Dear Parents and Guardians,

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and to welcome you and your child to
my fourth grade classroom. My name is Mark Williams, and I will be starting my 23
rd

year with the Hamilton Wenham School District this fall. It is my intent through this
letter of introduction, to share my vision and approach with new incoming parents as well
as those with whom Ive already had the privilege to work with. My teaching philosophy
is grounded in the precept that all children can learn and with guidance can grow to
believe in their own abilities. Many of you already know that I have high expectations
for my students. In developing new lessons each year and reassessing old ones, I pay
close attention to student learning styles and strive to differentiate my instructional
practices in order to reach all learners. A key component to this whole process is getting
to know your child and what drives his or her curiosity and motivation to learn. I hope
you feel as strongly as I do that sending a constructive and positive message of
encouragement will go a long way in sustaining your childs motivation to achieve.

I see the year ahead bringing new opportunities for your child to expand his or her skills
through a variety of hands-on investigations, cooperative learning experiences and
whole/small group instruction. Be mindful that this transitional year is a pivotal one in
their elementary education. This year will be a year of questions for many children, and I
welcome their curiosity. I encourage each parent to become involved in that dialogue as
well. To that end, it is essential that we keep the lines of communication open. A clear
and consistent message coming from both home and school will ensure that students feel
safe and will know that we expect their best effort.

I am looking forward to a most successful and collaborative experience in the coming
months. I truly believe that if were to instill the tenet of life-long learning, this process
involves a partnership. Together we will work in supporting an educationally
challenging and fun experience that will inspire your child in achieving his or her own
personal goals while mastering our fourth grade curricular goals.

Feel free to contact me through our staff email posted on our school website. Look for
my weekly newsletters that will keep parents informed as to current units of study,
projects and assessments. Again, I want to express my enthusiasm for the exciting
journey ahead.

Sincerely,
Mark Williams