•  
    me
    Mrs. Speranza 
     
    Dear Students, Parents, Guardians, and Family Members,
     
    I thought I would tell you  a little about myself.  I have been teaching for over 18 years, 15 of which have been in the Rochester City School District.  My experiences include teaching at grades 3, 4, 5, and 6. 
    I completed my college education as an adult while raising 2 children of my own and working part time.   It is because of that experience that I am able to relate to the many demands of parents.  I always say to both my students and their parents, "I was a parent before I was a teacher, so I know all the tricks kids will try on both ends!"  For example - does this sound familiar?  " I told my teacher, but she didn't do anything."  or the famous, "I did my homework in school."  Please be assured that if they do their homework in school (which rarely happens), I will make sure they still bring it home so you can check.  If your child really feels I didn't listen to something they had to say, it certainly wasn't intentional, so PLEASE feel free to contact me.
    As a parent, on the other hand, I remember nights that my child would come home with 3 hours of homework and have no idea how to complete the work.  He or she would cry and act like their teacher would turn into a child-eating monster if they didn't turn in the assignment.  Again, please let me know if this happens at your house.  (Also, please refer to the link on this website titled "Homework Expectations.)
    As a parent I also fretted  about silly things like making sure I wrote grammatically correct excuses and notes to the teacher.  Believe me.... I am human and I make grammatical mistakes too!  Most importantly, I would like you to know that I became a teacher because I love sharing knowledge with children and helping them achieve their fullest potential in life.  
    Lastly, I consider you, the parent, my coworker.  Without you, I cannot do my job.  Thank you for all you do.
     
    Sincerely,
    Mrs. Speranza