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First Grade News
First grade is working hard on procedures and becoming Burch bears that make
good choices. Parents should be checking their child's folder daily, assisting with homework and spelling as needed. Reading should be a part of the daily routine each day.
Have fun with your First Grader!
Helpful websites:
Health, Science and Social Studies www.harcourtschool.com
Mathematics http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmm/g_1.html
English www.eduplace.com
Reading www.starfall.com & www.cindycupp.com
Donna Bussey
My name is Donna Bussey and I have been a teacher at Burch for thirteen years. I received my degree from Mercer University in Macon. I have been married to my husband, Tommy, for thirty two years. I have one son, Travis, who is twenty five and a daughter named Michelle who is twenty seven. I am an avid Georgia Bulldog fan and regularly attend the football games. I enjoy attending aerobics regularly with my co-workers here at Burch. In my classroom we like to read, read, read!
Lynn Smith
My name is Lynn Smith and I have been a paraprofessional for eleven years. I have been a Burch Bear for the past 8 years. I have been married to Leslie Smith for twenty two years and we have one son and a dog named Princess. I enjoy going to the beach and spending time with my family. I enjoy working with the students at Burch and look forward to watching them grow this year.
Amy Hornbuckle
This is my fourth year at Burch and my eighth year of teaching. My passion is teaching reading. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Alabama in 1996. I recently received my Master’s Degree in Early Reading and Literacy from Walden University!! I have three precious children. My husband is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Worship Center in Fairburn, Georgia. I look forward to a great year with my first grade Burch bears!
Anna Singleton
This is my fourth year at Burch Elementary School as a paraprofessional. I have a degree in Business Administration from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA where I’m originally from. I am also an accomplished pianist and the Director of Music of my church. I am married to John F. Singleton who is serving in the U.S. Army and the mother of two beautiful children.
Tamantha Minton-Damm
My name is Tamantha Minton-Damm (I go by Mrs. Minton). I live in Tyrone and am married with two children. I have a Bachelors of Science in Accounting and I earned my Masters in Elementary Education in May of 2006. Although this is my second year of teaching (this is a second career, but a life-long dream of mine), I am very familiar with Burch Elementary, its staff, and its environment. I was fortunate enough to student teach at Burch in the Spring of 2006.
As part of a team of six First Grade teachers, I have unlimited resources and guidance from veteran 1st grade teachers here at Burch – we all work together to ensure that every child reaches his/her full potential! One of my top goals is to ensure that not only does your child learn, but that your child loves the learning experience!
Marina Farr
Marin Farr is the para-professional in the class. She has worked as a para-professional for four years (this will be her fifth year here at Burch). She is married and has three dogs. She worked in a Kindergarten class last year so she had the opportunity to meet (and work with) some of the students in your child’s classroom (if not your child). She is very excited about the opportunity to work with First Graders!
Colleen Nelms
This is my 18th year here at Burch. I started teaching in 1978. I have taught K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and EIP, with most of my years being spent in 1st grade. I am married and have 2 (nearly) grown children. My daughter, Lindsey is 25 and a graduate from Georgia State University. My son, Taylor is 22 and is in Recruit training with the Rockdale Fire Department. My husband and I have been married for 28 years this summer. He is a Captain with the Henry County Fire Department and a Christian counselor. My children have spent most of their growing up years here in Tyrone. They both attended all of the schools in our tri-plex.
I am excited about our class this year, and I am committed to providing the best possible first grade education for your child. I look forward to working with you throughout the year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Linda Severa
This is my third year at Burch and my third year of teaching. This is my twenty-third year working in the Fayette County School System and I am excited about teaching first grade! I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Mercer University. My husband, Gene and I have been married for 39years and have enjoyed residing in Georgia for 39 years as well. We have three terrific children and two beautiful grandchildren. We also have three precious dogs.
This year I plan to differentiate classroom instruction in order to provide a solid foundation for each and every student by helping students work at their own pace to achieve success. I look forward to working with you and your child throughout the year. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Erica Seay is from Birmingham, Alabama. She has lived in Tyrone for the past two years. Mrs. Seay has been married for 10 years and has one son. Mrs. Seay has a Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Engineering from Auburn University. She is working on her Master’s Degree in Education for grades Pre-K through the fourth grade. Mrs. Seay worked part-time last year with kindergarten students as a Title I paraprofessional. This is Mrs. Seay’s first year as a Kindergarten Classroom Paraprofessional. She looks forward to a great year with the students.
Marie Wallace was born and raised in Peachtree City. She is married to Chad Wallace, who teaches P.E. here at Burch Elementary and coaches Football and Track at Sandy Creek High. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University, and her Master’s Degree in Brain-Based Research and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. She taught the First Grade for one year in Savannah, GA, and Kindergarten for two years here at Burch. Mrs. Wallace enjoys reading, boating on the lake, and traveling with her husband.
Tara Fathy-Amin has worked with children since 1997. This is her third year as a paraprofessional in Fayette County schools. Tara and her husband, Ayman, have been married for 17 years and have 3 children. Mrs. FathyAmin loves working with children and being at Burch Elementary.