Hello! My name is Mrs. Henderson and I am lucky enough to have your son or daughter in my class. Your child will find that I am a tough, but fair, teacher who has planned an exciting and productive school year.

My particular style of teaching is based on three things: setting high expectations for EVERY student, showing respect for all students and expecting respect in return, and last, but certainly not least, parental involvement. It is my belief that when parents and teachers work together a student can accomplish anything. I look forward to working with you this school year!

Dear Parents of Class 4-205,

My name is Mrs. Henderson and I would like to introduce myself to you in order to make the school year as smooth as possible for both you and your child. I am excited to be back in school with the students and am looking forward to a productive and successful year. I have extremely high expectations for the students and am looking forward to seeing what they can achieve. I have been teaching for over 12 years 9 of which was dealing specifically with the fourth grade curriculum. Fourth grade is by far one of my favorite grades and I am enthusiastic about teaching it to your child this year!

I understand that your child comes to me with unique experiences, interests and learning styles. My goal is to truly know your child well and use this knowledge to guide, support and motivate him or her. I believe that good teaching requires continual professional development, personal reflection and collaboration. I value parent involvement at every level and encourage you to partner with me to give your child the most powerful and joyous learning experience possible. There will be opportunities this school year when I will encourage your involvement. This includes writing, social studies, reading celebrations and math activities that occur on a monthly basis school wide.

The common core standards and our New York State standards are continuing to push students to become better prepared for college. I will work with you to see that your child takes learning beyond the classroom so that they can be successful learners. Students will achieve much this year in terms of academic growth, greater self-confidence, and improved social skills. I would like to briefly discuss my homework policy. I do not give a great deal of homework. On most nights, it should average 60 minutes. Generally speaking, we have 30 minutes of reading each night, math homework every night and a some writing usually no more than three-four paragraphs. However, projects are designated for the weekends and are a result of the weeks learning. Therefore, it is important that students have some time during the weekend to work on their cumulative projects. Please let me know if you find that your child is having a difficult time completing assignments within the 60 minutes.The purpose of homework is two-fold: to reinforce what we have learned in class, and to teach responsibility. A child who has done his (or her) homework is prepared for class, to hear explanations of what is being learned, and can explain whether he (or she) has had trouble

Each evening, you can expect your child to arrive at home with his or her homework written in their planner. In addition students will also have a V.I.P. folder which will hold any notices that need to be signed daily by a parent or guardian. The V.I.P. folder is also where you will find notices and correspondence from our class and the school community (ex. PTA , Trip slips etc. ) Please review this information daily with your child daily and ask to see their bookbag often. I sometimes write notes home occasionally in their homework notebook or VIP folder. Also, please feel free to use your child's homework notebooks to write notes to me, as well. Together we can help your child succeed positively at school.

I encourage a great deal of independent pleasure reading for students. In grade 4 students will be expected to read for 45-60 minutes per day. Developing a love of reading is so important to a child’s educational future, and view reading as a priority. We have a great selection of books right in our own classroom and in our school library. These books are of ALL reading levels and are available for students to check out. Your child will have their reading level labeled on their reading log sheet, this is to ensure that students are reading on the level that is “just right” for them. This will also make purchasing books for pleasure easier as most bookstores are aware of the reading levels and books that correspond.

I am a teacher big on communication with both students and parents. I understand the importance for everyone to have clear expectations and try to communicate goals often to you so that we can work in the best interest of your child. Unfortunately, I am unable to meet with parents before classes begin in the morning, as students are arriving and need all of my attention. If you have any special questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to send me a note with your child in the morning, or set up a conference via the school phone, I have also set up a gmail account that will allow me to send home correspondences immediately. Please take into consideration that I check the emails as much as I can but that this should not be the only way to contact me. I am asking that each parent or guardian provides me with an email and phone number so that we can send all correspondences via email to all students and parents. The email address is mrsshanayhenderson@gmail.com. The phone number you give will be used to add you to my class text list which will allow you to see tonight's homework and any notifications. Please join the remind101 website through text message instructions attached or by visiting the site. I am looking forward to working with you and your child for a successful school year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Henderson