OTL502-Learning Theories and Models of Instruction
Written communication is essential for making parents aware of the happenings within your classroom. A personalized letter to parents included with a syllabus and materials list at the beginning of the year can start of positive communication between you the teacher and the parent. Outlining yourself and expectations are essential.
Please feel free to utilize or adapt the sample letter below to send out to families prior to the beginning of the school year.
Dear Parents:
My name is (your name) and I am your child’s English 9 teacher, and I am delighted to have your child in my class this year. I’m looking forward to a very successful year, and I know you are too. I have high expectations for your child, and I will be doing all that I can to help your child achieve those expectations.
You can help. I will be expecting all work assigned in class to be completed. Of course, all children do not work at the same pace. Some children will get their work done in class and some will not.
Whether or not a child gets his or her work done in class has no effect on his or her grade. If your child does not complete an assignment in class, he or she will be required to complete it at home. The way you can help is ask your child every school day if schoolwork needs to be done and, if so, make sure your child completes the assignment.
I want you to be aware of the following policies:
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Work may be turned in one day late; however, an assignment turned in one day late will receive an automatic penalty of minus-20 grade points.
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If assigned work is not turned in or turned in after the one-day late period, the grade for that assignment will be recorded as “zero”.
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Within each six-week period, the single lowest grade (just one) will not be averaged.
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Work is due at the time the teacher asks for it on the assigned day. If the student is not prepared at that time, but finishes the assignment later in the day, the assignment will still be considered late.
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Students who have late work will automatically attend “study hall” during recess.
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Absences will be dealt with on an individual basis.
In addition, I will be assigning projects and papers throughout the school year. Projects are to be completed at home. Your help and support will not only make your child more successful in school this year but will instill good study habits that will last a lifetime.
Finally, I want you to know that one of my most important goals this year is to keep the lines of communication open with you. Please do not hesitate to call me at school. I am available to talk to you every day between 9:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. and between 3:00 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. Your child’s daily schedule and the class expectations are attached. Please review these together with your child.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)