Dear Parents

Welcome to 4th Grade! We are very excited about this school year and are looking forward to meeting
all of our students and their families at the Intermediate Open House Night on August 21st from 6:00-
7:30.

We would like to introduce ourselves and explain what a unique experience your child will have this
year in fourth grade. Your child will have a wonderful opportunity to be taught by two teachers in a co-
taught inclusion classroom. Inclusion is another term for merging special education with regular
education classes. The goal of inclusion is for children with disabilities to attend a typical classroom
and receive the support they need to be successful. This type of classroom setting has many benefits
for all students. Learning will be differentiated for all types and levels of learners. The student-teacher
ratio will be much smaller to help all students learn to the best of their abilities. Benefits for students
without disabilities include building friendships with acceptance of individual differences and
understanding diversity. Students that have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be exposed to
the general education curriculum with adaptations to meet individual needs, increased social
interaction, and peer role modeling for academic, social and behavior skills.
Students in our classroom will have two teachers that will actively engage them in learning through
large group, modeling, small groups, centers, and individual conferencing.

My name is Brittany Conrad. I have taught special education for five years, and I have co-taught in the
4
th
grade classroom for one year. I received a Bachelor degree as a Learning and Behavioral Specialist
from Illinois State University and I just finished my Reading Specialist Masters at Olivet Nazarene
University in January 2014. This is my fourth year at the Intermediate School. My husband, Steve and I
live in Coal City with our dog, Tyson. We are expecting a little one in December. I will be taking
maternity leave after Christmas break, but I will continue to help Miss Vigna with planning and
anything else she may need. I will also continue checking my email in case you need to contact me.

My name is Allison Vigna. I graduated from North Central College in 2013 where I received a Bachelor
degree in Elementary Education. At the start of the school year, I will begin my second year of teaching.
Even though I will be teaching for two years, this will be my first year at Coal City Intermediate School
and my first year as a fourth grade teacher. Last year, I taught 1
st
/2
nd
grade multi-age in Schaumburg, IL.
I am excited to begin a new journey into fourth grade. Currently, I live in Coal City with my family and
our dog, Sadie. This year will also be very exciting because I will be planning a wedding. Next July, I will
be getting married to my fianc, Justin.

We are looking forward to a great school year!

Brittany Conrad and Allison Vigna