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"When the gates are all down, the signals are flashing, and the whistle is screaming in vain;
If you stay on the tracks ignoring the facts, well you can't blame the wreck on the train."

-- Don McLean

It Was A Very Good Year
Posted by DTS (admin) on Jun 17 2008
Welcome >>

We had a great year in 2007-2008, and I look forward to this year being even better.

I know a number of you may have some trepidations about how your child will do this year. Perhaps reading a few of the comments I received from your friends and neighbors at the end of the past school year will allow you to relax a bit about what you and your student can expect.

• Thanks to you for being such a wonderful teacher !!!!  I can not describe in words how much [our son] enjoyed your class. As you said, just learning algebra was not important but learning how to apply algebra in real life situations and in problem solving is important. And thanks a lot for teaching algebra that way. [He] especially liked your Friday problems when he had to stretch his mind to find a solution. Once again, thanks a lot and we really appreciate your efforts.


• We want to let you know how much we appreciate the work you did with [our daughter] this year.  You definitely challenged and encouraged her to do and be her best.


• Thank you for making math fun for [our daughter].  We were very nervous at the beginning of the year when she wasn’t quite figuring out what she needed to do.  She stuck with it and now I am very grateful that she was in your class.  As a teacher, I know how hard it is to relate to your students and make a difficult subject more relevant to the kids.  Thank you for a great year!


• Thank you for your nice teaching. I have really enjoyed having you as my son’s teacher. You are an asset to this community and Sartartia.


• On behalf of [my wife] and myself, I want to thank you so much for all you've done to help [our son] "get" Algebra.  You have inspired him to do more than he thought he could do.


• We want to express our appreciation for all that you have done during the year. Your dedication and utmost interest in drilling the basic principles of algebra has I am sure kindled the students interest in Math in an extraordinary manner.  I myself looked forward to your Friday problems and many times there was a competition between [my son] and me on who would solve it faster.  We also particularly enjoyed browsing your website and also your innovative teaching methods that included solving practical problems of use in everyday life using PowerPoint slides, web based assignments etc.  We will miss you but will keep up with happenings in your class.


• Thank you Mr. Simmons for all the extra hours spent tutoring [our son].  It was such a blessing for him to get one-on-one time with you.  It all was worth it when his older brother came downstairs after working with him and said emphatically, “I really think he’s getting it!”


• I just wanted to send you a note of thanks.  [Our son] has really enjoyed your class this year.  I could tell he looked forward to the Friday problems, because he saw them as a challenge.  He definitely felt challenged in your class, which I also think gave him a sense of confidence and accomplishment.


• Thank you for all you've done for us this year.  [My son] and I learned a lot.  I feel that he will be very ready for next year's Geometry. It's a tough job you have, and thank you again and being here at Sartartia.  I'm looking forward to my daughter taking your class.


• You have an excellent way of initiating a process—embracing the people involved, setting the parameters, creating the vision.  Then you take the journey—communicating, stimulating, negotiating, providing the knowledge and the constructs for success.  And finally, as your email attests, you understand the need for an exit strategy—drawing together the thing that is finished, capping your moments, saying move on.  Thank you for an extraordinary year of excellent communication, broad application, and the kind of inspiration that can only come from someone like you.


• Mr. Simmons -- I would like to thank you for being the great teacher that you are.  My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed your class and you as a teacher (as well as my son, who had you 3 years ago).  Thanks for making learning so much fun for our kids!  Have a great summer!!


• I want to thank you for everything you did for [our daughter] this year.  I have to admit that Algebra was a bit of a struggle for [her], but with your patience and support she was able to learn and succeed in your class.  She already told me that she will miss you!  You are an excellent teacher and friend to the kiddos!  [She] enjoyed your class and your personality! Also, your newsletter was very helpful to us parents to keep us informed. And your website with all of its contents is a great tool for the students and parents.  With the help of your website and my cell phone, I was able to help [my daughter] with algebra even when I was away from home on business trips!.  I commend you on your efforts!  Have a great summer!


• Thank you for such a great year!


• I really appreciate all your time and teaching this year.  You know your child had a great year when you hear them telling other kids about what a great teacher you are!  It really says a lot about you!


• It is hard to believe that [our son’s] eighth grade year is at an end, and with it algebra.  At times it has seemed that algebra was almost the only class [he] was taking.  He put all of himself into the effort to understand the subject and could never have gotten as far as he did without your many hours of assistance. [He] has told you how much he appreciated you and your class and his father and I join in that appreciation.  In addition, I believe that despite all of the hard work and because of your teaching and commitment to your students, [he] will consider "Mr. Simmons' Algebra Class" one of the best of his academic career. Thank you for pointing our son down the road to increased excitement and competence in all academic disciplines.


• You are too awesome. Thank you so much.
• Just a quick note to thank you for all you have done this year. [Our son] has really enjoyed having you as a teacher and we know you have prepared him well for the next adventure.


• Mr. Simmons, thank you so much for being you!  You are a wonderful teacher, and I hope to continue our relationship with [our daughter] next year!  Thanks, again!


• Thank you Mr. Simmons. [Our son] really enjoyed your class…


• I just wanted to say thank you for working with Chad this year as he made his way through Algebra. I also wanted to tell you that when Chad talks about you he always mentions how  much school spirit you have…that is a rare. Thanks for making a difference in my son’s life this year. Have a great summer


• Thank you so much for being such an awesome teacher!  [Our daughter] has really enjoyed your class and have no doubt she learned a lot.  On several occasions she has said you were her favorite teacher.  Hearing her say that just made me think what an amazing person you must be because she is saying this despite all of  the hours of homework, difficulty of the class, and having to go to countless totorials. Thank you for the great year! 


• Thank you so much for the great job you do with the Algebra students.  It was my son's first try at more challenging problems and out of the box thinking.....and I am so glad you gave him the opportunity.


• Thank you!  You're the best!

Last changed: Sep 02 2008 at 1:11 PM