Dear Springer Community,

As we pull out of our summer slumber, I wanted to update you on the 2011-12 teacher staffing for Springer School.

Thanks to contributions from PTA, LAEF, and employee groups, the LASD Board was able to restore much of the programs that are vital to the success of our district.  Class size in Kindergarten through 3rd grade will not exceed 25 students.  Physical Education and Music has been restored at the upper grades (4th -6th).  Library hours were slightly reduced but we will have a program that makes effective use of our library.  

While some of the details of our program for next year are still being worked out, I can assure you that your child will, once again, receive an exemplary education.  You will receive more specific information about programs at our Back to School Night on September 1st.  

The list below includes our  3 new teachers as well as a grade level change for one teacher that was not in effect when you received a staffing email from me in late June.   

Kindergarten:
AM- Laura Bence
AM- Coleen Crew
PM- Linda Mooers

1st Grade:
Kim Farwell/Chris Goldner
Melanie de Monet
Shauna Fulcher

2nd Grade:
Kim Bain
Wendy Johnson
Malia Lammay/Michelle Hayden

3rd Grade:
Barb Pforzheimer
Kathy Panec
Marie Smith

4th Grade:
Autumn Hancock
Judi Hultberg
Kelly McLean

5th Grade:
Andrea Jones (Linda Kirk to fill in during maternity leave from Oct. to Thanksgiving break)
Megan Sterngold/Jen Van Dyken
Christina Shilling

6th Grade:
Julie Jenkins
Beth Rubinstein
Doug Core

SDC:
Primary: Debbie Schwartzman
Upper:  Debarati Sen

Resource:
Diane Sasaki

Speech and Language Therapist:
Carol Rossi

Psychologist:
Kathy Hartley

Upper Grade Changes and New Faces:
Doug Core’s move from 4th to 6th grade probably surprises many.  The fact is that I spent most of the summer looking for a person who could teach 6th grade, including the science curriculum, at a high level; I eventually came to the conclusion that that person was already on our staff.  Mr. Core will also teach the 6th grade Pre-Algebra section.  Along with Mrs. Jenkins who will teach Reading, and Mrs. Rubinstein who will teach Social Studies, the 6th grade team is ready to go!

New to the staff this year are Ms. Autumn Hancock, Mrs. Kelly McLean, and Ms. Christina Schilling.  Ms. Hancock comes to us from Egan Jr. High where she taught English Language Learners (ELL) for many years.  Previously a 4th grade teacher, she is very excited to join our staff.  Mrs. McLean received her teaching credential from Cal State Monterey Bay.  She student taught a 4/5 combination class in Monterey.  She and Ms. Hancock are eager to form an effective, collaborative 4th grade team with Ms. Hultberg.   Finally, Ms. Shilling joins our 5th grade staff after completing her student teaching in a 5th grade classroom in the Berryessa School District.  Her credential program at San Jose State required a full year of student teaching 5th grade, from summer planning all the way to the end of the school year.  This experience will allow her to “hit the ground running” on our 5th grade team.  Ms. Shilling will be a valuable addition to our 5th grade team of Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Sterngold and Mrs. Van Dyken.   I know you will welcome all 3 new teachers warmly to our Springer community.

Which class is my child in?
Your child’s class placement letter will be mailed out early next week.  If you do not receive your child’s placement letter by Friday, August 12th, please call the office at 943-4200.  

We invite everyone to come out on Friday, August 12th from 4:30pm to 6pm for our welcome back party called Stop and Pop.  Come view the class lists posted on the Multi windows, enjoy a popsicle, and catch up with friends.

Hot Lunch Ordering
Hot Lunch for the first full week of school is available.  But, you need to order by August 15th to have KidChow provide lunch for your child for the week of August. 22-26th.  Visit their website at www.kidchow.com and be sure to order by Aug. 15.

Back to School Packet
Springer PTA is once again utilizing an online form for many of their back to school forms.  Next week, you will be emailed the link to fill out the various forms from our wonderful PTA.  

School begins on August 17th!  Please enjoy the rest of the summer.  And don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Wade Spenader