Dear Parents and Students,

          A very warm and special welcome to Room 16 at Cummings Elementary School. This is my third year here at Cummings and I feel truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful community. Fifth grade curriculum is fun and challenging.  Mrs. Wallmark, Mrs. Teague and I will be working together this year in order to help meet students’ academic needs.

          My teaching style is centered around each student as an individuals. I help them adjust to the classroom while working at their own level as well as in cooperative groups. I will be assessing through observation and documentation on each student for the first couple of weeks. My expectations and goals for each child will be based on individual abilities and strengths.

          Homework will be an important part of your child’s success this year as well as preparation for the middle school transition. I do expect that students read on a regular basis, practice basic math skills, continue to improve handwriting (cursive), as well as creative, journal or letter writing.

          The experiences of children in school will be greatly enriched through your cooperation and communication with me. A mutual concern and similar goals for your child helps to develop his or her greatest capacities physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. As a teacher, I hold very high expectations for my students and look forward to your help and support in sending your child to school ready to learn and grow.

          Please feel free email me at: grossarth_donna@salkeiz.k12.or.us or call me here at the school (503-399-3141) if you ever have any questions or concerns. For personal conferences, please contact me in advance to set up an appointment so that I am able to give you my full and undivided attention.

          We have the opportunity in our classroom to work as a community of learners with diverse skills and backgrounds. Respect is a key focus of our school as a whole and is strongly emphasized in our classroom as well. Throughout the year we will be concentrating on various life skills, learning the skills of being respectful of ourselves, one another and the learning process. I establish clear expectations and stress recognition of positive self conduct.

          I am excited to partner with you and your child this year. I look forward to a great year with a classroom full of eager learners and supportive parents!

Yours Sincerely,

Donna M. Grossarth