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Dear Parent/Guardian,

I wanted to take a few minutes of your time and introduce myself.  First of all, this is my 23^rd year teaching at Portola Middle School.  By my 6^th year of teaching I won "Teacher of the Year" and “Educational Leader of the Year!”  Also, I was nominated for Teacher of the Year in Spring 2026! Moreover, I enjoy teaching and find it rewarding when the students succeed in what they are learning.  I heard a quote a long time ago that has always stuck with me: “If you find a job you love, you’ll never have to work again.”  This is my motto. 

I have two red-haired blue-eyed children. My son is 17 and going to be a senior in high school and my daughter is 14 and going into 8^th grade!  I enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Furthermore, I graduated from California Lutheran University and have earned my Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in Mathematics and technology, my clear teaching credential, my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies and my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts.  I am confident that I will be able to contribute my knowledge, passion, experience and devotion to teaching. 

Finally, I believe that parent/teacher communication is the key to student success.  This is why I use Schoology and update my grades frequently.  It allows you and/or your child to access their current grade in my class daily.    You will get a Portola Progress Report / Report Card every 5 weeks. Please make sure you have a Parent Schoology Account so you can check your child’s grades frequently. Please contact the office if you need help setting up a parent account. 

In addition, the school should be providing your child with an agenda book so he/she can write their homework, classwork, and future test dates into their agenda book every day.  It would be beneficial to look over this agenda book every night to see what we are doing in class. I know it is difficult to look at their agenda book every day and that most students want their space to prove that they are responsible, but the more involved you are, the more your student will succeed! 

With your help, we can guide your child to succeed this year.  Parent/teacher communication is the key to student success.  If you have any questions or would like to speak with me you may e-mail me at [email protected].  E-mail is the best way to reach me. 

Lastly, I post the agenda daily on Schoology.  Please take the time to look at the agenda ensuring it corresponds to what they write in their agenda book. Thank you for your time.  I look forward to working with you and seeing your child blossom.

Together we’re better,

Ms. Jennifer Geidel

HGM Math Teacher