Student # 1:

​Hi, Mr. Richman. I’m writing today to thank you for everything you’ve done for my college application process. Today, I discovered that not only did I get accepted in the University of Connecticut, but I was awarded a $88,000 ($22,000 per year) selective scholarship. I have a strong feelings it was because of what you wrote that helped earned me the UConn Leadership Scholarship. I would have never believed I was worthy of such a huge offer, but I’m grateful to have had helpful teachers like you along the way. Although, I’m not committing to the school just yet, it is at the top of my list. Once again, thank you.

Sincerely,

Congratulations! The news that you delivered to me in this note is truly great. I am glad that I might’ve had a part in your success; however, you earned this acceptance and scholarship on your own - you were the person that showed me incredible teaching skills and superb student skills. I am very happy to have been a part of your success.

I know you will continue your wonderful accomplishments and I am sure I will be reading further about you in the years ahead.

I will stay in touch as you are still my “Teacher Assistant“ and I may yet be needing more of your help this term. I shall remain in touch. Please keep me posted on your final college destination. Sincerely, Mr. Richman

I'm really happy to hear back from you and yes, I will keep in touch for the teacher assistance and my final college decision. Stay safe, Mr. Richman!

Sincerely,

Student # 2:

What was your favorite topic covered in class? Why did you like it?

I love all the topics because you incorporate music, riddles, videos, and more to make sure math is not only more fun but easier to understand. It makes me excited to go to math class because I am always excited to see what you have planned for the day. I have not liked math this much in years, and in result I am doing better than I have done in years as well.

Q3

Please remind me of a specific conversation or interaction we shared that provides insight into how your mind works, your willingness to participate in class, or your enthusiasm about helping others.

I always try to speak up in class even if I might be wrong. But I think to pick a specific moment will be when to end the class you played disney music and I un-muted and sang along before I left simply because I believe in community, no matter how small it is, and I love to join in any way I can.

Q4

What was a memorable assignment that you completed in class? Why was it meaningful to you?

The first time I was able to finish a complex problem you put on the jamboard, it touched my heart. For so long I just accepted I was bad at math, and that I would have to simply scrape by--- but you taught me I can do anything I put my mind to. You taught me I was capable, and every time I participate I feel supported and unafraid to make mistakes.

Q5

How would you describe yourself as a student in class? Please give specific examples.

I am pro-active in answering questions no matter the level of difficulty because I believe that even mistakes can help me improve. I listen, laugh, and sing along as much as I can to fully take advantage of having such a joyful class. And each time before I leave, I always give a big smile and never forget to wave goodbye, excited for a new day.

Student # 3:

Dear Mr. Richman,

Thank you for being a superb teacher to _____ all year. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty, stuck by him through this tumultuous year, and challenged him to be a better student. We will always appreciate that.

Thank you for creating an environment of safety, regularity, and interest in ______’s day. ________ is lucky to have you as a teacher. Everything he's learned in a year as chaotic as this one is a testament to how hard you have worked.

Thank you for your empathy, patience, communication, and perseverance during a time that was hard for _________, and no doubt harder for you.

We see you and salute your selflessness.

Thank you for making this a positive year, despite all the negatives.

Student # 4:

Q1

Teacher name:

Mr. Richman

Q2

What was your favorite topic covered in class? Why did you like it?

My favorite topic in Pre-Calculus is probably logarithms because they are interesting and fun to solve. They can also be challenging sometimes, but I like the challenge and how hard it makes me think. Overall, I tend to like all the topics that are covered in this class because I feel like they connect to each other like puzzle pieces.

Q3

Please remind me of a specific conversation or interaction we shared that provides insight into how your mind works, your willingness to participate in class, or your enthusiasm about helping others.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19, the entire class has been virtual, so I did not get to meet Mr. Richman in-person. However, I enjoy the daily news updates, the riddles and the music that he plays because it adds another element to the class. This positive energy makes me want to participate in class and helps me get the highest grade possible. His class makes virtual learning fun and it is something that I look forward to during the week.

Q4

What was a memorable assignment that you completed in class? Why was it meaningful to you?

The memorable assignments in Pre-Calculus are the extra credits that Mr. Richman offers each student. We have to research interesting people/topics that he somehow relates back to what we are learning at that time. Not only is it a way to earn a higher grade in the class, but it also allows me to learn new information that I would not have learned before.

Q5

How would you describe yourself as a student in class? Please give specific examples.

I am adept at time and project management. I have the interpersonal and multi-tasking skills to succeed academically and socially in school. I have proven that I can maintain high grades while participating in school sports, clubs and outside activities, such as volunteering. For example, I currently play lacrosse, have a part-time job and hold a leadership position in the club that I am in, all while staying on the honor roll.

Student # 5:

Hey mr richman!

I was doing a thing for my health class where you send an email to a teacher that impacted you while you were at columbia so i decided to reach out to you. You were a great teacher. You were one of the only math teachers I've ever had thats helped me to understand the subject matter. You were funny, worked with me when I needed your help, and I looked forward to your class every day last year. Even when we went virtual halfway through last year, you kept the positive energy, and I looked forward to watching all of your videos that you sent to the class. Even though I joined the pre-calc class late last year, you treated me wonderfully and I couldn't ask for a better teacher. You're a great guy Mr Richman. Thank you for everything you've done for me.

Student # 6:

Please complete this to assist your teacher in writing your college recommendation!

Q1

Teacher name:

Mark Richman

Q2

What was your favorite topic covered in class? Why did you like it?

I'd say my favorite topic covered would have to be the jokes in class. The jokes and the class' atmosphere help me tackle this difficult subject.

Q3

Please remind me of a specific conversation or interaction we shared that provides insight into how your mind works, your willingness to participate in class, or your enthusiasm about helping others.

I was going to drop precalc, but, after the first class, I knew by the way you were teaching I could learn. I try to participate as much as possible.

Q4

What was a memorable assignment that you completed in class? Why was it meaningful to you?

One memorable assignment was the test makeup since that doesn’t usually happen with teachers. I appreciate getting a second chance.

Q5

How would you describe yourself as a student in class? Please give specific examples.

I try and minimize my distractions so I can stay focused in class. Precalc uses all of my brain cells.