Dear Parents or Guardians,

Hello and welcome to Mr. Mitchell’s fourth grade class at Valley Academy! I am thrilled to have your student in my class and will make this the best year that it can be. Your child’s achievement, safety, and happiness are my priorities, and I will do my utmost in making sure that your child receives a quality education.

This is my third year at Valley Academy and my fourth year in the education system, first being a substitute teacher here at Valley Academy. I have spent most of my time in fourth and fifth grade as a substitute teacher and fell in love with this age group and this integral part of their life. I have also spent time volunteering in high schools across the valley working in history and government classes. Furthermore, I am currently enrolled in a Master of Education program at Grand Canyon University.

Fourth grade is a pivotal year for your child. In this transition from the primary grades to the intermediate level, your child will go through many changes. Fourth graders become progressively more responsible for themselves and their work from August to May. This independence will help them become more secure in their own abilities and enable them to take a more active role in their own learning. 

I will provide your child with a traditional, structured environment where high expectations in academics are the norm for all students. The student will be expected to put forth his/her best effort in all academic areas. A lot of encouragement, motivation, support, and praise will be given.

If you need to contact me, please email me at bmitchell@valleyacademy.com. I will return your email as soon as possible. I will have a classroom website available after the first full week of school. I will use this page to post the weekly newsletter and upcoming projects and test due dates. Thank you for partnering with me in your child’s education.

Best Regards,

Mr. Mitchell