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About The Teacher Label:


About The Teacher
Hello students, parents and guardians! My name is Melinda "Mindy" Ittenbach ("Itten+bock"), and I am gladly returning to Ellicott Mills Middle School for my fifth year as a 6th grade Reading and Challenge Reading Teacher. Previously I was employed by the Prince George's County Public School System, and was teaching 7th Grade Language Arts in an open-space environment. Large class sizes and constant noise made my job very challenging, to say the least. After that experience, I needed a change, so I jumped ship and came to Howard County. Believe it or not, I am a product of the Howard County Public School System! In 1968, I began 3rd grade at Northfield Elementary School. After that, I attended Patapsco Middle School, Dunloggin Middle School, and Mt. Hebron High. After a 4 year stint in the Army, I began college in 1985. After having my children, I went back to school and eventually earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education (Grades 1-8) from the University of Maryland. I arrived at Ellicott Mills Middle School in August of 2005, and was assigned the position of teaching 6th grade Reading and Challenge Reading. I have learned many interesting things from my students and fellow teachers over the past four years, and I am looking forward to another stellar year teaching 6th graders! Please look for me outside in portable #2, the "Educational Cottage"! Currently, I am happily married to Jim Ittenbach, a talented musician who plays guitar and flute for the classic rock band Troubled Spirit. We have four kids (one is grown, two are in college, and one is in high school. Our remaining pet, Jasmine (A.K.A. Mimi),a 7-year-old, long-haired domestic cat Keeps us company. Buttons, our fourteen-year-old, beloved mixed breed dog,passed away last spring. My hobbies include reading, writing and illustrating children's books and cook books, cooking, and shopping at thrift stores and yard sales. I enjoy making jewelry and wreaths out of recyclable materials, sewing costumes for the Renaissance Festival, taking long hikes, and horseback riding. I am also beginning to discover the benefits of Yoga and massage therapy!

Mission Label:


Mission
I value education, and my main goal is to nurture your child so that he/she may develop the skills necessary to become a lifelong learner. In order to do so, I will provide my experience & expertise as a model for instruction, in a safe and welcoming environment that offers fair treatment for all students,respect for diversity, consistency & structure, and challenging and interesting materials. Although my expectations for academic performance and behavior are high, I do exercise empathy for individual needs that may further my attention. I look forward to a successful year with your child, and to establishing a cooperative rapport with you. Let's work together to make this a great year for your child. Mrs. Ittenbach :)