Dear Families!
Welcome to third grade! I am so excited that your child will be in my class this year. It is my utmost pleasure to introduce myself as a new teacher in the Forest Street Family. While I am a first year classroom teacher, I am not new to the district. Last year I was a substitute teacher in Orange School district when I fell in love with the vibrant culture and beautiful people of Orange.
I recently graduated with a Master’s in Curriculum & Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. I gained my K-6 certification and undergraduate degree from Montclair State University. I have experience in tutoring, student teaching, substitute teaching, and after school program teaching and curriculum designing.
This year, I hope to build a strong and supportive community of learners. Together, we will continue developing our own identities, and passions. I hope that within our community, we will grow strong and nurturing relationships with one another that allow us to expand our passion for social justice and our love for learning! Third grade is an exciting year full of academic challenges and learning adventures and we will get through it together, as a class community.
In order for this year to be most successful, I will be communicating with families regularly about students’ progress in class. However, if you need anything at all at any time during the year, please do not hesitate to contact me. We can speak over the phone or meet in person; whichever you prefer. I will also be reaching out to individual families throughout the first few weeks of school to introduce myself in person and learn a little more about your student! I believe that open relationships between students, families, and teachers will enrich our learning community and support our students as they successfully navigate their third grade year. So, my door is always open and I welcome collaboration between us all!
When students walk into our classroom, they walk into a safe space, a community, where we respect, support, help, and love one another. So, I am anticipating all students to continue the school year with a positive attitude, open heart and mind, and ready to learn and achieve at the highest heights. Above all else, I promise to always keep your child first. I feel incredibly fortunate to be your student’s third grade teacher, and I am looking forward to an amazing year!
Always in Love,
Ms. Zuniga
(973) 677-4120