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First Grade, Fresh Start: Getting to Know Ashley Smith and Ginia Oviedo
First Grade, Fresh Start: Getting to Know Ashley Smith and Ginia Oviedo

Photos by Bella G. '28

A new school year brings plenty of excitement to first grade — including two new lead teachers, Ashley Smith and Ginia Oviedo. Both bring a wealth of experience — and plenty of enthusiasm — to their classrooms. We caught up with them to learn a little more about their teaching philosophies, favorite books, first grade memories and what they’re most looking forward to this year.

What are you most excited about as you begin your first year at North Shore?

Ashley

To meet my students and start building our classroom community! There’s something so special about the beginning of a school year — getting to know everyone’s personalities and interests. I’m also looking forward to getting to know my colleagues and making lots of fun memories with my students.

Ginia

I’m most excited to build meaningful relationships with my students and become part of the NSCD community. I’m also looking forward to growing as an educator, trying new ideas and strategies, and making a positive impact while having fun!

What do you hope your students feel when they walk into your classroom each morning?

Ashley

I want them to feel like they’re walking into their second home — happy, safe and loved. I want them to know our classroom is a place where they can ask questions, try new things and always be themselves.

Ginia

I hope my students know they belong, their voices matter and it’s OK to take risks and make mistakes. I want them to leave each day feeling more confident in themselves and their ability to learn and grow.

What’s a classroom activity or tradition you’re especially excited to bring to North Shore?

Ashley

I love making learning fun, so I’m excited to bring lots of hands-on activities, movement and games into our year. I also love celebrating the little wins — because in first grade, there are so many of them!

Ginia

Singing a morning song — maybe a little off-key! Community-building is so important to learning, so we begin each day with a song and a chance to greet one another.

You both bring different experiences to the first grade team. What are you most looking forward to learning from each other?

Ashley

I’m excited to learn from Ginia and, of course, steal all her best ideas! We each bring different experiences and perspectives, and I think that makes us stronger together. I’m looking forward to collaborating, sharing ideas and having lots of laughs along the way.

Ginia

I can already see that Ashley and I are a strong team, and we give each other space to work to our strengths. I’m excited to continue building our partnership and creating a positive, welcoming classroom environment together.

What was your favorite subject when you were in first grade?

Ashley

Art! I’ve always loved being creative and having the chance to make something my own. I loved experimenting with different colors, materials and ideas, and I still find ways to bring that creativity into my classroom today.

Ginia

Listening to books and stories — and anything involving play!

What’s a children’s book you never get tired of reading?

Ashley

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. It’s such a classic, and there are so many things for first graders to explore — counting, sequencing, days of the week, food, science and even making predictions. Plus, who doesn’t love a hungry caterpillar?

Ginia

“Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg. It encourages creativity and teaches children that mistakes aren’t setbacks — they’re opportunities.

Ashley, you played college softball. What is something you learned as an athlete that influences the way you teach or work with students today?

Ashley

Softball taught me a lot about teamwork, perseverance and learning from mistakes. You’re not going to hit a home run every time you step up to the plate — and that’s OK! I remind my students that learning works the same way: We keep practicing, encourage each other and celebrate progress along the way. I also love bringing that team mentality into the classroom because we really are all on the same team.

Ginia, you’ve taught in schools around the world. What is one thing you’ve picked up from those experiences that has stayed with you in every classroom?

Ginia

The learner is the author of their own learning story, and we’re there to help them write it. Curiosity is everything! I’m always thinking about how I can encourage students to be curious.

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