February 23, 2017

Dear parents,
My name is Abigail Vogt. I am your childs Biology teacher for this academic school year.
First and foremost, I want to say that I am elated to be given the opportunity to teach this
Biology course. My ultimate goal for myself as a teacher is to dedicate my time and energy
developing a classroom environment and curriculum that is engaging and nurturing for every
student. I am passionate about the field I teach and even more so about the students I teach.
Knowing that each and every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, I am prepared to give
them the guidance and support they need to tackle challenging concepts of science and biology
explored in this course.
I studied at Arizona State University and obtained a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education
with a focus in Biological Sciences. My objective for my students focuses on students
developing the skills they need to be able to think like a scientist. That is, I want my students
to learn how to hypothesize a solution, predict outcomes, conduct an experiment, collect data,
analyze that data and then use that information to support a claim about the natural world.
Students leave my class with a new respect for the scientific method, using it as a tool to
communicate like scientists in the 21st century. Furthermore, using this method, students will
gain a deeper understanding for Biology concepts through investigation and collaboration.
Each and every student is unique in how they learn. No way is better than the other and each
students way of learning will be valued in my classroom. That being said, students are to use
their style of learning in a way that allows them to meet student expectations. Student
expectations:
Be prepared for each class having read the assigned material before class and bringing all
the required materials to class. (Lab notebook, pencils, binder, etc.)
Participate in class discussion and group collaboration.
Challenge themselves and each other to expand their knowledge of Biology by putting
effort into completing assignments, group projects and lab reports in a timely manner.
Hold a positive and open-minded attitude towards concepts that may bring student
misconceptions to the surface.
I encourage you to communicate with me in order to find a strategy that works best for your
child. I understand that families experience trying times that fall into place during the school
year. I want you to know that I am very flexible in accommodating your student in a way that
provides them with the support they need to complete their work but at the same time still holds
your student to the same academic standards so as not to hinder their academic development.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns about this course.
Sincerely,
Abigail Vogt
Classroom Phone (7:00am-4:00pm): 480-***-**** Email: abigail.e.vogt135955@gmail.com