Dear Parents and Children,

I want to welcome all of you to First Grade.  This is going to be one of the most important years in your child’s educational process. First Grade provides a whole new world of learning to embark upon and provides the foundation for your child’s future!!!   Many new skills are practiced and learned everyday. This is going to be a year filled with love, laughter, and learning!!!   Your child will be a different person by May!!!  You will not believe the progress that they will make this school year!!!  I know that with us all working together your child will be able to gain the self confidence and independence for their future.

So much happens in First Grade.  I want to make everyday a fun day of learning for your child.  I have very high expectations for every child in my class and believe that children rise to those expectations.  I want to instill the love for learning and knowledge.  I want each child’s self-esteem to soar!!!

New First Grade parents and children tend to be a bit apprehensive about the beginning of school because it is so different from Kindergarten.  PLEASE let me reassure you that I will praise your child often for small accomplishments and we will build on those successes.  I want your child to feel like they can come to me about anything and I will take care of them like they are my own.  (Which they will be for several months)  I want you and your child to feel welcomed and secure in my classroom.

I hope you have enjoyed your summer!!!  I am looking forward to meeting and greeting each one of you on Sunday, August 14^th at 2:00.  Bring all of your school supplies and we will settle in!!!

I am looking forward to a fabulous year!!!

Beverly Westlake