The classroom is pretty empty at the moment, and quite a bit of transformation continues to take place. I am looking forward to having it ready to go when you visit on Tuesday, August 18th, for the School Supply Drop Off.
Until then, allow me to tell you a little about myself.
My name is Chad Clarey, and I am beginning my 23rd school year as a teacher in Batavia. That sounds like a long time! I can attest that it has been a wonderful string of EDventure filled days in the classroom. I have spent the majority of my career educating kindergartners in learning how to read, write, compute, problem solve, share, socialize, grow, think, and behave respectfully and responsibly. Four years ago, I made the big leap to first grade, and I'm so happy that I did!
In first grade, we build on all of those kindergarten skills, and really lay a strong foundation for what school will be like for years to come. This year is exceptionally exciting, because we will have DOUBLE technology in our classroom. I share more about this when we get started with school.
In my life, I have my wife Heidi, and three beautiful daughters. Olivia, Anna, and Isabella are all active, enjoying their summer, and anxious for school to start. Olivia is leaving in August to attend Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. She wants to learn how to be an elementary school teacher. Anna will be a junior, and she spends her time singing in the BHS choir, playing tennis and pole vaulting for the Bulldogs. Isabella is also active with her music and singing, and she plays volleyball and runs track at RMS. We have a dog, named Shea, who brings us all the licks and love we can handle.
These are my girls...
In addition to my girls at home, I have my boys at Kaneland. I will begin my 21st season as head coach of the Kaneland HS boys cross country team this fall. I coach freshmen through seniors each day after school, until early November. We have another good team this year, and I look forward to seeing every runner on my team achieve his goals (much like I do in the classroom at Grace McWayne).
I work very hard to balance my school, team and family lives appropriately. My mornings begin early, and I am usually in school by 7:15am to prepare for an awesome day. I exit with the bus riders at 3:40pm, and am always an email or phone call away.
This school year, I have many goals. Foremost, I look forward to expanding our work in the classroom to include the 4C's. We will be Collaborative Learners, Critical Thinkers, Excellent Communicators, and Creative Explorers. By working with these 4C's in mind, we will be able to build a powerful classroom primed for learning.
I want my students to know that I am going to work hard to meet their individual needs, help them learn about topics of their interest, and earn their trust and respect. I want them to feel safe, inspired, excited about school, and comfortable with taking risks to push their knowledge and understandings to new levels.
I jump out of bed quite early each day, always motivated by the fact that I'm going to the best place on earth: a first grade classroom. There are always smiles and friendly faces, silly and interesting books, iPads and tablets (new this year, woohoo!), guided math and guided reading, lunch and recesses, as well as meaningful lessons and lifelong friendships.
This is going to be a fantastic year! I can't wait to see you on the 18th for Supply Drop Off, and our first day together in 1C on the 19th.
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