Stafford's Scoop

WELCOME TO OUR CLASS OF 2011-2012!

Hi Prents,
Let me introduce myself. My name is Liz Stafford, and I am thrilled to be your child's 4th grade teacher this year. I have been teaching at Zach for eight years now, and seven of those years have been in 4th grade. Before that I taught at Kruse Elementary in the Gifted and Talented program. Teaching children is my passion, and I love partnering with parents to foster the overall growth for your child.

Thank you to everyone who came to our Open House on Thursday. It was nice meeting all of you, and it will make Monday a smoother day for your child! If you weren't able to make it, just come into the class early on Monday, and I'll help get your child ready.

I believe that 4th grade is such a special year for children. They are considered the "big" kids of the school now. They have a new goal of reading to learn rather than learning to read. They begin receiving letter grades which will continue through college now, rather than the primary version of grades. They will have planner to keep track of nightly homework. They are definitely going to have a big year.

Simultaneous with these changes your children will experience this year, we will work on organization. I don't want you to think that I expect your child to walk into 4th grade being organized and resonsibile. This is a trait/skill that takes many years to develop. Therefore, I hope you and I can work together as a team to help model and support for each child how this looks and feels to be organized. Some kids are born this way. Others are not. We will work to help everyone in the class at the level at which he/she is. No worries!

I hope you all can make our Back To School Night on August 31st at 6:00 a priorty for your child. Being at this meeting helps to get your child off on the right foot for the year because all of us will "be in the loop" of knowing what is expected for the year. Plus, I just really like to put names with faces and get to know you all. So, please jot down 6:00-7:00 on Aug. 31st in my classroom!

If you have any questions before then, I have an open door policy that you can come talk with me anytime at all. I'd rather you tell me any ideas or concerns right away than wait and see how it goes. My class number is 488-5159. My email is estaffor@psdschools.org. I will get back to you as soon as possible if you have to leave a message.

My motto in my class is, "Behold the mighty turtle, for he makes progress only when he sticks his neck out." Let's make this a great year for your children. I am honored to be a part of their lives.

Sincerely,
Liz