Room 14

Over the summer all of the classrooms were given new numbers.  My classroom number is now 14.  It is still the same classroom that I was in last year, the old room 5.  If you are coming from the school office, you will see my classroom in the 2nd building on your left, directly across from the MPR.

Also, please note that all paperwork from the school uses my full name, Mrs. Graves Smith, but I prefer to be called Mrs. Smith.

Welcome first grade scholars!

 You should all be receiving my welcome letter this week!  I hope it will help to begin our communication with each other.

Dear First Grade GATE Families,

            Welcome to an exciting new school year at Ethan Allen!  My name is Mrs. Smith and I will be your child's teacher this year for first grade GATE.

            I would like to tell you a little about myself.  This is my 9th year of teaching, and I absolutely love it!  Working with gifted children is a very rewarding job.  Each day is exciting and interesting for both my scholars and for me.  When I am not teaching I love spending time with my son Sebastian, playing with my three dogs, enjoying the great outdoors, and reading.

            I am so thankful to be a part of such an amazing school.  If you are new to Ethan Allen you are in for a treat.  This school is filled with the most wonderful students and teachers imaginable.  Everyone works hard, and we also have many fun celebrations and activities.  One very nice thing about our class is that all of the scholars are new to GATE and many of the children are also new to our school, so everyone will be making lots of new friends.

            Since you know your child better than anyone, I would like to ask you to write me a short letter telling me a little about them.  Does your child have a special talent or interest?  What do you feel they will need the most help with this year?  Was there a particular moment when you realized that your child was gifted?  Is there anything important about your child that I should know?  I appreciate you taking the time to write this letter.  You can email it to me or your child can bring it on the first day of school.

Jump Start is a great chance to have your questions answered and for your child to meet me and their classmates.  Jump Start will be on Friday, September 4 at 11:00 in the Ethan Allen MPR. In the meantime, feel free to visit my classroom blog at www.ethanallenscholars.blogspot.com.  My blog contains a calendar of events as well as photos and descriptions of previous students’ work.  It can help give you an idea of what to expect during this new school year.

                                                                                    Sincerely, Mrs. Smith lgravessmith@ggusd.us