Hello,

Welcome to Mrs. Means K-2 combo class!

Group Room 1 is an exciting, happy place where students can learn together, build friendships, and feel safe to try new activities and experiences. :D 

Our classroom is themed with dogs because we are like a family, a pack that lives and works together to bring out the best in each of us. Plus dogs have qualities that we would like to build: loyalty, friendship, and playful exploration. Dogs also need care to build their best abilities, although different dogs have different needs, so we give each pup what it needs.

Our pups will be learning Social Skills as we learn how to effectively work as pack, supporting each other, helping others out, and accepting support from others.

We will be learning individual goal setting as we choose the academic goals we want to achieve, make a plan to work on them, and celebrate our successes as we grow.

We will work on growing and improving the whole child: academically of course, but also physically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to building a love of reading, and the skills and tools needed to make it a joy rather than a punishment, we will work on writing to explore and express out ideas; Math to learn not only how to solve problems, but to express and share how we solve problems; Science and Social Studies, where we can apply our learning and ideas to our world; Physical education to keep our bodies strong and flexible while we gain skills.

I have had a widely varied road that has brought me to this year of teaching and nurturing your child including 8 years teaching preschool in an inclusive setting, 2 years teaching Kindergarten, 7 years teaching an intervention program, and 3 years as a Resource teacher, and now my 4th year teaching K-2 special education, in addition to my experience with my own 7 children and 9 grandchildren. I am excited to share this journey with your child and you. :)