~"No matter how many mistakes you make, or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn't trying" ~Unknown May 4, 2022
Dear Parents, We made it! A full school year (sort of) post pandemic is in the books. We’ve had some hiccups, but for the most part, we survived navigating our new normal. Let’s just be honest, attendance has been horrendous; and although we needed to use extreme caution with every sneeze and cough, we can not accept poor attendance as a long term consequence of this pandemic. Let’s take every precaution this summer to get our immune systems in their best working order and enter the next school year fully prepared to plow through the challenges that may be ongoing.
My next journey with the 5th and 6th graders of Shoesmith Elementary is bound to be exciting. As a co-teacher to the 5th and 6th grade teams, I will work diligently to ensure that each student has their academic needs met across settings. With many, I have already spent an entire year and with some, we are just starting; nevertheless, each is invited to learn and grow with me in new and exciting ways. To get the most out of the school year, our scholars will need to approach every assignment with vigor. They will need both you and me urging them to reach their fullest potential. Your support in checking homework, reading to and with your child, attending meetings and other events at Shoesmith, and responding when your assistance is needed will go a long way towards instilling in our scholars our high expectations.
I want to take an opportunity to introduce myself to new parents, and reacquaint myself with others. I began my teaching career over 25 years ago and have had experience with many different grades and ability levels beginning with pre-K and going as high as graduate students in college. The Shoesmith Community has captured my heart and has become the only school I’ve ever spent more than 5 years teaching. This speaks to the cooperative and familial environment that this small school represents.
My college education began at Northern Illinois University where I received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Operations Management. I then pursued my Master’s Degree at Chicago State University and an Administrative Certificate from Lewis University. I also hold an endorsement in English/Language Arts. I have spent countless hours in professional development to enhance my ability to reach and teach the most diverse learners.I am looking forward to the 2022 – 2023 school year.
You can help at home by reading to and with your child every night and having them answer basic comprehension questions. They should also be practicing their multiplication tables daily until they can recite them from memory.To stay updated on what is going on in our class, please visit the Google Classroom, or my website athttp://shoesmithgoldsborough.weebly.com.If you still have questions or concerns, please contact me at [email protected].