Welcome to kindergarten! At this time, I will be your teacher this year along with Mrs. Mappin. We hope you are excited about this year as much as we are. We know we will have a super year and learn tons and have FUN doing it!
Let us tell you a little about ourselves so that you will know exactly what you can expect this year. I have taught for 14 years. This will be my 15th year teaching and 7th year here at Arbor Springs. I am married and have the 2 cutest little guys you have ever seen. Sam is almost 6 and Joshua is still a little guy who is not quite 3 years old. You’ll hear about both of them this year and even meet Sam since he’ll be in kindergarten right next door!!! Mrs. Mappin has been at Arbor Springs for 8 years now. She has spent the last 4 of them right here with me in kindergarten. She is married and has 3 wonderful children. She has 2 children in college and one heading to 9th grade! WOW!
Now let’s talk about our classroom. We have some pretty cool things planned for this year. Each day we will get to work independently, with our friends, and in small groups. This will give you the chance to get to know your classmates.
We will also have lots of variety in the way we learn things. We will use things like the computer lab, library, projects, films, great books by great authors, speakers, and so much more. You’ll get to work in centers and book groups every day. You will learn so much and have a FABULOUS time doing it.
You are going to have a BIG voice in our classroom. Notice I used the word “our” and not “my”. Yes, Mrs. Mappin and I are the leaders, but you will need to play a part too. We will meet together to plan projects, activities, and other things that are important to you. As a matter of fact, we will meet the very first few days to decide on our “rights and responsibilities” and consequences for breaking them, and we will plan class jobs too. So start thinking about things that are important to you and come ready to share your ideas.
Mrs. Fogle and Mrs. Mappin
This year is going to ROCK!
Dear Families,
We hope you are ready for this year also, as you will play a BIG part in our class as well. We will count on you to help us with projects, check folders, keep us on top of our assignments as well as other FUN things too like coming in to see our work and presentations.
We know you may be a little hesitant as each school year begins wondering what kind of teachers your child has. We want to take a minute to let you know about our background in the hopes this will ease any worries you may have.
I have taught for 14 years. I spent my 1st four years in an inner- city school teaching 2nd grade and Kindergarten. My husband and I moved to S.C. for 4 years where I taught kindergarten and served my last year as our school’s 1st Instructional Coach. I was fortunate enough to work with new teachers, veteran teachers who wanted fresh ideas, as well as with all 750 students teaching and modeling lessons. My last 6 years in education were spent right here at Arbor Springs teaching 4th grade and Kindergarten and I LOVED IT! I have my undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!---HUGE FAN!) and my Masters in Education from Georgia State University. I also received my National Board Certification in 2001. I teach because it is what I love to do! Every day I am able to watch children grow into these amazing people who thirst for knowledge. Along the way, I am fortunate enough to learn much from them as well.
Mrs. Mappin has been at Arbor Springs for 8 years. She has worked in many capacities including P.E. assistant, 1st grade assistant, as well as assisting a variety of students at all grade levels. She is highly respected at our school and is called on by many due to her flexible and dedicated nature. She is a go-getter with great enthusiasm for teaching.
We know we will have a terrific year. Please do not hesitate to call us at school, home, or email us if you ever need anything. We can’t do this alone…we are truly partners in educating your child.
Sincerely,
Cristy Fogle
and Christie Mappin