August 21st, 2017

Hello and Welcome to Fourth Grade!

I am so excited to be working with you and your child this year! I wanted to let you know a little about
myself and give you some information about our class this year

First of all, I love teaching and helping students discover their passions. A passion of mine is traveling
all over the world and incorporating those experiences in the classroom. I enjoy spending time outside and
staying active, as well as taking time to work on art projects. I was born and raised in Gunnison, Colorado and
have been living in Durango for the past ten years. I taught one year at Bayfield Elementary and this will be my
fifth year teaching fourth grade at Needham. Last year I completed my Master in Administration through
Western State and received my Principals License. Although I enjoy the administrative side of education, my
current passion is working directly with kids in the classroom.

Now that the school year has started, I know that you may have some questions for me. Ive attached a
specials schedule and information on our weekly homework assignments. I will be going into more detail about
our class during Open House Thursday, September 14th from 5:00-6:00. Also, please check out our class
website at nes4tredway.weebly.com. There is a ton of information about our homework schedule, resources,
classroom management, IB, more, and myself!

Also, as you may or may not have heard this particular class is one that gets to be involved in a unique
and exciting experience. As I said before, I am very passionate about travel and teaching. So, Ive been
accepted for a teaching exchange to Australia starting in January 2018 through December 2018. What this
means is, I will be your childs teacher through December and then an Australian teacher will be taking my
place for the remainder of the year. Throughout this process my exchangee, Kate Robertson, and I will be in
constant communication to insure a smooth and successful transition after winter break. Kate has been teaching
all over the world for over a decade and will be able to share her experiences and expertise with the kids. I will
be going into more detail about how the exchange process works with regard to your childs classroom during
Open House.

Again, Im thrilled to be working with you and your child! Its going to be a great year!!

Sincerely,

Matilda (Tillie) Tredway

mtredway@durango.k12.co.us

(970) 247-4791 ext. 3643

Important Upcoming Dates:
*Aug 28th: First early release (8-1:30)
*Sep 4th: Labor Day (no school)
*Sep 11th: PD Day (no school for kids)
*Sep 14th: Open House from 5:00-6:00

Specials Schedule:

The specials schedule has changed this year in order to allow more time for specials. Students will no longer
have the same specials schedule each week, but be on a block schedule. This block schedule also insures that
students arent continuously missing the same special due to long holiday weekends, snow days, etc. Our block
schedule goes as follows:

Block A- Art

Block B- PE

Block C- Music

Monday, Aug 21st will be a block A day, Tuesday will be block B, Wednesday will be block C, Thursday will
be block A and so on.

Library and Spanish blocks will be the same each week. That schedule is not yet set.

Homework:
Starting next week (Monday, August 28) I will be checking your childs planner each morning for your
signature. This not only allows me to see that your child has completed their reading, spelling, and math
practice, but lets you see what weve been working on each day. Also, if you ever need to send me quick notes
about future absences, questions, etc. feel free to write them in your childs planner.
Monday: Read (15 min. silently, 10 min aloud)
Spelling Practice (use spelling words in a sentence)

Tuesday: Read (15 min. silently, 10 min aloud)

Wednesday: Read (15 min. silently, 10 min aloud)

Spelling Practice (however works best)

Thursday: Read (15 min. silently, 10 min aloud)

Study for DLI and spelling quiz on Friday

Friday: Read (15 min. silently, 10 min aloud)

*Math homework will vary depending on your child's math teacher.

*The only homework for this week will be the Family Leaves and the All About Me bags, which are due
Monday, August 28th.

*Occasionally there will be additional homework when we are working on big projects. A note will
be sent home describing additional homework prior to the assignment.