Welcome to first grade!

Hi!  I am Adrienne Jimerson and I will be teaching first grade.  This is my first year teaching first grade, where previously I've taught third and fourth grades.  I enjoy making learning fun and meaningful for all my students. I use Kagan structures and PowerTeaching strategies in my classroom to enhance learning and empower my students to take ownership in their own learning. One of my favorite quotes is, "teachers who enjoy teaching create students who enjoy learning." It is so true!

I grew up in Pennyslvania in the Scranton area and went to college outside of Philly at Valley Forge Christian College.  There I met my husband, and shortly after graduation we were married.  Daniel is originally from VA Beach.  We now live close to the school and have been married for four years.  We don't have any children yet, but are pregnant with our first child, due sometime in late March. We have a Basset Hound named Romo, whose pictures you may see around my Weebly, and a mini-dachshund named Mollie.  When I'm not teaching, I enjoy taking pictures, scrap-booking, reading, and hanging out with my hubby.  I also love to travel.  So far I have traveled to England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Trinidad/Tobago, Mexico (twice), and Canada.  

I am very excited about this year and all we will learn together!  If you have any questions or comments, click on my Comments page to contact me.  Each week the "This Week..." page will make you aware of what we will be doing in class as well as any special assignments your child may have.  Please check that page specifically each week!  Thanks for visiting! :)

Tips for a Successful Schoolyear (from vbschools.com website)


  • Talk to your child’s teacher frequently. Together you are a team for your child’s academic success.
  • Provide a quiet place and a consistent time to do homework. Support your child in homework efforts but refrain from doing the homework.
  • Help your child learn to follow directions. Give one- and two-step directions and see that the task is completed.
  • Teach your child to show respect for others by using polite phrases such as “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.”
  • Model and reinforce appropriate behavior.
  • Help your child learn his/her address and telephone number.
  • Guide and monitor your child’s television viewing.
  • Listen to your child and encourage your child to talk about new experiences.
  • Explain the meaning of new words to your child.
  • Encourage your child to succeed by encouraging his/her best work, but do not expect more than your child is capable of doing.
  • Involve your child with reading and writing activities.
  • See that your child gets a good night’s sleep and has a nutritious breakfast.
  • Write your child’s name on all personal items brought to school such as coat, hat, gloves, boots, sweater, lunch box, etc.
  • Refrain from sending to school a sick child or one who has had a fever within the past 24 hours. This precaution will help preserve the health of other children.
  • Please telephone the school when your child will be absent. Your child will need a written excuse upon returning to the classroom.
  • Dress your child according to the weather; outside activities will take place when the weather permits. A note from you will be required if your child should remain inside because of a physical condition.
  • Provide the teacher with a correct telephone number where parents or a family friend may be reached during the school day, in case of an emergency.
  • Discuss with your child what to do and where to go in the event you are not at home when he/she arrives.
  • Monitor your child’s academic progress in school using the SchoolNet Parent Portal. Learn about this great online resource at vbschools.com.

Classroom Wishlist!

If you would like to donate items to the classroom throughout the year simply check this section of the Weebly.  Once the items are in or we have "enough," they will promptly be removed from the list.  Likewise if a new item is needed it shall be posted and removed once it comes in.  Some items are on-going throughout the year, while others are ASAP or one-time-only.  Either way, from the students and myself, THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR TOES!! ;)

On-Going

~number 2 wooden pencils
~ruled paper (no pictures or extra colors please)
~plastic folders with 2 pockets and brads
~Dollar Tree plastic balls filled with 50 "character" erasers.  I've seen ocean buddies, seasonal/holiday, various brightly colored shapes, and others.  The kids love them!
~Regular rectangular erasers (fun or original)
~Individually wrapped candies (no gum)... Sam's Club/Costco are really the best places for these items- averaging about $7 for a HUGE bag... we go through about 3-4 of them per year.  Student favorites have been: Laffy Taffy, Tootsie Products, Ring Pops, Push up Pops, Sour Heads, War Heads, Nerds/Nerd Ropes, DumDum Lollipops...
~Small items in mass quantities (over 25 count), such as fun erasers, sticky frogs/bugs (inedible), little toys, etc.
~bookmarks

*Donations from Home for Classroom Store
Not all donations need be purchased.  We will gladly accept any donations from your home, provided they are gently used and students would still be interested in having them.  Usually items from home we have seen come in are but not limited to: fast food toys, bubbles, bubbles in cool containers (Dollar Tree had them in soda pop bottles!), stuffed animals, small toys, yoyos, candles (unused), stickers, barely used coloring books, markers, etc.... please, no electronic items, cards of any kind,  or video games.  Thank you!!