NAME:
Ms. Donna Smith, Ed.S
SCHOOL:
Greenbrier Elementary School
CLASS:
EIP-3rd, 4th, 5th
SCHOOL PHONE:
(706) 650-6060
Welcome to my class!
Hi! I'm so thrilled to be working with your child this year. My name is Ms.
Donna Smith, and this is my 25th year in a profession I love! I've recently
completed my Ed.S. degree in Administration and Leadership from Cambridge,
and I also hold a M.Ed. and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Augusta State
University.
I currently teach 3rd-5th grade EIP classes in reading and mathematics, but
you'll see me doing many things at GBE in addition to my teaching
responsibilities. I coordinate much of the progress monitoring and
instruction for R.T.I (Response to Intervention). I am the Augusta State
University building coordinator for the Professional Development School,
which includes working with university students interested in becoming
educators. I help coordinate their lab experiences and student teaching here
at GBE. I am usually out on bus duty every afternoon, and in the mornings at
the beginning of each year to help students learn proper unloading and
boarding procedures. I work on updating the school's safety plans every year
and am a member of the safety committee and crisis management team. I also
serve on the Leadership Team and assist with coordinating a number of school
events including the Spelling Bee Competition and fifth grade graduation.
As for teaching, it's in my blood! My maternal grandparents, Otis and Johnnie
Johns, were well-known educators in Columbia County and the Johns' Award,
(given to rising middle and high school students for outstanding citizenship
and effort) is named in their honor. Other members of my family have taught
at the elementary and high school levels,or served as school principal,
librarian, paraprofessional or school secretary. Obviously this was a
vocation I chose with much family support and guidance. While I've taught
elementary school my entire career, my community teaching experience is more
varied. From preschool Sunday School classes to adult teacher technology
training, I've probably worked with every age group you can imagine. My
oldest child recently graduated from Greenbrier High and is curently
attending Augusta Technical Collge and my youngest is a 10th grader at GHS so
I am concerned with what is happening educationally at all levels. Still,
elementary school teaching is my true calling, and I continue to love what I
do.
I belong to the Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Society for Outstanding Women
Educators, and PAGE. In my free time, I act as " taxi" for my children's many
activities, but I try to find some time to read, travel, and relax with
friends. I'm an avid collector-I'm sure your children will tell you about my
Bug's Life movie pins because they hang in my room, and I'm currently on the
look-out for early 1900's Augusta postcards, or old locks and keys.
Thanks again for entrusting me with your child this school year. I believe in
hard work, and pushing the children, but in a fun way! If you have ANY
questions or concerns, feel free to contact me anytime!
Your teacher, Ms. D Smith