Welcome to First Grade at Ames Elementary! Our goal as a first grade team is to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of all children, and to help them become more independent and achieve their highest potential. Our focus is on the LPS subject areas: reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and health. We promote a learning environment that is nurturing, safe, and engages the children in meaningful learning activities. Children are encouraged to show respect for themselves and others by being sensitive to the feelings and needs that exist in a community of young learners. We believe strongly that children are most successful when teachers, parents, and students work together as a team. We extend a warm welcome to you and encourage you to visit our classrooms in the near future.