Fourth Grade Newsletter
Issue 1, September 4th
Welcome!
Hello Fourth graders, families, and friends! It was so great to meet some of you at Thursday's Open House, and we can't wait to see everyone on Tuesday, September 4th for the first day of school. We are really looking forward to an exciting year. Our theme this year is learning like a pirate, where students will be following their map to success to reach their goals. We will focus mainly on routines, procedures, and building our classroom communities these first few weeks of school.
We will send out newsletters weekly with information on the previous week's curriculum and upcoming events and assignments.
Meet the Captains!
Ms. Commander
I grew up in Henrico County and attended Douglas S. Freeman High School. Growing up I was a gymnast, diver and swimmer. My parents and younger sister still live in the area. I received my Bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development with a minor in psychology. While I was at Tech, I was a co-captain of the Swimming and Diving team. I received my teaching license from Virginia Union University. This will be my 13th year of teaching, 7 of which were in 2nd grade, 3 in 5th grade and this will be my 3rd year in 4th grade. I live in the Forest Hill area with my husband Chris and my son Callen who will be entering into 1st grade. I have had a variety of jobs prior to teaching that include: dive show performer, I worked at Water Country and many state fairs across the country, Internet advertising specialist and diving coach. In my free time I enjoy spending time around the water, reading and cooking.
Ms. Edwards
My name is Kim Edwards, and I will be working alongside Mrs. Commander from mid-October to the beginning of December as a student teacher! I am a current graduate student at VCU, and in December, will be receiving my Master of Teaching (M.T.) degree with a concentration in early and elementary education. I also hold an Associates degree in K-8 education from Germanna Community College and a Bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies from VCU. When I am not in school, I love spending quality time with my family, watching Netflix, or surfing the internet for interesting articles to read. I am looking forward to a fantastic student teaching experience, working with and learning from the wonderful students and staff of Chimborazo!
Ms. Melson
Hi! I'm Katherine Melson, and I am so excited to be joining the Chimborazo family this year! I grew up in Richmond but have spent the past five years in Charlottesville completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology and obtaining my Masters in Teaching at the University of Virginia. I did my student teaching in Crozet, Virginia and have had many field placements in the Charlottesville area. This spring, I enjoyed substitute teaching in grades K-4. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, spending time with family and friends, baking, and reading. I can't wait to get to know all of you, and I look forward to an awesome year!
Ms. Haley
Hi! I'm Mary Haley and while I am new to Chimborazo, I am not new to teaching. This will be my 11th year teaching elementary school. I grew up in Richmond and I am really excited to be back "home!" I went to UVA for my BA in English and to Mary Washington for my teacher licensure. I am currently working towards my Master's in Reading Education. I have two children, both of whom are in college. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, spending time with family, traveling, and of course- READING! I am really looking forward to getting to know all of you this year! I can already tell this is a great community and I am glad to be a member!
Ms. Coleman
Hello, I'm Shanell Coleman, I'm so excited to work with each and everyone of you this year. I grew up in Mechanicsville Virginia. I attained my teaching license from Radford University. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and reading. September 4th is right around the corner. I hope you guys are excited and ready to learn.
Dates to Remember
September 5th - PTA meeting, 5:15 p.m., Room 120
September 13th - Blue Sky Fund
September 15th - RPS Health Fair
September 20th - Back to School Night, 5:30-7:00