Helping my students develop responsive mental processes and critical thinking skills is as important to me as them learning core subject material.  I want to provide them with engaging and interactive projects, planned instructional lessons, personal learning time, collaborative play, and critical thinking exercises.  I want my classroom, to feel like a welcoming community to my students.  I feel that if they know they are in a safe and respecting environment, they can focus and learn.  My curriculum and classroom dynamics are designed to give students positive reinforcement; as well as, the opportunities to become more self-reliant and self-disciplined.  Developing these attributes will help them as they transition into upper level classes.  I am passionate about seeing my students achieve success.  When my students say something is too hard, I say it is not hard, it is challenging.  We should welcome challenges, because they help us grow personally and academically.  Even as adults, we should seek out challenges and raise the bar for ourselves.   Being an educator, wife, and a mother, I realize how difficult managing day to day life can be, but I want to ask you to challenge yourself.  Challenge yourself to be more engaged with your child.   Ask your child about a specific classroom assignment, cook together, work a puzzle, go for a walk, go to the movies, bake cookies, paint or color together, go on a picnic, build a pillow and blanket fort, go fishing or camping, but most importantly talk and listen to them.  Both of you will find personal benefits while spending time together.

I am honored that I can participate in my students', your child's, academic progress.  I always look forward to connecting with them and with their families.  I appreciate all the parental involvement I can get.  So, please do not feel shy or hesitant to volunteer in your child's classroom.  When students see their parents and teachers working in unison, it reinforces student involvement and motivates academic success.