Welcome to fifth grade! I am extremely excited to have your child in my classroom this year. I anticipate a great 2009-2010 school year.

            I want to take this opportunity to share a little about myself. I was born in Hickory, North Carolina but have lived here in Gaston County for thirty-one years. I graduated from Ashbrook High School and Belmont Abbey College.  This is my tenth year at New Hope where I have been a teacher assistant, behavior specialist, and now a classroom teacher. I have a sixteen year old son, named Louis. He will be a junior at Forestview. Most importantly, I have one of the best jobs around-teaching.

             Your child’s education is important to me. My philosophy is that your child’s educational journey is a partnership between student, teacher, and parent. Each person plays an intricate role. Your child will have an agenda that they copy their homework assignments down in daily. I also have a web page that will have weekly instruction and assignments. For those parents who would like a paper copy I will make one available as well. Children learn in a variety of styles some are visual learners others are auditory learners. Throughout this year your child will experience different styles of teaching to optimize their learning.

            There are several programs that I want to share with you that your child will be participating in this school year.  Our reading series is called Harcourt Trophies. Harcourt has designed a terrific website for both you and your student to access. This website provides a great way for students to review and parents to see what your student is learning.  The web address is www.harcourtschool.com/menus/trophies/grade5html.  Your student will be asked to read 20 minutes each night. After they have read please sign the bottom of their agenda. Gaston County has also purchased a Science Inquiry Based Science Kit program that allows students to investigate and experience science objectives hands on. These kits compliment the science series we already have in place. Remember, your fifth graders will be tested in science as well as reading and math.

            As you can see this is a year filled with excitement as well as high expectations. I am honored to be a part of this journey with you. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call or email me.

Again, I count it a privilege to work with you and your student this year!!!