Welcome Letter to Families

1. August 23, 2012
Dear Families,
Welcome to Kindergarten! My name is Mrs. Jill Williams and I am very excited to be your child’s
teacher this year! I am looking forward to a wonderful school year and can’t wait to get to know you and
your family. We will be working together as partners in the education of your child to make sure everyone
has a positive and memorable year in Kindergarten.
This is my 15th year working in Education. Growing up I always wanted to be a Kindergarten Teacher. This
will be my 7th year to work in Hays CISD. I came to Hays CISD initially to be an Instructional Technologist
and had an amazing time working with students and teachers Tobias, Hemphill and Negley. I joined
Carpenter Hill Elementary last year as the Technology Applications teacher with the Special Area Team. Our
Special Areas Team is one of the kind. As much fun as I had working with them I really wanted my own
classroom again. Prior to coming to Hays CISD I taught first grade and second grade in Austin ISD at
Baranoff Elementary for 2 years, Langford Elementary for 4 years as well as subbing all over Austin ISD in
classrooms PK-12 for 2 years.
The first week of school is a very busy time as we make the adjustment from our relaxed summer
schedule to a very busy school schedule. Your child will be learning about classroom rules and procedures,
as well as exploring our school and meeting our wonderful teachers as we go around the school on a search
for Rose, our class pet.
It is normal for both you and your child to feel a little apprehensive about the first few days of
school. You have my promise that I will do everything possible to make your child feel comfortable and safe
in their new school. There are a few things you can do to help your child during the first week of school. If
you plan to bring your child to the classroom on the first day of school, explain to them that you will not be
staying with them. Please say a brief goodbye and let them come into the room. It is much more difficult
for children to adjust after a parent has been in the room for a while. I assure you that leaving on the first
day of school will be much harder for you than it is for your child. Put on a brave face. You can do it!! One
other thing you can do for me on the first day of school is to be sure that I know what your child will be
doing for lunch and how they will be getting home. If your child’s transportation changes after the first day
of school, please notify my in writing so that I may see that your child gets home safely. In case of an
emergency or change in plans you may call the office and they will notify me.
I am very excited about getting our year started! We have so many wonderful things to look
forward to. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to send me a note, call me here at
school (512 268-8509) or email me (williamsj@hayscisd.net) and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please bookmark at home our classroom Wiki:
http://williamsclassroomlearning.wikispaces.com/Welcome+to+Kindergarten
Follow our class activities on Twitter: @williamsj_class
See you on Monday! Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Jill Williams