Highland Elementary School

Dear Parents,


    Hello! My name is Mr. Adams, and I am looking forward to a wonderful school year. I am very excited about the opportunity to work with your child.

    I believe in maintaining a positive classroom atmosphere where the interactions between teacher and student, and student and student, are respectful. To make subject matter more relevant to your child, I believe in making real-world connections whenever possible. Children will be excited to come into our classroom because they will be treated fairly and respectfully, and will be excited to learn in the creative ways that I design the units. I believe that all students are entitled to a safe and orderly environment in school and that they can behave appropriately in the classroom.  I will not tolerate any student interfering with my teaching or with the learning of the other students. In addition, there is a zero tolerance for bullying. I encourage children to make me aware of any bullying situation.

    It is important that your child comes to school well rested, with their homework complete. We will be covering a great deal of new material in 5th Grade, and a child who is tired, hungry, and/or has missing assignments will be at a disadvantage. 5th Grade is an important year in regards to building independence, responsibility and transitioning next year to the Middle School.  

    Homework is an essential part of your child’s success in school.  It requires responsibility, organization, time management, and gives practice in areas of study.  Your child is expected to complete all assignments neatly, thoroughly, and on time.  Any work which is not done neatly will have to be redone.  Parents play a key role in making homework a positive experience for their child.  Therefore, I ask that you make homework a priority, provide necessary materials, a quiet homework location, set a daily homework time, and provide praise and support.  Students are expected to do their own work and only ask for help when they have given it their best effort.  Please contact me if there is a homework problem. 

    I would also like to take this time to share a little about myself. This is my ninth year teaching 5th Grade at Anthony J. Schmidt. I am a graduate of Buffalo State College, with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.