Hello! ¡Hola!

Dear Parents/Guardians: 

Welcome to the North Smyrna Elementary family! Welcome to a year full of learning and adventure. Kindergarten is a special year for you and your child. Your child will be a part of an amazing experience in the Spanish language immersion classroom. It is truly a joy to watch the transformation of students at this age. You will be astonished by the growth of your child. He/she will develop the skills they will need for years to come. We are enthusiastic about making this a successful school year socially and academically.  

Let us tell you a little about ourselves. My name is Chontel Stephens and this is my 19th year teaching kindergarten. I have two daughters named Alisiya and Chloe. I’m originally from New Jersey but have lived in Smyrna for many years. I absolutely love the eagerness and excitement young students have when they begin their educational career. During my free time, I enjoy reading, walking, and traveling. My partner’s name is Jean Carlos Martinez. He is from Puerto Rico. This is Señor Martinez 7th year working with children. He loves traveling, reading, and trying new foods. Señor Martinez is overjoyed about being your student’s Spanish teacher. He is looking forward to sharing his knowledge through songs, videos, and reading. We cannot wait to start this incredible journey with you and your family. 

This school year, students will learn about the world around us. Students will become Zoologists, Ecologists, and Entomologists through our reading curriculum. They will develop fundamental skills that will assist them in becoming amazing readers and writers. In math, students will learn to count to 100 in English and Spanish by 1s, 5s, and 10s. They will also learn to decompose numbers, compare quantities, solve word problems, and so much more. In Spanish, students will learn their colors, numbers, shapes, how to ask basic questions, and every day phrases. Students will spend half of their day in Spanish, immersed in the Spanish language and culture. Being in the Spanish Immersion program is a unique and rewarding experience. Kindergarten is not just a year of academics, students will also develop social skills. They will learn how to be good citizens and develop their independence.

The first day of school is quickly approaching and we are excited to meet you and your child. We will begin this school year on Tuesday, September 2nd. We are confident that this school year will be an exhilarating time for all of us. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support on this stimulating adventure. Check out our school’s website (https://www.smyrna.k12.de.us/Domain/11) for more information and updates.  

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Chontel Stephens (chontel.stephens@smyrna.k12.de.us) 

Señor Jean Carlos Martinez (jean.martinezserrano@smyrna.k12.de.us) 

Open House PowerPoint: