Fourth Grade Newsletter
September 6th, 2019 - Issue 1
Note from the Teachers
Welcome back Chimborazo families! The 4th grade team is so excited for the new school year. We have spent a lot of time this summer planning and prepping rigorous and engaging activities for your child, and we are ready for a fun and successful school year.
Exciting updates:
- Chimborazo has created a new house system. Four Houses One Family. The house system will help us work together collectively as a school to perform our best, both academically and socially. Each class has been assigned a house, which are listed below:
House Whymper
- Motto: Speak Up
- Mascot: Dolphin
- Color: Green
House Veintimilla
- Motto: Lead Wisely
- Mascot: Wolf
- Color: Purple
House Politecnica
- Motto: Choose Kind
- Mascot: Elephant
- Color: Yellow
House Martinez
- Motto: Stay Curious
- Mascot: Llama
- Color: Orange
We are ecstatic for the new year, and can't wait to work together to ensure your child's success!
Sincerely,
The 4th Grade Team
Important Dates:
Sept. 6 - Street Soccer @6:00pm - 7:30pm
Sept. 9 - Superintendent Kamras visit
Sept. 12 - 4th Grade Blue Sky Fund field trip
Sept. 16 - Safety Patrol Inductions @ 10am
Sept. 19 - Back to School Night @ 5:30pm
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. Coleman
Hello, I'm Shanell Coleman, I'm so excited to work with each and everyone of you this year. I will be co-teaching with Ms. Melson. 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. I hope you guys are excited and ready to learn.
Ms. Melson
Hi! My name is Katherine Melson, and I am looking forward to another year in 4th grade at Chimborazo! I received my undergraduate degree and Masters in Teaching from the University of Virginia. While I have had some experience with students in K-5, I am very happy to be working with your 4th graders!
In my free time I love exploring Richmond, doing anything outdoors, and reading new books.
I will be co-teaching with Ms. Coleman, and we are so excited to get started with the new year!
Ms. Wozniak
Hi! I'm Stephanie Wozniak. This is my 9th year teaching and I am excited to have moved up to 4th grade! I graduated with my undergrad in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in English and Special Education and a minor in psychology from Radford University. I recently received my Master's in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University, but am not ready to leave the classroom just yet. I absolutely love teaching and feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to do what I love every single day! I have a 7 month old daughter, a 3 year old pit bull, and a pretty awesome husband. I look forward to getting to know all the fourth grade families throughout the year! Let's make this the best school year yet!
Ms. Hall
My name is Kathryn Hall and I am an aspiring teacher living in Richmond, Virginia. I am currently attending VCU Masters of Teaching in Elementary Education. I am paired with Mrs. Commander’s fourth grade class for student teaching and will move to a first grade class in the middle of October. I received my Bachelors of Science in Liberal Studies with a English minor at Longwood University in 2016. My prior experiences include summer camp art teacher and substitute at The Steward School. I am so excited to be working and learning alongside your students this year!