I’m thrilled to hear that I’ll be working with your family this school year. I have taught first, kindergarten, fourth and second grades at Stratton. Before that, I ran the library at Dallin for two years. I have enjoyed many learning experiences across the elementary grades. I am especially excited to dig deeper into the Responsive Classroom approach to learning!
On a more personal note, I live in Arlington with my husband Bobby. I have two daughters that recently graduated college! I feel the experiences I have had with my own children have enhanced my vision for what students can do and be supported to do in order to be successful in their learning. We all enjoy seeing Stratton families around town and in our neighborhood!
During the first weeks of school we will spend many moments getting to know each other and creating a classroom community that fosters a safe and academically challenging environment that reaches every child. Two years ago, I was trained in and part of a cohort of Stratton teachers that have implemented the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching. One of the main goals is to spend time at the beginning of the year building strong routines and a safe community for all learners. Stratton PRIDE and Open Circle language are also embedded in our daily routines. I believe, integrating all of these approaches facilitates an environment where children are able to focus on learning and perform to the best of their abilities.
I am excited to learn about what your family and individual student learning goals are. To help me get a head start, I have attached a Family Questionnaire and a Student Questionnaire. This feedback will help facilitate early connections to you and your child. You can email these questionnaires back to me, drop them off at the front office or send them with your child the first day of school. Please send back the Family Contact Sheet as well.
Communication is a very important part of our developing relationship. I will create a group e-mail list for communication from me. As soon as possible, please send an e-mail to [email protected] from any addresses you would like included. Please state: “Add me to the group list.” I usually communicate on-line, so let me know if you would rather paper correspondence. Additional information is also available on my website.
At this point, you should have heard about the school supply program organized by the PTO. Therefore, I am not sending a supply list. Children may bring their own labeled home/school folder; otherwise, I will provide one. The only other important item is headphones. If possible, it would be great if students had their own labeled headphones on the first day of school.
Please email me any time after you receive this letter if you have questions or concerns. I’m looking forward to a spectacular year!