Hi, and WELCOME to Brookside Middle School and the sixth grade! This is a very exciting time for you, your child, and myself! Your child is leaving elementary school and coming to middle school. I know they are excited and in some cases nervous. Don't worry though, you will be amazed at how quickly your child will feel welcome and adapt to their new surroundings.
A little bit about me:
I am originally from Switzerland. My parents were both from the Netherlands around the city of Arnhem . I was raised and attended schools in Switzerland, Belgium, Brasil (that’s how the Brasileiros spell it) and moved to Illinois when I was 12 years old. I graduated from Morton High School in 1982 and joined the US Army (I still had the travel bug in me). Upon completion of basic training at Fort Sill Oklahoma, I was transferred to Baumholder Germany, home of the mighty 8th Infantry Division (now deactivated)! After two years I was transferred to Fort Carson Colorado where I finished my 4 years of military service. I returned home and immediately enrolled at Western Illinois University to study international business, which I quickly found out held little interest to me. Once I discovered what truly interested me: History, Politics and Kids (not necessarily in that order), I changed my major and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History Education. As a lifelong learner I have pursued a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.
I have lived in Florida since 1989 and am currently married to my incredible wife, Shannon, of sixteen years. We have two great kids, Nico age seven, and Rachael age four. My son is currently in the second grade at Bay Haven and is set to earn his black belt in Hwa Rang Do this September. My daughter attends a local preschool, loves everything pink and Hello Kitty. She is also is obsessed with Lady GaGa, or as she likes to call her GooGooGaGa and ballet.
My Mission this year is to use my diverse background to introduce your child to our wonderful world and its incredible ancient civilizations. My goal is to start your child on a path of discovery of our stunning world, its people, and its cultures. I am very careful to avoid giving my personal opinion on any topic, as I feel it is my duty to have your child, through inquiry, research and learning, start to develop their own educated opinion.
I look forward to meeting all of you. Please remember, that you are the most important link in your child’s education. As they transition from elelmentary to middle school your child you may get the sense that it is time for you to step back a little. However, in my nineteen years as a teacher I have seen it time and time again…..the more involved the parent the more successful the child.
You have known your child for her/his entire life. I have 180 hours to work with them this year. I need your help and guidance to make this as succesful a year for your child as possible. This is a critical time for your child. Please feel free to call me or email me if you ever have any questions or concerns. I make every effort to return all calls or emails the day I receive them.
Sincerely,
Mr. Kohler
A little bit about me:
I am originally from Switzerland. My parents were both from the Netherlands around the city of Arnhem . I was raised and attended schools in Switzerland, Belgium, Brasil (that’s how the Brasileiros spell it) and moved to Illinois when I was 12 years old. I graduated from Morton High School in 1982 and joined the US Army (I still had the travel bug in me). Upon completion of basic training at Fort Sill Oklahoma, I was transferred to Baumholder Germany, home of the mighty 8th Infantry Division (now deactivated)! After two years I was transferred to Fort Carson Colorado where I finished my 4 years of military service. I returned home and immediately enrolled at Western Illinois University to study international business, which I quickly found out held little interest to me. Once I discovered what truly interested me: History, Politics and Kids (not necessarily in that order), I changed my major and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History Education. As a lifelong learner I have pursued a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.
I have lived in Florida since 1989 and am currently married to my incredible wife, Shannon, of sixteen years. We have two great kids, Nico age seven, and Rachael age four. My son is currently in the second grade at Bay Haven and is set to earn his black belt in Hwa Rang Do this September. My daughter attends a local preschool, loves everything pink and Hello Kitty. She is also is obsessed with Lady GaGa, or as she likes to call her GooGooGaGa and ballet.
My Mission this year is to use my diverse background to introduce your child to our wonderful world and its incredible ancient civilizations. My goal is to start your child on a path of discovery of our stunning world, its people, and its cultures. I am very careful to avoid giving my personal opinion on any topic, as I feel it is my duty to have your child, through inquiry, research and learning, start to develop their own educated opinion.
I look forward to meeting all of you. Please remember, that you are the most important link in your child’s education. As they transition from elelmentary to middle school your child you may get the sense that it is time for you to step back a little. However, in my nineteen years as a teacher I have seen it time and time again…..the more involved the parent the more successful the child.
You have known your child for her/his entire life. I have 180 hours to work with them this year. I need your help and guidance to make this as succesful a year for your child as possible. This is a critical time for your child. Please feel free to call me or email me if you ever have any questions or concerns. I make every effort to return all calls or emails the day I receive them.
Sincerely,
Mr. Kohler
