Dear Parents,

          I would like to take this time to introduce myself and inform you of my goals and plans as your child’s second grade teacher.  I have a Master of Elementary Education degree and have been trained as an America’s Choice Literacy Coach, and in 2008 I became a National Board Certified Teacher of Early and Middle Childhood Literacy: Reading –Language Arts..  I have been teaching for the last 15years at Hyde Park Elementary.        

I am very excited to have the privilege of being your child’s teacher this year.  I want you to know that I have high expectations for myself, and all of the children in my classroom.  A few of my goals for creating the life of the classroom are to create an environment that is supportive, trusting, and respectful; to communicate an excitement for learning; to build on strengths; to be positive; and to allow students to make choices and take responsibility for their learning.

          Meeting Standards will be our number one priority.  All of my instruction will be integrated into Language Arts.  That means that we will be studying Social, Science, and the Arts through reading fiction, informational text and poetry, writing and researching topics, speaking about our observations, and listening to stories and supporting each other through the use of Accountable Talk and feedback.

          I believe that school/home communication is essential to your child’s success and therefore, promote and encourage it.  Your child will have a take home folder provided to them.  It is very important that you check this folder every night and they return it to school every day.  We will put important messages, school notices, book orders, and anything you need to see in there.  We will also be sharing a Home School Notebook in which you and I can communicate on a regular basis.  Feel free to ask questions, make comments and let me know about your child.

          I will send home monthly newsletters to inform you of our learning and upcoming events.  Please do not wait until Conference Dates, if you have questions or concerns. 

          We have an ongoing partnership with our volunteer, Ms. Pat Matsui (who’s name you will hear often).  As time permits we will be visiting the seniors at the Duke Senior Center.

           Please do not hesitate to call me at school at any time (278-7980). 

(Mrs.) Deanna Cudahy