Welcome!

I would like to welcome you and your child to fourth grade.  I am looking forward to a wonderful and exciting year for each of my students!  It is important to me that each student's experience in fourth grade is a rewarding one.  I am interested in each and every student and would like to furnish an educational experience that provides a safe and positive learning environment.

My lessons will be based on challenging academic standards and the needs of students.  They will be provided with an environment that will allow for: group and individual instruction, daily practice of skills, hands-on experiences, technology integration, self-esteem development, a sense of responsibility and respect for oneself, as well as others.

For all this to happen, I need your support.  Part of the learning process is making mistakes, so please don't expect your child to be perfect at everything.  Please see that your child completes their homework assignments each night.  These assignments are review work to reinforce what has been taught and practiced in class.

My phliosophy of education is that every child can be successful based on Ron Clark's, "The Essential 55."  When students are given the necessary tools, educationally and socially, they can begin to develop skills that will help them become life-long learners, along with being productive members of their community.  Students will develop a classroom environment that allows for an open forum to share ideas and express their feelings in relation to lessons that are centered around the state standards.  Their environment will dictate respectfulness and the opportunity to take risks with their individual learning.  Students will be given the opportunity to collaborate within small groups to understand how to work as a team, as well as work with a partner and/or individually when necessary.

Communication between home and school is vital to your child's success in the classroom.  If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, you can reach me at (623) 876-7200 or nichole.pottinger@dysart.org.  I welcome all contact and want to make sure you and your child's 4th grade year is a successful and rewarding one!

-Ms. Pottinger