Parent/Teacher/Guardian Communication

Keeping in touch with teachers is important for parents/guardians. It can be a proactive way of ensuring that children are on the right track to good behavior and academic success. When a parent/guardian shows interest in what their children are doing at school, it makes children feel loved and important. Positive attention makes students want to work harder and achieve more. Daily doses of encouragement to a child are meaningful and don’t take excessive amounts of time or finances.

How I want to help . . .

· I will send periodic notes home regarding student behavior. This could be because your student needs help with a certain topic covered in class, or it could be because your student is doing particularly well in my class. Parents/guardians should sign these notes and return them to me.

· Blog: A “blog” is a web-based log of what goes on in my class. There are assignments, rubrics, pictures and fun facts posted that are all relative to what my classes are studying and accomplishing. My classroom blog can be found at the following URL: http://msandersonsenglish.blogspot.com/. This is an efficient way to communicate and build a classroom community. Please feel free to post questions and responses. This is a good way to get a conversation started and ideas flowing.

· Email: If you provide me with your email address, then I will send monthly newsletters home explaining what is happening at school and what is happening socially and academically in my class.

· Visits: My classroom is always open to any parents who want to visit. I am open to conferencing should you have an issue of concern. I also like to just talk with parents and get to know you better. Please know that I am always available to help you.

What can parents/guardians do at home?

The National Education Association suggests:

1. Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep.
2. Don't let your child skip school for fun activities outside of school.
3. Don't say statements such as, "You'll never use Algebra after high school."
4. Keep an assignment calendar
5. Limit time watching television, Internet, and video games
6. Take an interest
7. Encourage your child to get involved in sports and clubs
8. Talk to your child's teachers

Individual Incentives

Positive reinforcement is necessary for teachers to use in the classroom. Every person, especially middle school students, likes to be recognized for the good things they do. When a student is praised for good behavior, it makes him or her want to behave in that manner daily. Praise also validates to a student and class that certain behaviors are appreciated and exemplary.

Hard work must also not go unrecognized or unrewarded. If a student’s efforts are unrecognized, especially in middle grades, he or she may give up or think hard work is not worth the time and effort. When good behavior and grades are appropriately rewarded, students are taught how doing the right thing and how being exceptional reaps benefits.

· Behavior—If a student has never been on the discipline log by the end of a 9 week grading period, some incentives and rewards may include:

*Extra Afternoon Recess during 7^th period

*Admission to a good conduct spring dance during 6^th/7^th periods

· Grades—If a student has an A in English for the first three 9 week grading period, their name may be entered in a drawing for itunes giftcards or a similar reward.

*Students with a 90 or higher GPA are also eligible for the National Junior Honor Society. The Honor Society takes extra field trips possibly including one to an Atlanta Braves game in the spring.

· AR points—Mrs. Locke, the school librarian, rewards exceptional AR readers with the highest number of points in their class with a movie during the spring semester. She provides popcorn, candy, and cokes.