ELEMENTARY Timber Ridge Elemontary + 7370 NW 54th Ave * PO. Box 10 + Johnston, IA S031 + [515] 331-4379 » Twitter: @JCSD_TAE FAX: (515) 331-9093 + wwwjohnston.kl2ia.us/schools/TimberRidge Principa Cheryl Henkenius» Associate Principal: Josh Morgan January 13, 2016 To Whom It May Concern: Please accept this letter of support and recommendation for Samantha Richmond. We were pleased to hire Sami at Timber Ridge Elementary at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year to work as a special education associate. This assignment complemented her skills, interest, and education nicely as she was also enrolled in her teacher education program at Drake. She was assigned to work with students with challenging behaviors and was a full-time employee. ‘Our building had just undergone some significant changes in student population due to redistricting, so some of the students Sami worked with were new to us. She supported behavior intervention plans, daily monitoring of behavior goals, and individual academic support in the classrooms. Sami also received training and practical experience working with students in the crisis cycle, and | worked directly with her on several ‘occasions supporting students needing assistance including removal, restraint, or seclusion. We relied on her to be the “expert” on her students’ BIPs and response strategies, and she was always very prepared in knowing the next appropriate steps to support her students. believe Ms. Richmond learned a great deal serving in our building and working with our students. | recall her being very receptive to coaching and modeling from our teaching staff, AEA support personnel, and building administration. It was an ideal situation for her, to be learning and working in her field of interest, and she ‘worked hard to provide the best support possible for her students. And, her cooperative and encouraging personality was a benefit to the students with whom she worked. It was a pleasure working with Sami, Please feel free to contact me should you have any further questions. Sincerely, rte Ve ptm Josh Morgan Timber Ridge Assistant Principal