Welcome to one of the most incredible years of your school career! Fifth grade is an exciting time, as you will embark upon new adventures in the world of learning. This is a year of important transitions in which acquisition of new skills are accelerated.

I realize that teaching you or your child is a privilege, as well as a tremendous responsibility. I will do my best this year to ensure that each student has a motivating and safe learning experience in the classroom. One of my goals throughout my twenty years of teaching is to instill a love of learning that will last throughout your years of schooling.

So much happens in Fifth Grade! Because of this, parents as well as children may have some apprehensions about what will happen. It is extremely important to keep in mind that we all build on small successes. Each child will progress at his/her own rate, acquiring skills as he/she is developmentally ready. Maintaining each child's self-esteem and building a secure foundation for future growth will always remain a priority.

However, I cannot do this alone: I need your help. We all need to be partners in the learning process. I need each of you to offer encouragement in school and at home by helping to ensure that you or your child have completed assignments, and help them study for quizzes, if necessary. I will keep you informed of all assignments and subjects that are covered in class with a weekly summary.