August 1st, 2020
Dear Parents,
Welcome to room 2103! My name is Mrs. Botts and I am extremely excited to be your child's teacher this year. This will be an amazing yet busy year of fun learning! Throughout the course of this year, you will see your child really begin to take off in his/her reading and writing skills and explore many new and exciting topics in math, science, social studies, PE, health and art. The students will engage in self-help strategies and social skills building activities to learn about themselves as well as their classmates and what it means to be a part of a classroom community. They will build on their communication skills and really develop stronger fine motor and gross motor skills.
It is my goal to create a safe, loving, nurturning, and inviting atmosphere in the classroom both on campus and remote, where students feel free to take risks, accept challenges, and make mistakes because this is where the best learning takes place! I firmly believe that all students can succeed although success is defined differently for every child. I individualize my instruction in order to best encourage the strenghts and support the weaknesses of each child so that I meet the needs of each individual. I consider it a privilege to be able to work with your children in the pursuit to helping them to be the best that they can be.
I look forward to taking this journey with you and your child! And for those whose students have already been in my class, I look forward to continuing this journey with you and your child. I am hoping to work closely togehter with you to ensure the best possible education for your child. In this remote world it is critical that we work together to help your child succeed during this unforeseen time. as a team, we can better help your child achieve the academic success he/she desires. Please do not ever hesitiate to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. I am here to support you!
Please be prepared to support your child while they participate in zoom sessions and while working on assigned tasks. Your child will be given assignments daily that are required and MUST BE completed as assigned and uploaded either on Google Classroom or Class Dojo. The assignments will indicate where the child must upload the work. Children are required to participate in ALL zoom sessions. There will be daily calendar time with the whole classroom, daily small group sessions for both languages arts and math time and we will end each learning day together as a whole classroom. Each student will also have two individual half hour sessions with me each week to ensure SAI minutes are being met and student is making progress on IEP goals. I am aware that some of the students have not really gotten much academics in the last four months. however, to ensure when we do return on campus that there will not be behaviors, I need your support to help your child from 8:10-1:15(TK) 1:26(K) 2:15 (1st-3rd) graders Monday through Friday so that they learn that school is back in session. Please work with me and I'll support you through any behaviors your child may have. Remember behind every storm there lies a bright sun ready to shine. Stay strong and your child will learn to comply and respond to working from home.
The attached questionnaire is important so that I can leanr about your child and get an understanding of your concerns. Please make sure that you fill out the survey and email it back to me as soon as possible. Please log into your child's clever account and get on Google Classroom. Make sure you log into all sites necessary especially Class Dojo as a parent and student to upload on their portfolios.
On the first day of school please take a picture of your child and send it to me through email so I can put their pictures on Class Dojo.
It is going to be a monkey-tastic tigerrrific month!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Botts
Education Specialist M/M Disabilities
John Marshall Elementary
nhartonian@gusd.net
