Welcome to my fourth-grade class at Parkview Elementary School!  We have a very busy, productive, and exciting year in store for us! Thank you for entrusting your child to me during this time.

On a foreword note, let me introduce myself.  I am Rebecca Southam. I was born and raised in New Mexico, though I consider Montana home.   My husband, Jim, and I moved to Dillon thirty-two years ago to finish college.  After graduating from the University of Montana Western with my Bachelor's in Elementary Education, I opened and operated my preschool.  I have always enjoyed teaching children.  However, three years later, I sadly sold my preschool due to other business commitments and the raising of our young family.  We were privileged to raise our four children in this wonderful community.  Our three oldest children are now married to their sweethearts and have blessed us with five beautiful grandchildren (which includes a set of twins!).  For many years, I longed to teach children once more.  I am very privileged to have that opportunity with your children.  I have a masters in Curriculum and Instruction, and I look forward to my seventeenth year at Parkview Elementary.  I truly consider myself very fortunate to be among a professional faculty and school district where I love to teach.

I stated earlier that teaching your child is a privilege and a tremendous responsibility. I will do my best this year to ensure each student has a motivating and safe learning experience in the classroom.  Your child is a gift, and I vow to do everything possible to make their fourth-grade year a success. However, I cannot do this alone.  I need your help. We both need to be partners in the learning process.  I need each of you to encourage your child at home by helping to ensure they complete their assignments, and help them study for quizzes and tests, if necessary.  Their assignments will be written in their daily planners.  Planners should be brought home to be signed by you every day. These should keep you informed of all assignments and subjects that are covered in class. They will also have a homework folder that will accompany their planner home.  Please check the folder for homework, notes home, and graded papers.  Please also review the homework policy in the school handbook with your child.  This is also included in the front of your child’s planner and linked on my webpage.

I am looking forward to a great year.  Please remember that my door is always open. I appreciate your support!