I would like to thank Mr. Melvin Hess, 3rd grade teacher at PS 321, in Brooklyn. My daughter, Lauren, was very fortunate to have this wonderful man as her teacher during the 2003 – 2004 school year. Lauren started the school year hating Math. But due to Mr. Hess’ patience, sense of humor and creativity, Lauren realized that she was good at Math and that Math was fun!!
Mr. Hess found a way to take my daughter’s energy and channel it into constructive activities. Rather than seeing her high energy and high verbal skills as negative traits, Mr. Hess saw these as something positive that should be cherished and not chastised.
He created a classroom that was not only welcoming but was also challenging. Lauren, who is now in the 7th grade, still talks about Mr. Hess. Thank you Mr. Hess!!