I hope this letter finds each of you enjoying the remainder of the summer. It is with much anticipation and excitement that we are preparing for the upcoming school year. First graders will be exploring several exciting topics this year as they learn about their world. Students will examine various world cultures and geography, ways to care for our planet, weather, landforms, world biomes, and much more. Through an assortment of literature and author studies, students will gain exposure to great books, expanding their reading and writing skills. In math, students will build number sense and place value concepts. First graders will learn addition and subtraction strategies and facts, study geometry and measurement, and apply problem-solving skills. It’s going to be an exciting year of growth!

This marks my fourth year of teaching at The Summit, and it is once again my goal to continue to uphold the mission and philosophy of the school by engaging students in meaningful learning experiences and “inspiring the joy of learning.” Before moving to Springfield, I taught kindergarten for three years at Forsyth School, a K-6 independent school in St. Louis. While in St. Louis, I earned my B.A. in English from St. Louis University and then my M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education from Webster University. My husband Joe and I have had a busy summer attending family weddings, vacationing at the beach, and of course camping with our dog T!

First grade students will once again take advantage of the large open spaces at The Summit, working cooperatively with other classes and grades. Students will have access to the create room, the patio, the playground, and a lunchroom. Please be sure to check out the new Summit website if you haven’t done so already!

I’m eager to get to know my new students and families, and I look forward to meeting with each of you at our before school parent teacher conferences. Please find the below conference schedule, and email me with a time that you will be available to meet. You may either email me the parent questionnaire before our conference or bring with you that day.

Remember that it is also time to begin starting those back to school routines in order to ease your child’s transition into the new school year. Additionally, remind your child to put the finishing touches on his or her summer project. Finally, a first grade supply list is listed in a link below. Please have your child bring both their completed project and school supplies on meet the teacher night or the first day of school. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at school at 869-8077 or kheet@thesummitprep.org.

Sincerely,

Katie Heet