I am pleased to welcome you to second grade at River Place Elementary School! I am delighted to be working with each of you to make this a productive and exciting year for all of your children.

The connection between home and school is so very important for a child’s academic and social success. Our partnership and maintenance of open lines of communication are essential. With this in mind, this class website is available to you in order to introduce our classroom, the many activities your child will be involved in this year, and ways you can help contribute to a successful year.

I am from a town in Southeast Texas called Beaumont. After completing high school, I found my way to Austin when I decided to become a Longhorn and attend The University of Texas.

Going into college I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I attended the College of Education at UT and benefited from many wonderful professors. Into my last couple of years I became a part of the Reading Cohort under Dr. Hoffman. This experience offered me the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of literature in the classroom and the benefits of integrating literacy into all core curriculum areas.

I have taught in Austin ISD for a couple of years in a third grade classroom. I believe that the time I spent in third grade is going to greatly benefit the preparation of your second grader! I briefly took some time off from teaching to pursue another career but quickly realized that I missed being in the classroom and making a difference in a child’s life. I truly love watching children learn and grow!

I live in Northwest Austin not far from our school. I enjoy spending time at home with my boyfriend, Rick, and our dog, Nanook. In the summer time I love to spend time out on the lake wakeboarding. I also enjoy reading and running. During the fall months it is a guarantee that you can find me attending the UT football games. When the holidays come around I love to go back to Beaumont and visit my family. My mother, father, two brothers and pet dog all live there along with my grandparents and other cousins.

My philosophy in teaching is that of a student-centered learning environment. I believe that learning is a continuing process and builds on prior knowledge. I like to begin with what students already know and build onto that knowledge. I believe as a teacher I am here to educate, support, and guide the learner in the classroom. I believe the best way to do this is by establishing an atmosphere that is conducive to and supportive of learning. The learning environment in our classroom is developed and designed with the learners, and one where the learners and the teachers work cooperatively to understand new concepts and ideas. Ultimately, the goal is for the student to be responsible and self-directed in their efforts in independent work and social interaction.

I am here for your child! Please feel free to contact me at any time to discuss your child’s progress, your concerns, or any feedback. I just ask that if you would like to sit down and talk that we arrange a time that is convenient for us both. We can do this via phone, email, or in person. My planning time is daily from 8:40-9:25 with the exception of Tuesdays for team meetings. If it is something brief, please do not hesitate to come to me after school or when you visit the room. I appreciate your feedback!

I will do my best to respond to phone messages and email as soon as possible, within a couple hours or by the end of the day, but please give me 24 hours to respond. If it is an emergency, I will do my best to respond accordingly.

All calls are to be made to the office and they can direct you to the classroom or take a message. The number for the office is:

512-434-7026.

My email is: Amanda.Sheffield@leanderisd.org