Dear Giffen Gators 🐊,                 
          ​Welcome to the 4th grade at Giffen Memorial Elementary School. I hope that your summer was filled with many new adventures and special memories. You and your classmates will quickly become a community of learners and friends. My name is Ms. Felts and I am looking forward to working with you this school year.      
          Let me give you a brief introduction since some of you may not know who I am. This will be my third year teaching at GMES. I taught 5th and 6th grade at the former North Albany Academy, before becoming a Giffen Gator. I have been working for the City School District of Albany since 2008. I am a product of the CSDA, completing grades K-12 and pursuing my college endeavors locally. I earned my Associates at Hudson Valley Community College, my Bachelors at The College of Saint Rose, and my Masters at SUNY Albany.  I absolutely love teaching math and science and helping my students discover the ¨mathematician¨ and ¨scientist¨ within themselves.       
          These past couple of months I have been busy preparing for our upcoming school year, which will be a memorable year jam-packed with learning and fun. Academically, you will participate in engaging lessons, perform science experiments, and dig deeply into mathematical thinking through purposeful math talk and activities. Throughout all of this, you will use technology as a tool to enhance your learning.      
          I eagerly anticipate having you in my class and the start of the new school year. All you need for the first day is a positive attitude. This school year may just be the BEST year of your life! See you on September 2nd!
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Sincerely,
Ms. Jessica Felts
Room 209