Dear Parents/Guardians,

Hello and welcome to 4th grade! My name is Stacey Wodrich (pronounced wood-rich) and I am your child’s
teacher this year. If my name is unfamiliar to you, it is because this is my first year at HXXXXXXXX
Elementary School. Prior to this year, I worked in Batavia Public Schools as a Paraprofessional and as a
Substitute Teacher. I earned my Master’s Degree and Teaching Certification from Aurora University.
A goal in our classroom is to create a democratic learning community where the students are as important as
any information to be learned or techniques to be used. My goal will be to teach and facilitate the concepts of
shared values and shared responsibility. This learning will take place within our daily lessons and activities.
The academic grading system used in fourth grade is based on the following percentage grading system: 90%-
100% = A, 80%-89% = B, 70%-79% = C, 60%-69% = D, below 60% = Failing. It is important and expected
th
that 4 grade students practice personal responsibility for their behavior and their learning. I will provide many
opportunities for students to demonstrate these skills and to self-correct when necessary. Your child will be an
interactive participant in our class. I believe in hands-on learning and many of our lessons will include “make
it” projects, group interaction, outdoor activities, and field trips!
Speaking of field trips, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be involved in your child’s school year. As a
parent myself, I know our children are more successful in school when they see that we are taking an active
interest in their education. I will need chaperones for field trips and information about our trips should be
available at the Open House. But I also encourage you spend time in our classroom listening to students read,
assisting with class projects, photographing for the yearbook, and hosting classroom parties. I also welcome
“classroom assistants” that can help with copying, filing, pencil sharpening, and other office tasks. If you are
not available during school hours, please attend PTO meetings, school plays and concerts, the Open House, and
read at home with your child.
One of my priorities is to maintain on-going communication between school and home. I will do this in several
ways. First, our class website, www.workinginfourth.com, will be updated by the students! It will include
homework assignments, class achievements, classroom projects, important dates, and any other note-worthy
information. Second, on a monthly basis, I will send home information regarding ways you can reinforce what
your child is learning at school by doing activities at home. Third, I encourage you to e-mail me at
mrswodrich@hes.com, call, or arrange a meeting with me if you have any questions or want to share any
information with me. Finally, we will have opportunities to talk during the Open House next week and
parent/teacher conferences at the beginning of November.
It is important that you and I work together to help your child reach their full potential as 4 th graders. Every
student is a valued part of our classroom community. Every student deserves to be respected and has the
obligation to respect others. I am excited to be at HXXXXXXXX Elementary School and look forward to a
great year with you and your child. I will see you at the Open House on September 8th.
Sincerely,

Mrs. Stacey Wodrich

mrswodrich@hes.com