5th Grade / Welcome Letter

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Welcome! My name is Mrs. Susan Dennison and I am thrilled to be the new 5th grade teacher at Aldie Elementary. I am beginning my 18th year of teaching. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in History from George Mason University, a Master's of Education from Marymount University (with a K-8 Certification), and all of the required post-graduate credits for an endorsement in Gifted Education from Northwestern, Northeastern Illinois, and Aurora Universities. Additionally, I have completed the Smithsonian iWonder course from which I learned how to best implement the inquiry method in my daily instruction. My experience includes teaching grades 3, 4, 5, and 8 GT in Loudoun, Fairfax, and Wilmette, IL public schools. My husband and I enjoy living in the historic district of Leesburg with our Shetland Sheepdog, Patty. We spend our free time traveling around the world, hiking, kayaking, reading, following politics, and soaking up all of the history in the area.

Fifth grade is an exciting year of growth and learning for children. I will strive to provide your student with a solid academic foundation as he/she prepares for the big leap to middle school. My expectations will be high, and I will challenge students to exceed standards; however, my approach will be a differentiated one that meets the needs of the individual child in a positive, caring learning environment. I am looking forward to guiding students on this important journey as they prepare for Mercer Middle School and beyond.

Your support is much appreciated. During the school year, if there is a need to discuss your child’s progress or a special concern, please feel free to write a note, e-mail (susan.dennison@lcps.org), or call the school (703-957-4380) to make an appointment. If you have an emergency or a change in your child's dismissal on a given day, please call the school office directly, as I am not permitted to check email during instructional time.

I am very excited about working with you and your child, and am confident that we will have an exciting 2012-13 school year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Susan Dennison