August 30, 2017
Dear Sixth Graders and Families,
Welcome to a new school year! I hope you had a restful summer, and that you’re coming back to school ready and excited to learn! It’s always good for families and students to know what to expect in the upcoming school year, so I hope this letter can address some of your wonderings, questions, and concerns.
My name is Ms. Coleman, and this will be my second year at Maple Grove! It’s so great to be back for another year. I teach English Language Arts (reading and writing) as well as Social Studies to all sixth grade students at Maple Grove. I went to Western Washington University and graduated with a B.A. in English Literature. After graduating, I taught overseas to international students in Bangkok, Thailand from 2014-2016 and in Seoul, South Korea from 2011-2013. I received my MEd. from Portland State University in 2014, and completed my student teaching in Portland Public Schools. These experiences have shaped my teaching philosophies immensely, and I believe traveling is the best education!
As a teacher, I believe in rigor and high expectations for all! Students can persevere, and young people are capable of anything! I believe in quality work, even if it takes awhile. I believe humor is healing. I believe in flexibility. I believe in a team approach to problem solve, and that communication between parents and teachers is a vital link for student success.
Mr. Shannon, the math and science teacher, is my partner teacher and we work very closely throughout the school year to serve the best interests of our students. Whether you’re in Mr. Shannon’s or my homeroom, we work together on all major and most minor decisions for our sixth graders. We believe in a team approach, and that students do best when the teachers communicate regularly. We strive to address the whole child’s needs through academic as well as social-emotional learning.
Please know that I am available via phone and email, and that I promise to do my best to respond to emails within 24 hours during the school week.
Grades are available electronically through Skyward, our online gradebook. This is where you can check your student’s progress and work completion throughout the year. Grades are updated weekly, at least. (Please see attached document which explains the grading policy).
I look forward to working with you!
Sincerely,
Ms. Coleman
ELA/SS Teacher
[email protected]