Summer Letter

August 2, 2016

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to third grade! I’m Jessica Harwood and I will be your child’s third grade teacher this year. Third grade is an exciting time of growth and learning for students and their caregivers. I am really looking forward to our upcoming year together. I wanted to let you know more about myself and about the beginning of the school year.

First, let me introduce myself briefly. I am new to the Center/ Pepin School. For the past several years, I have been teaching sixth grade in Colrain. I loved this position and the school, but was excited to teach right here in my own town. I have also taught first, second, and fifth grades. Additionally, I have worked as an environmental education teacher and administrator and as a counselor with youth with mental illness. When I am not working, I enjoy hiking, running, biking, swimming, and reading.

This year our class will be exploring a lot of exciting topics. In math, we will dive into multiplication, geometry, fractions, and build a greater understanding of familiar topics like addition and subtraction. In English Language Arts, we will be using the Making Meaning and Being a Writer programs that the students were introduced to last year. We will be building skills in understanding more difficult texts, becoming lifelong readers, and writing in a variety of different genres, among other things. Our social studies topics include the history of Easthampton and Massachusetts. Because it is an election year, we will keep track of the current events as they unfold. In science, we will be exploring weather, motion, magnets, and animals and plants. I am excited for this big year of discovery and learning!

For the first few weeks of school, we’ll spend time learning classroom routines and getting to know each other. We will also spend time developing our classroom community. I want to be sure that students feel safe and comfortable so that they are better able to take on academic challenges.

As a teacher, I really believe in the potential of success for each student. I want to work hard to get to know and nurture your student, their needs, interests, and strengths. I will work hard to build a learning community where all students feel valued and engaged in their learning. I really value your input and would love to hear from you. I do not have a school email yet, so in the meantime you can email me at jnanharwood@gmail.com or call the school to speak with me (I will be in most mornings). If you and/ or your student would like to meet me before school starts, you can also get in touch to set up a time to meet up and see the classroom.

Once school starts, I will be in touch regularly about what we are up to and with updates on your child. I would also love any help if you are interested in volunteering with projects, parties, or trips. I look forward to meeting you and to a great year! Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Yours truly,

Jessica Harwood

P.S. There is another letter addressed to your child.

August 2, 2016

Hello!

Welcome to third grade (almost)! I can’t wait to meet you and spend the year learning together. It is going to be an awesome year full of tons of new things, such as multiplication, cursive, history, and science!

As you probably know, I am a new teacher at Pepin. For the past few years, I taught sixth grade. I live in Easthampton so I am looking forward to walking or biking to school now.

I love spending time outside, learning, exploring, and reading. This summer, I went to Maine and New Hampshire and did a lot of hiking, swimming, and reading on the beach.

I have been reading so many 3rd grade books to get ready for the year, I can barely keep track of it all! I have read Bad Kitty, Secrets of Droon, Horrible Harry, Frindle, Stone Fox, and Roller Girl, among other things. I am excited to hear what your favorite books are.

I am going to spend the next few weeks getting ready for school. If you would like to write me a letter to introduce yourself, I would love it! Here are some things you could tell me: What have you done this summer? What do you like to do? Who is in your family (include pets!)?What are you excited about in third grade? Is there anything else I should know about you? You can address the letter to school: Ms. Harwood, Pepin School, 4 Park St, Easthampton, MA 01027.

Here is a riddle about my pet for you to figure out: She is a mammal. Her total number of toes is a number you can count to by 1s, 2s, 4s, and 8s. When she walks in wet sand, you always see her nails. What is she?

See you soon,

Ms. Harwood

#introduction