E Pleasant Lake Elementary 4900 Halsted Road Nayal A. Maktari West Bloomfield, Ml 48323 Principal Phone: 248-956-2800 Fax: 248-956-2805 Website: www.wlesd.org/Pleasantlake Intern: Sara Fredrick School: Pleasant Lake Elementary (Walled Lake Consolidated School District) Mentor Teacher: Angela Smith Field Instructor: Marti Beitner-Miller ‘THE INTERNSHIP SETTING Sara Fredrick’s internship year was in a 2nd grade Leader In Me classroom at Pleasant Lake Elementary in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Our suburban recognized Leader In Me Lighthouse School, located in West Bloomfield, Michigan is targeted for Title One. Sara taught 25 students in a school of 622 enrolled students. Our population includes 26% ‘at risk” students, as well as 27% bilingual leamers. Additionally, we currently have 7% special education students identified. Sara understood the need for cultural acceptance and the importance of developing a classroom family where all students were accepted and appreciated. PLANNING, IMPLEMENTING, & ASSESSING Sara eagerly became familiar with the second grade curriculum, She reviewed Walled Lake’s Units of Study for Reading and Writing, performance standards, and took into account the diverse student needs as she planned engaging lessons in writing, reading, math, social studies, and seience. Best practices were implemented using manipulatives, engaging visual aids, technology, vsluable resources, and of course, the children’s developmental needs and interests. Lessons were * with target goals in mind as she connected to their prior knowledge and previous learning. Sara’s excitement was contagious as the children became engaged in learning during all subjects. Administering and analyzing the DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) was one of the many tools she used to gather valuable information about the students strengths and weaknesses. The workshop approach was the method implemented to meet the needs of her students in reading, writing, and math as well. No matter the subject area, Sara’s lessons were taught with creativity, deliberate planning, and demonstrated knowledge of the content. peratcly tau WORKING WITH STUDENTS & FAMILIES From the beginning of the school year, Sara developed positive relationships with each student individually with her encouraging personality. She enthusiastically observed, initiated conversations, and listened intently to get to know each student. Daily classroom meetings were established and she organized and led greetings and sharing time to foster relationships among our classroom family. Sara monitored children’s work time carefully and found teachable moments to assist in their leaming. Students were comfortable seeking her assistance when they needed additional help. Sara conducted student-led conferences, chaperoned field trips, and completed report cards. These activities promoted a positive parent connection. Additionally, she worked with parent volunteers in the classroom, resource room teachers, and bilingual staff. Sara was an integral part of our classroom and school families and embraced each of these roles to its fullest. ‘The. : LéaderinMe- gfect hoppens here. “Together We Learn, Together We Lead”——————— CREATING & MANAGING A CLASSROOM LEARNING COMMUNITY Sara assisted in creating and teaching classroom procedures and expectations right from the start. She then monitored and reinforced these expectations daily and consistently. With her firm, yet fair way, Sara redirected and anticipated student misbehavior, as well as recognized and rewarded positive behaviors. Lessons and activities were planned with concerted effort to think through management issues. Sara implemented various strategies, including the language and premise of the Leader In Me 7 habits, to motivate the students to be proactive and positive leaders. She encouraged students to respect others, value their learning, and strive to succeed. PROFESSIONALISM Sara is a conscientious and well respected colleague. She is a dedicated team player and well-liked by our 2nd grade team, as well as the entire staff. She shared lessons, initiated discussions, and was engaged in professional development opportunities eagerly. She was actively involved in our Leader In Me Parent Committee. This committee planned and hosted a Family Fun Night for 50 families which she attended and facilitated. Furthermore, Sara demonstrated the utmost of professionalism with regard to her communication, both written and oral, and her dependability. She displayed an eagemess to lear through her pertinent questioning and quickly implemented suggestions and new ideas, thus growing professionally. She would be an asset to your school and would surely meet the challenges with her enthusiastic attitude, competent skills, and maturity. Without reservation, I highly recommend Sara for an elementary teaching position. Angela Smith Aphbual — ‘The . Léaderin Me- GPede hOppens here “Together We Learn, Together We Lead”