Dear First Grade Families, 

Welcome to a new school year! I am thrilled to have your child as a student in my class this year. My name is Ms. Whitney Mays and I am your scholar’s first grade teacher! This is my 6th year at DLHA. I have been in education for over 15 years. I have my Bachelor’s Degree and teaching certification from Concordia University, WI, and I am currently completing my reading specialist license. In our classroom I want learning to be fun and accommodating to all different learning styles. Our classroom will be made to feel like one big happy family where everyone is welcome with open arms and treated with respect.

 I hope that you had an awesome summer, and I am delighted to hear all about it. I can’t wait to share some of my favorite moments from the summer with you as well! I have been thinking about you and this upcoming year and am so excited to jump in, feet first, and help make this the best first grade year ever! We will have so much fun every day and learn so much from each other.

In first grade, we will continue to work with the Super Kids Reading program, learn strategies to improve reading and writing skills, and embark on the world of numbers and facts. First grade will be filled with real-world academics. I have some very exciting projects planned for our research units this year. The projects will include some new science and social studies content. I promise an enriching and productive school year for you and your child and I anticipate this to be a very remarkable year!

I know things have changed. We are doing virtual learning together and we will rock it! We will still be using Moby Max and Raz-kids. Our new platform that we will be using this year is called "Seesaw." One thing I love about Seesaw is that families can see their child's work and leave comments and encouragement. This will also be the platform for most of our communication. Remember, we are in this together and I will be doing everything I can to make this year successful.

It has been my experience that when we work together as a team, our children will grow and learn. I believe that we are all family and our classroom is our second home. I believe that communication is a big key to success as well. 

Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to aid in your child having a meaningful year.

Your First Grade Teacher, 

Ms. Mays