Dear Family,
My name is Stacy Vensko and I will be your child's first or second grade
literacy teacher. This is my 12th year as an elementary teacher and my
seventh year at Laurel Hill School. I truly love being a teacher and feel
blessed to have a job that I love. This year, I'm really in for an extra-
special treat as I embark on a new journey with my friend and teaching
partner, Mrs. Amanda Varnum. For this school year, Mrs. Varnum and I will
departmentalize our classrooms. I will now how the opportunity to teach what
I love most (reading and writing) all day long while she teaches math and
science.
I'm writing this letter to familiarize you with some of my beliefs about
teaching first and second graders. Hopefully, you will see how these beliefs
shape the way I run my classroom.
The Workshop Approach to Teaching
Reading and writing will all be taught using a workshop approach. To begin
the workshop, I start with teaching a
focus lesson on a skill or strategy which usually lasts about 10 minutes
long. Immediately following the focus lesson, students engage in guided
practice of the skill being taught. Afterwards,
students engage in independent practice, working at their own pace and
level. At this time of independent practice, I work with a small group of
students and/or work with students individually. To end
the workshop session, students gather together to share learning
experiences.
Why do I teach using the workshop approach?
I love teaching the "Workshop Way" because it allows me to differentiate my
instruction to best meet the needs of ALL of my students. My classroom is
very diverse and my students all have very different needs. I love
being able to meet with my students in small groups and individually because
I learn about them on a deeper level. The workshop way allows me to do this
best!
I look forward to working with you as a partner in educating your child.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact
me. The fastest way to reach me is by my school email, but you may write a
note or call me at school (652-4111) during my planning time (between the
hours of 9:25 - 10:10 daily). If I am unavailable, please leave a
message and I will return your call as soon as possible. Also, if you ever
need to set up a conference to discuss your child, I am available daily
during those hours. Again, with your cooperation and support, I know that we
can make this the best year yet for your child!
Enthusiastically,
Stacy Vensko
venskos@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
Graphics by www.cutecolors.com
