Littleton Public Schools has been my professional home for 29 years. I began as a Speech/Language Specialist at Centennial Academy (then Centennial Elementary School), after gaining my master's degree in Speech/Language Pathology.   I held several positions in special education over a period of 18 years, including 7 years of team-teaching with an occupational therapist in a self-contained classroom for kindgergarten-aged children with special needs.  In 1984 I was nominated for the Colorado Teachers Awards. A year later our program received the Colorado Speech/Langauge Association's Program of the Year Award.

     My experience in this program motivated me to move to first grade at Peabody Elementary School.  After teaching first grade for five years, I moved to a literacy specialist position in the Title I program at Centennial Academy.  This was an excellent experience in language arts intervention, but I found that I missed the classroom.  In the fall of 2004 I moved back to first grade, at Centennial Academy. 

     Over the years I have acquired over 100 hours of additional education in the areas of language arts, math, science, social studies, and educational theory and instruction.  I also have participated in state and national conferences, and district inservices.   I have presented at speech/language conferences and the Colorado Council of the International Reading Association, have organized and led several peer-teaching experiences within the district.

First Grade with Ms. Smaldone

     First grade is an exciting time to be in school!  Developing reading and writing skills is our primary academic focus, but we also study a wonderful variety of topics in science and social studies.  My affinity for children's literature is woven throughout my presentation of the curriculum topics.  In addition to academics, another goal is for our students to learn to function independently in academic and social situations. We want them to take responsibility for their own behavior, both in a social situations and academic situations. This includes developing a habit of homework completion on a daily basis is another goal, something new for first graders. For curriculum specifics, please click First Grade in the blue menu on the left-hand side of the screen, scroll past the teachers' names and you will find a link to our district curriculum.

You can contact me at msmaldone@lps.k12.co.us  or call me at 303 347-4149. The best time to call is after 3:15.