Dear Parents and Students,

I want to welcome you to what will be an awesome 2009-2010 school year! I hope you enjoyed your summer vacation. I would like to take a few moments to introduce myself. My name is Laxmi Iyengar and I will be your child's teacher this school year. This is my fifth year working in the school system, my second year at Arbor Springs Elementary. I have a Bachelor of Engineering degree and have completed my certification course at the University of Georgia in Special Education. As an educator, I value my job and the opportunity that I will have to teach your child the requirements he/she will need to complete by the end of this school year successfully. Your child's success in my classroom is my number one priority.

The classroom is designed to help strengthen confidence, social skills, and academic skills, through learning that is intriguing and catering to the multi grade levels and ability levels. We will be using hands on activities, as well as tactile manipulatives to bring your child from concrete to abstract.

On a personal note, I have 3 children of my own who are Vishnu who is 16, Tara who is 13 & Anna who is 10 and a wonderful, supportive husband and one crazy dog.

 Joining me this year are Alycia Burford and Sharon Wall. Alycia Burford is 27 years old. She is happily married and has 2 daughters, Destony 9 and Emily 5 who attend school here at Arbor Springs. This is her third year as a teaching assistant. She was an assistant in kindergarten for the first two years. In her free time she loves to spend time with her family and watch her daughter play softball. She is very excited about working with your children.

Sharon is very excited to begin her 10th year here at Arbor Springs. She is married and had 4 children - Chris-23, Ashley-21, Kelsie-19, and Cody-16. She also has 2 cats. Her hobbies are photography, camping and fishing. She is looking forward to working with you and your children.

I am available to answer any questions you or your child may have. If you would like to meet with me at 2:25, after dismissal, I am generally available. If you want to contact me anytime through email, you can reach me at Laxmi.iyengar@cowetaschools.net I assure you a prompt response. I look forward to having your child in my classroom and want to thank you for sharing your child with me.

 Sincerely,

Laxmi Iyengar

 Teacher

 Arbor Springs Elementary