Dear Parents,

My name is Mrs. Debbie Knifong.  This year I am serving in the position of Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA).   I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a few things about myself, both personally and professionally. 

My special assignment allows me to work in two elementary schools, Lincoln, and Skyline, within the Fremont RE-1 School District.  I help teachers and students use the Accelerated Math Program.  This is an individualized math software program that generates practices, exercises, and tests for each child.   The children put their answers on a scan card, and then put the card into the scanner that generates a TOPS report.  This report tells the student the number of correctly answered problems, their average percent, and the number of the problems they missed along with the correct answer on each assignment.  My job is to support the teachers while learning the software and how it works.  I also help the children work on their assignments and teach  “power lessons” when new skills are introduced.

I have been a teacher in Fremont RE-1 School District for six years.  Prior to that I taught elementary classes for 10 years in Missouri.  I am married and have three grown sons.  My husband, Dyle, is a counselor at the high school.  I earned my BSE in Elementary Education from Truman State University ‘87 and my Masters Degree from Grand Canyon University ‘02.  I hold a teaching license from Missouri and Colorado.

Teaching is more to me than just a job.  It is a commitment I take very seriously.  My goal, my mission as a teacher, is to make learning fun and relevant to children.  I hold high expectations for our children and I will do all I can to help him/her meet those expectations.

Your child deserves my full respect and understanding.  He/She deserves fairness and consistency.   He/She deserves a caring adult to listen to him/her and hear what he/she is saying.  I will strive to give this to him/her.  In return I expect cooperation and support from you and your child.

I look forward to an exciting and productive year with the children and teachers.  You can expect folders each Friday with the week’s completed Accelerated Math assignments.   Please take a few minutes each week to look over these with your child, and contact me if you have any questions.  I can be reached during the day at 276-6050, or leave a message on my voice mail.   Together we can make this a great year in your child’s life.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Knifong