Dear Dragonfly Families,
My name is Brian Pfaff (pronounced P’-off) and I couldn’t be more proud and excited to be your child’s teacher this year for fifth grade. Fifth grade was a pivotal year for me in many ways. I take the responsibility of making sure that this year is equally defining for your child as they begin their transition into middle school. I have so many exciting units, stories and projects to share, and I can’t wait to get started. Our theme for the year is perseverance. I can promise that it won’t always be easy sledding this year, but I will do everything I can to help each child realize their true abilities and talents. What a special year to be a Dragonfly!
Before the first day of school I want to tell you a little bit about myself. I grew up in Bend, OR and went to college at Oregon State University and graduate school at George Fox University. As for my professional experience, this will be my 17th year teaching elementary students. The past 16 have been with the Beaverton School District. My wife Melissa is a first grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School. My five year old daughter Charlotte will be joining Melissa as a kindergarten student at Riverside. She dances and bounces wherever she goes, and loves dramatic fairy tales. Her sense of humor and curly hair seem to embody her whole personality. My son J.J. is four and appears to be a “chip off of the old block”. He loves sports, and is very passionate about every challenge he faces. This summer as a family we spent time camping at Lake Billy Chinook, and visiting Rockaway Beach for the 4th of July weekend. In addition, I coached several tennis camps through the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District. My family would often visit me at the park in Happy Valley to play in the splash pad. All of us this fall will be hitting the soccer pitch together.. While Charlotte and J.J. will be playing soccer on the same team, Melissa and I will be joining forces to do the coaching. As you can see we enjoy doing most activities together.
In my many years of experience I have learned that good teaching begins with making your child feel safe and honored within an inclusive classroom community. At Verne Duncan Elementary School we want all of our students to come together as a learning community made up of wonderfully unique individuals. My philosophies as a teacher revolve around modeling how to be safe, respectful and responsible. In turn I expect the students to demonstrate those same character traits with one another.
As I work to create thoughtful, engaging and high-demand lessons, I expect students to be equally thoughtful in their responses, being actively engaged and working to their full potential.
Parents, would you assist me in getting to know your child? I want to better understand what motivates your child, and see how you view your child as a learner. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and insights with me. Attached is a survey with questions you may choose answer. You can mail this survey to me at school, send it in an envelope to school with your child, or just email the information to me. Thank you for taking the time to do this. In addition, the fee for supplies this year is $28.00. You can give that to me in the form of cash or a check. I have done my best to make sure that we all have the highest quality supplies to be successful this year. Let me know if you have any questions about supplies.
Information about our fifth grade policies, homework and other expectations will be sent home during the first week of school. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you ever have any questions or concerns. If some questions require a face to face meeting I am available most afternoons.
Brian Pfaff
Verne Duncan Elementary School
14898 SE Parklane Dr. Happy Valley, OR 97015
(503) 353-3270 ext. 39127
mrpfaffsclass.blogspot.com
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