fundations Practice

Continue to use iReady Math throughout the summer to ensure that your students maintain their understanding of Numbers and Operation, Algebra and Algebraic Thinking, Measurement and Data, and last Geometry. They practice skills at the beginning skill level of these components of Mathematics. Counting up to 100, skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s, along with understanding what number comes before or after a certain number. All of this practice will help them transition into first grade math.

• Kindergarten Math Review
• Number Counting Practice
• Measuring Practice
• Shape Practice

Email: dee_copas@plsd.us
Website: https://www.pickerington.k12.oh.us/violet-elementary/
Location: 8855 Education Drive, Pickerington, OH, USA
Phone: (614)-548-1500
Facebook: facebook.com/SuperVioletES
Twitter: @VioletElem