Kristen Caminiti

I am an AACPS: Parent | Volunteer | Community Member Nantucket Elementary School 

My son Ryan is in 2nd grade at Nantucket Elementary. Ryan’s teacher this year is Mrs. Lindsay Howard, and we couldn’t be happier with how his year is going.

Earlier this year, after American Education week, I sent her this message:

I always love visiting Ryan’s class during American Education Week and I always hope to see just a “normal” class (meaning, not anything special because the parents will be there….just a typical lesson.) And I was thrilled I got to see just that today in your classroom. But, let me clarify: What I saw was anything but “normal.” It was exceptional.

Your gentle manner with the kids is truly inspiring. The way you teach an engaging lesson while gently reminding the students to, “check your body!” without interrupting the flow of the lesson is impressive. The students were engaged and focused throughout the lesson and on the few occasions when a student wasn’t you noticed immediately and were “on it,” but always in a gentle, subtle way. It was clear you knew the material for this lesson inside out.

You are enthusiastic and fun, gentle and compassionate, but firm when neccesary. It is clear the students adore you, and respect you. I knew from Back to School night that Ryan hit the teacher jackpot this year, but seeing you truly in action today just further proved that.

Thank you for your dedication to Ryan and all 23 of his classmates. Thank you for your exceptional teaching skills. And thank you for so clearly knowing each one of the students so well.
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Since I sent that e-mail to Mrs. Howard I have seen her in action in the classroom many times. Everything I said in that e-mail I sent in November still holds true today, in May. Mrs. Howard is a truly skilled teacher. My son has had a wonderful 2nd grade year. Mrs. Howard has challenged, encouraged, and fostered Ryan’s growth as a student and as a person. This was Mrs. Howard’s first year balancing the roles of “teacher” and “Mom” and she did so with aplomb. Thank you, Mrs. Howard for your dedication to Ryan, and to all of your students this year! They will all be better students and people because they spent this formative year with you!