6th Grade Science

North Park Elementary School

Dear Sixth Grade Parents,

As the new year begins I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Mr. Tortorici.  I am pleased to take this opportunity to write to you and say hello and welcome your child to my class.  My expectations for conduct and standards for academic growth are high.  With your participation in and out of the classroom, we can look forward to a productive, creative, and enjoyable year together.

I want you to know my philosophy of teaching children.

• I believe children deserve respect.
• I believe children should not be humiliated, hurt, or embarrassed.
• I believe a child’s self-esteem should be nurtured tenderly.
• I believe my job is to teach until a child learns rather than move on to the next lesson.
• I believe that if we are willing to say, “I’m sorry,” when we make a mistake, we do not have to be afraid of making a mistake.
• I want your child to enjoy the learning process, and I want to help them develop their own motivation for learning.  I hope to do my best to encourage your child to succeed in their attempts to learn.
• I believe modeling is the most powerful way to affect a child’s learning.  Please model the love of learning at home by encouraging your child to read.  In addition, set aside a quiet, well-lit area with adequate space and supplies for your child to study.  The study area should be in a place so you can monitor your child’s progress.

Our studies will overarch the four branches of science: Physical, Anatomy, Space and Life.  I will also be coaching the Science Olympiad team; if your child is interested I feel it will be a fun after school enrichment.

If you are interested in volunteering in the classroom please let me know.  I encourage this because it provides opportunity for more children to receive one-on-one attention.  This can be on a weekly, bi-weekly, or occasional basis.  The more specialized help the students receive in class, the more they will learn.

Please feel free to contact me with concerns you may have this year via email and I will return your call at my earliest convenience.

I am looking forward to an exciting and challenging year.  I hope we can work together to make it one of significant growth and discovery for you child.  I look forward to seeing you at the Parent Orientation.

Sincerely,

Mr. Tortorici