Dear Parents,

August 2013

Welcome to fourth grade at Starling Elementary! I am so excited about this year and getting to know your child! Let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Jody Mathews. This is my fifth year teaching; fourth year teaching fourth grade at Starling Elementary. I grew up in Suwanee and graduated from North Gwinnett High School. From there I attended North Georgia College and State University where I received a bachelors degree in marketing. After working in an office for six months and being away from kids for the first time, it was obvious to me I needed to have a career interacting with children. I soon enrolled to the University of Georgia and graduated with a masters degree in early childhood education. My husband and I live in Suwanee, a few miles from my family. We have a mixed chocolate lab named Heinz. She is very much a puppy and is very energetic! When I am not at school (which the students have a hard time believing!), I love to read, go shopping, travel, and spend time with family and friends. Fourth grade is a busy year and we will be learning a lot of curriculum. My top priority is to help your child be successful in becoming a life long learner. I cant wait to get to know you because I believe that it takes a strong relationship between school and home to help your child reach his or her full potential. Please contact me with any questions, concerns, or anything else you feel that I need to know to help your child have a successful year! I am looking forward to a great year! Sincerely, Mrs. Mathews