Dear Parents,

          My name is Ryan Collins and I would like to welcome you and your child to the fifth grade.  I hope you all had a great summer and I am looking forward to working with you and your child.  I am going into my 16th year of teaching.  I have always taught in the Newport Public Schools.  I started out teaching special education and eight years ago became a fifth grade teacher.  

          I will be your child’s 5th grade English Language Arts teacher.  Throughout this year, my goal is to promote independence and to prepare the students for the upcoming middle school years.

          Initially we will be working on setting up rituals and routines with the reading program “Wonders.”   I will keep the lines of communication open throughout the year so that you may stay informed and involved in your child’s education.

          We will be doing a lot of reading and writing in class.  In addition, it is important that your child read each night for at least twenty minutes.  This year I am introducing a new reading incentive program. The students will be able to earn book bucks for any reading they do in class and at home.  I will be sending home more detailed information about this exciting program.   The students will also have a spelling packet each week to complete.  The students will have a pretest on Monday and turn the completed packet in on Friday.  The students may also have additional writing assignments to complete as well as work from their workbook.  Each student needs to have a binder and a single subject notebook for class.

          If at any point, you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call or email.  The school phone is 847-1493 and my extension is 121.  My email is ryancollins@npsri.net.  I appreciate your support and efforts and look forward to meeting with you.   

          I am looking forward to another wonderful 5th grade year!!

                                                          Sincerely,

                                                          Ryan Collins