Greetings Parents!

, Our names are Kate Freeman and Jessica Mannion and we are student teachers in our Advanced Core Block Field Experience. We both attend The College of New Jersey, and have been placed in Mrs. Hopkes class on Thursdays and Fridays since September 12th. Ms. Freeman is an Elementary Education and Music (With a Concentration in Vocal/Choral Studies) major graduating in 2014, and Ms. Mannion is an Elementary Education and Math-Science-Technology major graduating in 2015. Weve really enjoyed getting to know all of your children, and have been privileged to teach several lessons during our time at Mott Elementary School. Starting on November 20t and continuing through December 6th, we will be teaching a thematic unit full time, and will be with your children on a daily basis. Our unit will focus on four holidays including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. The lessons will focus on the history of the holidays as well as common traditions and ways people celebrate them. Thanksgiving and Hanukkah will be taught prior to Thanksgiving Break so your child will be familiar with the holiday before it arrives. Interestingly, this year the first night of Hanukkah falls on Thanksgiving Day. When your children return from break we will focus on Christmas and Kwanzaa. Because we are teaching a unit on Holidays, we would like to know which holidays you celebrate with your child at home. Attached you will find a short survey which we request that you complete and return to Mrs. Hopke. This will help us have a better understanding of what your children are familiar with. Also attached is a list of recommended childrens books related to the holidays! We encourage reading at home, and these are some titles that will relate to the holiday unit we will be teaching. You can find many of these books at the local library. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Hopke, who will relay the information or any concerns to us. Best Regards!, Kate Freeman and Jessica Mannion