Please critique this for me

TIA......this is my welcome back letter. It is still a work in progress and I welcome any feedback.

TIA again
I.S. 61
The Leonardo da Vinci School


September 2007

Dear Students and Families:

Hello, and welcome to Seventh Grade English! My name is Mrs. XXXX, and I will be your teacher for the 2007-2008 school year. I’m excited about the opportunity to get to know you, and I’m looking forward to a happy and productive school year.

The following information will clear up some questions and help with class concerns:

You will need the following supplies for class:

1. 1 one-inch loose-leaf binder
2. At least one package of college ruled paper
3. 1 two-subject notebook that will be used ONLY for ELA
These supplies are due on Friday, September 7th.

My homework policy is as follows:

Daily homework is due the day after it is assigned (unless otherwise specified). Homework can be turned in one day late for a reduced grade. After that it will not be accepted. Of course, students absent due to illness will be given the necessary time to make up missed assignments.

My classroom rules are as follows:

You are to be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
You are to be a good listener. Remain quiet when a teacher, student or guest is speaking.
You are not to get out of your seat for any reason without my permission.
Be prepared with notebooks, pen/pencil and anything else that I specify you need to participate in class.

Re: Please critique this for me

sounds good to me but then again I am not an english person!!

Re: Please critique this for me

Sounds great to me... the only thing I would add is a "respect" rule. A rule like that covers a lot of ground.

Also, are you going to include a pull-off section at the bottom for parents to sign and return? I am with my ninth graders, although I'm not sure for my 12th graders.

Good luck!

Re: Please critique this for me

I am adding the pull off section as we speak!! I think that it is the best way to CYA !! You can pull it out at any time and say you signed and agreed to my rules!

I will add a respect rule as well! Thanks

Re: Please critique this for me

I would add: follow all directions at all times.

Re: Please critique this for me

I would also add a contract that both the kids and parents sign and you keep in a file. This way, if someone doesn't do what you clearly stated out as they need to do, you can pull this sheet out and say you signed this saying you would do a b and c.

Re: Please critique this for me FINAL DRAFT ADDED

Okay, here is the final draft *I think* with all of your wonderful suggestions added!!


I.S. 61
The Leonardo da Vinci School


September 2007

Dear Students and Families:

Hello, and welcome to Seventh Grade English! My name is Mrs. XXXX, and I will be your teacher for the 2007-2008 school year. I’m excited about the opportunity to get to know you, and I’m looking forward to a happy and productive school year.

The following information will clear up some questions and help with class concerns:

You will need the following supplies for class:

1. 1 one-inch loose-leaf binder
2. At least one package of college ruled paper
3. 1 two-subject notebook that will be used ONLY for ELA
These supplies are due on Friday, September 7th !

My homework policy is as follows:

Daily homework is due the day after it is assigned (unless otherwise specified). Homework can be turned in one day late for a reduced grade. After that it will not be accepted. Of course, students absent due to illness will be given the necessary time to make up missed assignments.

My classroom rules are as follows:

1. You are to be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
2. You are to be a good listener. Remain quiet when a teacher, student or guest is speaking.
3. You are not to get out of your seat for any reason without my permission.
4. Be prepared with notebooks, pen/pencil and anything else the teacher requires.
5. Class participation will be a part of your grade. You are expected to be prepared and actively participate in class daily.
6. Be respectful and follow directions at ALL times.

I look forward to working together!

Mrs. Pisano

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I ,_____________________________, have read and agree to the rules and regulations listed above.

Student’s signature: _________________________________ Date: ________________
Parent’s signature: __________________________________ Date: ________________

Message edited 8/24/2007 10:53:30 AM.

Re: Please critique this for me

If you are working in the city, be warned most kids won't have those supplies until Monday..just a suggestion and a warning.

Re: Please critique this for me

Looks great!

ETA: You may want to XXX out your name and school for on here.

Message edited 8/24/2007 11:07:59 AM.

Re: Please critique this for me

IMO, I would have the supplies due Monday, not Friday. I would give the parents the weekend to run around and get everything that is needed.

Also, if you are untenured you need to be very careful about not accepting late homework at all. You may want to see if your school has an official policy on that. I was pretty much told point-blank that untenured - I needed to accept all late HW (for partial credit).

Message edited 8/24/2007 1:25:17 PM.

Re: Please critique this for me

I will ask about my school's homework policy! Thanks.......I did extend the deadline to Monday as well. I guess one more day won't hurt. I just felt that the longer I give them, the longer they'll take. I have found keeping them on deadlines helps them stay focused and orgainizied.

Re: Please critique this for me

My favorite rule of all time is
KEEP YOUR HANDS, FEET and OBJECTS to yourself....esp. for middle schoolers!!