NAME:
Mr. Plati and Mrs. Walsh
SCHOOL:
Falmouth Middle School
CLASS:
Grade 5
SCHOOL PHONE:
781-3740
August 16, 2008
Dear Parent (s),
Welcome to the grade five year! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful summer vacation. I am looking
forward to meeting you and helping your child have a great beginning to his or her learning
adventure.
This marks my fifth year in the Falmouth Public Schools. I not only enjoy teaching fifth grade but
also enjoy coaching the FMS swim team. Previously I taught in Westborough, Massachusetts. I
completed my Master of Arts in Teaching from Simmons College in elementary education in 1999
and received my Bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College in 1998. I am currently attending USM to
attain a certificate of advanced graduate study in educational leadership. I am strongly committed to
academic excellence and to the Falmouth Middle School community.
On a personal note, my wife Heather, my daughter Molly, and I live in Windham.
I am an advocate for open communication between parents and teachers. Throughout the year I
welcome any questions, comments, or concerns that you have regarding your child. If you wish to
set up a meeting with Ellen and me, please leave us a message at 781-3740, send a note, or email
me at jplati@fps.k12.me.us. Our team communicates notices, homework, and other important
information through our class web site located at http://teacherweb.com/ME/
FalmouthMiddleSchool/MrPlati/h0.stm.
In the meantime, I would like to invite your family to stop by the school to meet me and to
take a look at our new classroom on Tuesday, August 26th from 2-3pm.
Sincerely,
Joshua Plati
Grade Five Teacher
My full time teaching career began in 1981 as a science teacher at a private
school in New Haven, Connecticut after many summers of working at
environmental education centers throughout New England. My husband was an
officer in the Coast Guard so I also taught in Florida, Alaska and back to
Connecticut before we settled in Maine. I then worked for The Children’s
Museum of Maine as Manager, Education Director and Outreach Instructor. Once
my youngest was in school full time I decided to return to the classroom.
Attending class at night and working as a Special Education Educational
Technician by day, I received my Maine certification and am entering my
ninth year at Falmouth and my fourth as a fifth grade homeroom teacher.
I really enjoy team teaching with Josh Plati, sharing ideas and working together
to give your child the best education possible.
My years of hands-on learning have had an impact on my approach to
teaching. We are often learning by doing in my classroom. Your child will
be doing a variety of projects this year. My room is filled
with plants and animals and we often try to head outside. I am a firm believer
that we all learn in different ways so it is crucial to instruct in a variety
of methods to touch on as many learning styles as possible.
I am the mother of three teenagers in the Yarmouth school system. We are
an avid outdoor family of sailors, hikers, horseback riders, Nordic skiers and
gardeners.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you ever have a question, comment
or concern. I am available by school e-mail (ewalsh@fps.k12.me.us) or please
leave a message at 781-3740. Feel free to write me a note. I am happy to
arrange a conference any time you feel there is need.
Ellen Walsh
