NAME:
Mrs. DeFrank and Mrs. Mack
SCHOOL:
Steward Elementary School
CLASS:
First Grade
SCHOOL PHONE:
978-887-1538 ext. 303
We welcome you to our classroom and are so happy to be sharing this year
with your child. Teaching in a job share classroom provides us with a
wonderful opportunity to work together to create meaningful and fun school
year for your child.
Mrs. Mack began teaching eight years ago. She initially started
working in the field of advertising for several years before
switching to her true calling; teaching. Mrs. Mack worked as an
aide in a Newton elementary school and then spent a year
interning at the Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School in
Cambridge. Upon completing her Master's Degree, she began
teaching first grade at Steward School. Five years ago, she was very
fortunate to begin co-teaching with Mrs. DeFrank and is looking
forward to another wonderful year! During her time outside of
school, Mrs. Mack loves spending time with her husband, David, her 4 1/2 year
old son, Owen, and her cat, Ivy.
Mrs. DeFrank has been teaching for twelve years. Before coming to
Topsfield, she taught a multi-age classroom in Gloucester and then
kindergarten in Malden. Mrs. DeFrank began teaching at Steward as a Spanish
teacher for grades K-3 in 2000. The following year, she began teaching
second grade and happily remained there until 2007. The wonderful opportunity
to share a classroom with her friend and co-teacher, Mrs. Mack brought her to
first grade. When she isn't in school teaching her fabulous first graders,
Mrs. DeFrank loves being at home with her husband, Jeff, her 4 year old
daughter, Chloe, her 2 year old son, Benjamin, and her kitty, Steward.
First grade is an exciting time as children embark upon new adventures in
the world of learning. During this school year, your child will learn how
to read, write stories, add, subtract, and so much more. We look forward to
making your child's year a fun and exciting one. Most importantly, we hope
to instill a love of learning that will continue throughout our students'
lives.
First grade is a year of great social and academic growth. Because of
this, parents as well as children may have some apprehensions about what
will happen. It is extremely important to keep in mind that young children
build on small successes. Each child will make progress at his/her own
rate, reaching developmental milestones when he/she is ready. Maintaining
your child's self-esteem and building a secure foundation for future growth
will remain a priority in our classroom.
