Mitchell Elementary Go

Bobcats!
Dear Parents,

I wanted to formally introduce myself, as I will play a large role in your students education this
semester. I am excited to start student teaching at Mitchell Elementary School! This semester I
will be working with Mr. Schiffern in his language arts and social studies classrooms. I have
been studying social studies and education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for
the past three and a half years and am ready to continue my work in the classroom with your
child!

Through collaboration with Mr. Schiffern, I will further the students knowledge of ancient
civilizations; focusing explicitly on ancient Greece and Rome. I believe that students work best
in an environment where they are given the chance to work together and build upon ideas. In
cultivating a team work type classroom, students will compare and contrast the two ancient
civilizations and discuss major themes. In language arts, we will be continuing with The Giver
series by Lois Lowery, reading Gathering Blue and hopefully The Messenger, time permitting.
Another novel students will work on is Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass. I
hope to continue with Mr. Schifferns focus on writing and do writers workshops as much as
possible for the students to keep developing their voice.

Attached to this letter you will find a Release Form for Students Participation in the edTPA.
Part of my program, in order to get my teaching credential, is to complete a portfolio showcasing
my teaching. One of the requirements calls for three class periods of videotaping my teaching to
submit with the portfolio. Because your childs confidentiality is of the utmost importance I can
assure you that this video will be for my learning purposes only. Please note that this portfolio is
assessing my teaching performance, and will not affect your students performance in the
classroom. Regardless of whether or not you give consent, please sign the form and return with
your student by the end of the week!

I can be reached through the phone at the school if you ask for Mr. Schiffern. I have included my
email address as well for those who prefer to communicate through email. Feel free to reach out
to me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions either about the edTPA portfolio or anything
regarding your students learning.

I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with your child this semester at Mitchell! I look
forward to hearing from you with any questions and working with you!

Sincerely,

Ms. Fagenson

amandafagenson@yahoo.com
Dear Parents,
2233 W. Ohio Street Chicago, IL 60612
773-534-7655 Telephone 773-534-7633 Fax
www.mitchellschool.org
 Mitchell Elementary Go
Bobcats!

I wanted to formally introduce myself, as I will play a large role in your students education this
semester. I am excited to start student teaching at Mitchell Elementary School! This semester I
will be working with Mr. Schiffern in his language arts and social studies classrooms. I have
been studying social studies and education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for
the past three and a half years and am ready to continue my work in the classroom with your
child!

The next unit of study will focus primarily on Pre Civil War and the Civil War times. Students
will read and analyze primary and secondary source documents in order to understand the events
that led to the war. I believe that students work best in an environment where they are given the
chance to work together and build upon ideas. In cultivating a collaborative classroom, students
will be given the chance to participate in debates, creative writing, and whole class discussions.

I can be reached through the phone at the school if you ask for Mr. Schiffern. I have included my
email address as well for those who prefer to communicate through email. Feel free to reach out
to me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with your child this semester at Mitchell! I look
forward to hearing from you with any questions and working with you!

Sincerely,

Ms. Fagenson

amandafagenson@yahoo.com

Dear Parents,

2233 W. Ohio Street Chicago, IL 60612

773-534-7655 Telephone 773-534-7633 Fax
www.mitchellschool.org
 Mitchell Elementary Go
Bobcats!
I wanted to formally introduce myself, as I will play a large role in your students education this
semester. I am excited to start student teaching at Mitchell Elementary School! This semester I
will be working with Mr. Schiffern in his language arts and social studies classrooms. I have
been studying social studies and education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for
the past three and a half years and am ready to continue my work in the classroom with your
child!

Beginning in February we will be focusing on the topic of the Holocaust and other acts of
genocide. I believe that students work best in an environment where they are given the chance to
work together and build upon ideas. Because of this, students will participate in whole class
discussions and hands on assignments. Students will also be given the chance to analyze primary
and secondary source documents in order to understand the true hardships of those in
concentration camps.

I can be reached through the phone at the school if you ask for Mr. Schiffern. I have included my
email address as well for those who prefer to communicate through email. Feel free to reach out
to me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with your child this semester at Mitchell! I look
forward to hearing from you with any questions and working with you!

Sincerely,

Ms. Fagenson

amandafagenson@yahoo.com

2233 W. Ohio Street Chicago, IL 60612

773-534-7655 Telephone 773-534-7633 Fax
www.mitchellschool.org