Callanan Middle School 3010 Center Street Des Moines, IA 50312-3722

(515)242-8101 Fax:(515) 242-8103

Douglas Calaway, Principal Tambi Greene, Vice Principal Dr. Cheryl Modlin, School Improvement Leader

Edward Garza, Counselor Anna Hines, Nurse Wendy Hopwood, Office Manager

2011-2012 Academic year

To Whom It May Concern: Samuel Greeno was a student teacher in my sixth and seventh grade special education math classes for eight weeks during the spring semester. Mr. Greeno had been responsible for teaching three sections of 6th grade Math, one collaborative section of 7th grade Language Arts, and one section of 7th grade Math by the time he completed his student teaching assignment. Callanan Middle school has approximately 600 students enrolled from very diverse backgrounds. It is one of the most diverse schools in the Des Moines school district. We are made up of students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, with 74% of our population qualifying for free and reduced lunches. We have students representing a large variety of ethnic backgrounds and countries of origin, with around 30% ELL enrollment. 17% of Callanans population is also being served in special education programs. During his student teaching, Mr. Greeno planned and implemented the daily lessons, activities, homework, as well as administered authentic assessments and standardized tests. He had successfully demonstrated awareness of different learning styles and adjusted assignments to meet the varied needs of the special education students. His lessons were well prepared and implemented using the district benchmark standards as a guide. He then modified each lesson appropriately to reach the students at their level. Mr. Greeno participated in building and district level professional development sessions during this student teaching placement. Samuel Greeno possesses a positive and enthusiastic personality, as well as a strong math background. He established a great rapport with the students he worked with and was always well dressed and articulate. I am confident that Mr. Greeno will be an asset to any staff that he works with. He is knowledgeable, demonstrates respect and concern for students, and will continue to grow and become a highly effective teacher with further opportunities. Please feel free to contact me for more information at (515) 276-6012. Sincerely, Mindi McCoy 6th and 7th Grade Special Education Math

Mission Statement Callanan Middle School is a diverse learning community committed to providing a meaningful, challenging curriculum in a caring, respectful environment.