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Alma Intermediate School Newsletter for June, 2015

From the Principal….

Ms. Break was my fourth-grade teacher. I heard her from the hallway during my third-grade year and looked forward to her famous reading performances. Fourth grade became an important year in my schooling.

I had a habit of drumming on my school desk. I liked to explore the sounds that could be made by hitting different parts of the desk. I occasionally put my head on the desk so I could hear the rhythms better. Ms. Break would tap me and say, “Stop that drumming!”

Years later, I was playing timpani (kettle drums) for a church in my hometown. During rehearsal, I heard a lady yell down from the choir, “You never did stop that drumming!” We had a laugh, and I enjoyed a short visit with an elderly Ms. Break, thanking her for the influence she had on my learning.

When I look back at the teachers who had the greatest impact, it boiled down to relationships. The positive relationships between the teacher and students often determined the quality of learning. The greatest teachers built a sense of community around shared tasks, and the subject being taught.

Ms. Break had a positive influence on my learning. I was a slow and reluctant reader, but she instilled a love of reading that sustained me through school and helped me become a stronger student.

I’m proud that we have a school filled with “Ms. Breaks” who are excited about teaching and who build positive relationships with their students. I’m excited about the coming year and the great things in store for our students. Have a great 2015-16 school year!

Ms. Break, fourth grade teacher

One of my first drums.