August 13-16

I am so excited to get this school year going! I know that we will likely encounter some technical difficulties, but never fear! We will get it figured out.

The first weeks are going to be full of going over expectations, getting to know each other, and building community.

The Zoom link for the day as well as a the day's synchronous schedule will be posted to Google Classroom every morning. You can also find all assignments on Google Classroom.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

*Make sure you receive Leander ISD Insider (newsletter)

*Make sure that you have access and accurate contact information in Home Access Center.

*Find your bus route.

*Check out Mason's website for school events and information.

*Check out Mason's Parent Resource Page for any other unanswered questions.

*Join the PTO and buy a school shirt!

*Save my email address: deann.nelson@leanderisd.org

• Leander Launchpad

  • Login: lastname_###### (lunch/ID number)

  • Password: YYYYMMDD (student birthday)

• Google Classroom

  • Login: firstname.lastname##@k12.leanderisd.org (## is the last two digits of their lunch/ID number)

  • Password: YYYYMMDD (student birthday)

• Flipgrid

• Amazon Wishlist

• Beverages: Sparkling water, Diet Dr. Pepper, Cherry Limeade

• Restaurants: Torchy's Tacos, Tumble 22, Lucy's Fried Chicken, Chuy's, Chipotle, Smoothie King

• Stores: Amazon, Target, Teacher Heaven

• Snacks: Chex-Mix, chocolate without nuts (and with peanut butter!), SweetTarts, Pretzels

• School Supplies: Flair pens, post-its, 4th grade books, colored and lined paper

I grew up just a few miles from C.C. Mason in Leander. I graduated from Leander High School and then attended Texas A&M University where I majored in elementary education. After graduating, I moved to Budapest, Hungary and taught 4th grade at the International Christian School of Budapest for four years. After that, I moved back to Texas and worked for my church and did substitute teaching before being hired as a classroom teacher.

I've been at C.C. Mason for three years. I absolutely love teaching 4th grade! I taught language arts and social studies the previous two years, but was self-contained the other five. Virtual learning will be a new challenge this year, but I'm looking forward to the growth that will come from it. I strive to be reflective in my teaching practices in order to make adjustments to become a better educator. I will benefit greatly from feedback from students and parents about what is or isn't working for you!

Teaching is truly a passion of mine! My philosophy of teaching is focused around the idea that children learn best when they are in an environment where they feel safe, cared for, and believed in and that is achieved by forming strong, positive relationships with each student. From that stems the belief that all children can learn and succeed in school. I do not take the responsibility of your child's education and the molding of little minds lightly. I want your child to love school and to love learning, and I believe that can be achieved by partnering with you.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, writing, traveling, cooking, and musicals. I love sports and have discovered that I am far too competitive. I love spending time with my family, especially my seven-month-old nephew!